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Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a special kind of corrective surgery that has been used for patients experiencing nasal problems, especially breathing problems. It’s always a question for the patients about whether they need a septoplasty or other nasal surgeries. That is why we prepare the following article for you to see what procedures are involved in septoplasty. Moreover, we will discuss the differences between septoplasty, rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, and balloon sinuplasty to highlight the distinction.

 

What is a Septoplasty?

To answer this question we should divide the word “Septoplasty” into parts.

Septo(septum): The tiny bones and cartilages which split the nose into two separate nostrils.

Plasty: is a medical term that means the surgical procedure that repairs and restores the organs of the body.

By combining these two definitions we can say what a Septoplasty is.

Septoplasty is a medical procedure for fixing the problems that may a septum caused in a nose shape. The major reason for a patient to undergo a septoplasty is his\her deviated septum. A deviated septum arises when your septum is shifted to one side of your nose. It may make some breathing problems by narrowing the airway in turbinates. Turbinates are long and narrow bone structures located in your nostrils helping the act of breathing.

Patients should see and feel the result of their successful nose job procedure after 6 months.

Why should I have a Septoplasty?

Besides the breathing problems that have been mentioned, a deviated septum leads to a crooked lopsided nose. These two issues affect the quality of patients’ life dramatically (especially the difficulty in breathing). With this object, it is highly recommended for suffered patients to undergo a nasal septum deviation septoplasty.

Moreover, there are some alternatives that you can get instead of the septoplasty procedure. Please consider that a medical consultation with an expert is necessary before making any decision. You can contact Flora’s online medical team to see which procedure will work best for you depending on your condition. You can see the alternative procedures to a nasal septoplasty in below:

  • Non-surgical treatments for nasal blockages
  • Nasal steroids
  • Allergy medications
  • Nasal strips
  • Nasal irrigation
  • Non-drug methods for treating the nasal blockage 

Can I have a Septoplasty for cosmetic purposes?

Septoplasty is mainly used for correcting breathing problems. However, it can also be used for reshaping the nose structure to make it more appealing. In fact, this procedure is known as Septorhinoplasy (a mixture of septoplasty and rhinoplasty).

Is Iran a Wise Choice for having a Nasal Septum Deviation Septoplasty?

Iran has many advantages for a nasal septoplasty patient to have this operation. In the following, you can see the main reasons why Iran is the wisest destination for having septoplasty.

How Much does my Septoplasty will Cost?

Like other cosmetic surgeries and procedures, we couldn’t consider a price for all the patients. The price of the septoplasty is also greatly dependent on the situation of each patient. Actually, there are several factors that you should consider regarding the cost of your septoplasty operation. For this reason, we gathered majors of them in the blow.

  • Your surgeon’s experience and expertise
  • The location where your nose job surgery takes place
  • Anesthesia costs
  • Hospital expenses
  • The complexity of the operation
  • Whether your health insurance cover some\all of it

Also, if you want to travel to a foreign country for having your septoplasty you should consider three other factors.

  • Daily-life cost in that country
  • The reputation that the particular country has for cosmetic services
  • The prices of different Medical tourism agencies

Regularly, the cost of a septoplasty procedure would be more expensive in western countries, like US and Canada. According to the deviatedseptumsurgery.org, the septoplasy cost is ranging from $5152 to $12633 in the US. As reported by healthline.com the cost of the septoplasty is between $3500 and $12000 around the globe. Anyhow, if you are searching for the most economical choice for your septoplasy procedure, Iran is the wisest one. Due to the Rial (Iranian currency), cheap price compared to USD, the cost of cosmetic surgeries in Iran is much cheaper than the other countries. On the other hand, Iran’s sparkling name in the cosmetic surgeries’ world will ensure you the superior quality for your septoplasty. Indeed, the average septoplasty cost in Iran would be around $2000. You can compare the average septoplasy price in different countries in the below table.

Country Septoplasty cost
US $8000
Canada $7500
UK $5000
Colombia $3500
Lithuania $3000
Turkey $3000
Mexico $3000
Spain $2500
India $2500
Iran $2000

*These stats are based on the data of health-torism.com

Is my health insurance covering the septoplasty costs?

Since the deviated septum may cause serious breathing problems, health insurance companies should defray the costs. To be assured, you should contact your insurance company and ask them.

To see more exact details about the septoplasty costs and its influencing factors, Please click here to see flora’s “How Much is a Nose Job ?”.

