A Deviated Septum can cause a number of issues for patients today. Dr. Robert A. Guida is a plastic and rhinoplasty surgeon with locations in New York, NY and Staten Island, NY, and he's here to help.
The nasal septum is the division between the left nasal cavity and the right nasal cavity. The nasal septum is made from cartilage and bone. When part of the nasal septum is bent, whether through an accident or through a congenital abnormality, it causes a blockage in the airways. This makes it difficult to breathe freely, and it can also result in chronic sinusitis.
Yes, in fact it is common for patients to opt for both deviated septum correction and a rhinoplasty. While correction of the nasal obstruction is very important for overall health and wellness, having a nose that is aesthetically pleasing means just as much for a person's self confidence.
This surgery can correct any type of nasal obstruction, including a deviated septum. Other reasons for nasal obstruction may include trauma to the nose or growths in the nasal tissues.
Yes, it is possible for a nasal fracture to cause a deviated septum. The fracture can be corrected surgically at the same time the deviated septum is addressed.
During deviated septum surgery, Dr. Guida will usually create a single small incision inside the nose. The surgery can be done without any external incisions or scarring. Patients don't need a nasal splint after deviated septum surgery unless they had a rhinoplasty at the same time. Dr. Guida doesn't pack the nose. Instead, he places dissolvable sutures within the nose.
Patients can usually breathe freely while they're in the recovery room, but after a few hours the nasal lining will react to the surgery by swelling up. This swelling lasts for a week or two, but after that time the patient will enjoy dramatically improved ability to breathe. Patients can use a prescription pain medication if needed. Most people recover from this surgery quite rapidly and are able to return to their usual routine in a week or less.