How to Prepare for a Septoplasty Surgery

Before undergoing any medical procedure a patient needs to know the overall processes involved in order to prepare him\herself for it. For this purpose, we provide you with the stages of the septoplasty preparation in the below section.

  • Talking your medical history with the doctor

Pre-consultation is necessary for avoiding the probable problems that may occur because of the medication or supplement that you are using.

This stage includes the medical tests and inspections of your doctor from your nose and your medical condition.

  • Medical photography

Taking a medical photograph from your nose from all angles would be required. Your doctor can inspect the pictures and plan the surgery in a needed way.

  • Discussion of patient’s expectation

In this stage, you can tell your doctor about the result that you are expecting from the upcoming septoplasty. Discussion and judgment about the different possible results may also occur.

Septoplasty Surgery

Septoplasty surgery usually takes between 30 minutes to 90 minutes for a septoplasty surgery patient’s condition. The usual steps in the surgery are:

  • General or local anesthesia

The surgery will be performed under the local or general anesthesia. Hence, patients shouldn’t feel any discomfort while the surgery.

  • The incision

The surgeon will incise one side of your nose to reach the septum.

  • Mucosal lining separation

Before moving the septum, the mucosal lining should be lifted. Mucosal lining is protecting the septum.

  • Deviated septum correction

The deviated septum is moved or lifted to the desired position. After that, the surgeon will remove the extra bone and cartilage if necessary.

  • Closing the incision

The surgeon will close the incisions with stitches. For covering the nose after the surgery, nasal splints will be planted on their noses. These splints will be removed after two weeks.

  • See the results

You should be able to see the result after around 6 months.

Recovery after Septoplasty Surgery

Experts are saying that a recovery stage of a medical procedure is even more important than the surgery itself. Hence, septoplasty patients should pay significant attention to this important element for having a successful septoplasty operation. Following are the major Dos and Don’ts for a septoplasty patient to consider in the recovery phase.

  • Avoid heavy lifting for at least one month
  • Do not take bath for the first 3-days.
  • Avoid sports or strenuous activities
  • Take slowly and easy walks
  • Keep the surgical site clean
  • Don’t blow your nose at least for the first month
  • Raise your head while sleeping
  • Follow the post-op instructions

*Most of the above explanations have been referred from mayoclinic.org

Is having a Deviated Septum Septoplasty Worth it?

Surly, septoplasty procedure greatly will worth it for the patients who are suffering from a deviated septum. In fact, it’s the best choice and way for them to correct this specific kind of nasal problem. Moreover, a successful septoplasty operation will fix other annoying nasal problems as well. Referred from deviatedseptumsurgery.org, a septoplasty will have the following benefits for the patients:

  • Fix the deviated septum lopsidedness
  • Improve the breathing act and correct its problems
  • Reduce the sinus infections
  • Improve the smelling sense
  • Improve the quality of daily life

Normally, it takes about 6 months or so for septoplasty patients to see and feel their booming septoplasty’s results.

Risks and Side Effects of the Septoplasty Surgery

The fact that every medical procedure would have its side effects and risks is applying for a septoplasty procedure too. Each patient of the septoplasty may or may not have a few or some of these side effects. But it is essential for them to know what are these risks and side effects and how can they cause trouble for them. For this purpose, we gathered some most usual side effects of a septoplasty by referring to medicalnewstoday.com in the following:

  • Bleeding

Bleeding is common during and after septoplasty. Patients shouldn’t bother themselves while bleeding as there would be no severe discomfort and can be tolerated well.

  • Infection

Infection may cause in the first weeks after the septoplasty. Your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic to reduce the harm.

  • Toxic shock syndrome

Although it is very rare, there is a slight chance for this life-threatening infection to occur. It includes the change in heart rate and blood pressure and may lead to fever and skin discoloration. Patients experiencing these symptoms should notify the doctor ASAP.

  • Tooth and nose dullness

Septoplasty procedure may increase the risk of injury to the nerves of your tooth and nose. The numbness should be gone after two or three months. Usually, a high-experienced surgeon will reduce the chance of this risk.

  • Septal perforation

This side effect may occur after the septoplasty as a result of post-operative infection. If it leads to bleeding or other discomforts, the patient might need a revision septoplasty.

  • Spinal fluid leak

It is a condition that a septoplasty injure the brain and spinal cord. Harsh infection may lead to this problem which can be controlled by taking your doctor’s prescription.

  • A change in patient’s sense of smell or taste:

This very rare to occur for patients after the septoplasty. However, on few occasions, it has been recognized as a side effect of the septoplasty procedure.

What is an Empty Nose Syndrome?

Medical experts are not quite certain about the cause of this syndrome. However, there are several reports of this complication happening to people who’ve had septoplasty. In the below, by referring to healthline.com, we list some prominent symptoms of empty nose syndrome for you to consider.

  • Nasal dryness and crusting
  • A recurring sensation of drowning
  • Headache
  • Hear palpation
  • A thick post-nasal drip back into the throat
  • Tiredness
  • Reduce the sense of smell or taste
  • A lack of mucus

It goes without saying that if you are aching from three or more of these problems concurrently you must notify your doctor ASAP. By taking your doctor’s prescription this complication should be controlled and treated immediately. You can see the most effective solution to treat empty nose syndrome in the following:

    • Moisturizing the nasal passages
    • Killing bad bacteria in the nose by taking antibiotics
    • Using a humidifier in your home
    • Taking sildenafil to increase nasal congestion

What is a Deviated Septum?

It has been discussed that a septum is the wall of bones and cartilages that separates the nostrils. It may appear due to genetics or nose injuries. The many problems that a deviated septum may cause for people necessitate them to treat it without delay. In the below you can see some major problems that it can be originating from a deviated septum:

  • Difficulty in breathing through the nose
  • Nose bleeding
  • Dryness of the nostril
  • Snoring during sleep
  • Sinus infections
  • Some treatments to these symptoms are also included in the following:
  • Septoplasty
  • Taking Antihistamines
  • Nasal steroid spray
  • Nasal strips

What is the Difference between Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty?

Patients should take these kinds of differences into their account in order to choose the fitting medical procedure for themselves. The major difference between septoplasty and rhinoplasty lays in the results and outcomes of these two procedures. A rhinoplasty would usually be suggested for beautifying the shape of the nose and its appearance. On the other hand, a septoplasty deals with the structural issues inside the nose and will correct the breathing problems.

What is the Difference between Septoplasty and Baloon Sinuplasty?

The distinction between these two medical procedures should be clear for patients. So that, they would be able to decide which operation works best for their condition. Baloon sinuplasty is used for curing serious cases of sinus inflammation. In contrast, septoplasty is used for correcting the breathing problems and the structural issues inside the nose.

What is the Difference between Septoplasty and Septorhinoplasty?

The emphasis of the septoplasty procedure is in correcting the deviated septum in order to help the act of breathing. Moreover, a septoplasty can enhance the shape of the nose for patients who are complaining from their nose shape. Septoprhinoplasty is the medical term that used to refer a septoplasy patient who also has cosmetic purposes by the septoplasty surgery. Actually, Septorhinoplasty is combination of the septoplasty (medical purposes) and rhinoplasty (cosmetic purposes).

The distinction between these two medical procedures should be clear for patients. So that, they would be able to decide which operation works best for their condition. Baloon sinuplasty is used for curing serious cases of sinus inflammation. In contrast, septoplasty is used for correcting the breathing problems and the structural issues inside the nose.

Follow up After Septoplasty

There is no doubt that having a appropriate follow up program is really important for recovering after the nose surgery. A consistent follow up will lead to see the result of your septoplasty procedure at the right time. There are some prescribed dos and don’ts after the septoplasty that a patient should consider during the recovery timeline. Besides that, how a patient deals and reacts to a probable complication after the septoplasty is important as well. No self-decision should be taken when a serious side effect happened. Patients should inform their doctor and find a way to solve the problem with aid from doctors. According to my.clevelandclinics.org usually, in the following situation, a septoplasty patient should call his\her doctor.

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Serious nose bleeding
  • Having a high fever and chill
  • Headaches
  • Stiffness in the neck

Because of the great weight of a recovery procedure after a septoplasty, Flora medical tourism agency is providing its customer with a well-organized follow-up pattern which will be continued for two years after the surgery. In the below, you can see the advantages of Flora’s follow-up program has over the other medical tourism agencies.

  • Flora has a specialized follow-up team consisting of experts in the field of medical/cosmetic services
  • Flora’s follow up team will help you through your recovery procedure for two years after the surgery
  • Flora has a CRM which is a customer relationship management
  • Besides the follow-up team, Flora’s customer can contact their doctors and ask them about the problems they may face
  • Flora’s customers will join Flora’s customers’ club in which they can benefit from special discounts on cosmetic and medical services

All things considered, there would be no complications or issues for Flora’s beloved customers regarding their recovery procedures. Thus, without any worries, they can wait for the result of their successful septoplasty to appear after nearly 6 months.

Last Word

Septoplasty is known as the only way for fixing the deviated septum. Its role in correcting breathing problems is also obvious for medical experts as well as its other benefits. Therefore, nose job applicants should be alerted about the differences and commonalities between the Septoplasy, Rhinoplasty, and Septorhinoplasty. So that, they would be able to decide on which one is more appropriate for them. As a general service, you can contact Flora’s consulting for giving more detail and information regarding this issue.

Septoplasty Frequently Asked  Questions

Is septoplasty surgery safe?

Septoplasty is recognized as a low-risk medical procedure. However, patients should be informed of the complications and side effects of the septoplasty before undergoing the procedure. Regularly, There would be no threat for patients if the surgery was performed by an acceptable experienced surgeon.

Is the septoplasty procedure painful?

Septoplasty’s patient would not feel any discomfort during the surgery. Actually, they will have whether a general or local anesthesia for being pain-free while the surgery. Although, it should be noted that patients may have pain for the first weeks after the septoplasty. This pain also should be completely controlled by taking your doctor’s prescribed medications.

How big are the septoplasty splints?

The size of the septoplasty splint shouldn’t bother patients, as they will be removed very soon after the surgery. Anyhow, splits are used for covering the nose structure after the septoplasty and shouldn’t be much larger than the nose (in this case it may loosen on the nose and cause problems).

Can septoplasty change the shape of the nose?

Yes. Besides correcting the breathing problems, a septoplasty procedure may be used to fixing the unevenness which has been caused by a deviated septum.

Can septoplasty’s result reverse after the surgery?

The reversion of the septoplasty’s result is just a myth. The worst-case scenario after the septoplasty would be requiring a second septoplasty for achieving the desired result. However, If the septoplasty is performed by an experienced doctor, there would be no concern for patients regarding its result.

Can septoplasty straighten the nose?

The main purpose of having a septoplasty surgery is to correct the breathing problems and fixing the deviated septum. The traditional septoplasty wouldn’t straighten the nose. Although, patients can undergo a medical surgery called septorhinoplasty to both fixing their breathing problems and straightening their nose.

Can septoplasty fix a crooked nose?

Septoplasty procedure can merge with a rhinoplasty procedure for both correcting patient’s breathing problems and fixing their crooked nose. The medical term for the procedure used in this condition is septorhinoplasty.

Can septoplasty change my voice?

According to the research that has been provided around the side effects of a septoplasty, patients wouldn’t have any change in their voice after the surgery.

How long after a septoplasty can I breathe through my nose?

It normally takes a week or two for the patient to be able to breathe through their nose. Sure thing is that you shouldn’t try breathing through your nose while the splints are placed on your nose.

How long does the septoplasty recovery take?

To be fully recovered after having a septoplasty surgery, you should wait at least 3 months. However, swelling and other annoying side effects should be gone after a week or so after the surgery.

How can I clean my nose after a septoplasty?

After all the blood and mucus be cleared out from your nose, you should wait for 2 to 3 days before cleaning your nose. Patients should use salt water for nose cleaning and avoid any nasal cleanser.

When can I go back to work after having a sepoplasty?

Patients can return to their work after a week or two. But they should be reminded that any tense physical activity may hay hurt them. Regularly, it takes 6 months for a patient to be fully recovered after the septoplasty surgery.

When will septoplasty stitches be removed\dissolved after the surgery?

For dissolvable stitches, it takes 10 days to dissolve. Non-dissolvable stitches should be removed after 7 to 10 days.

What is septoplasty splint removal?

Splint removal is a medical removal procedure in which patients’ splint will be removed after the septoplasty.

When septoplasty doesn’t work?

The symptoms of patients (breathing problems and the deviated septum) may have continued after the septoplasty due to the unsuccessful surgery. In this case, the patient will require a revision septoplasty.

What kind of doctor performs a septoplasty?

Normally, a septoplasty surgery will perform by an ENT (Otorhinolaryngology). However, it is possible for patients to have plastic surgery on their noses for cosmetic purposes.

Which one is better, a septoplasty or rhinoplasty?

To answer this question professionally, the patient’s exact condition should be considered. In the first step, the patient should consult with a specialist about their needed medical procedure. You can contact Flora’s online medical for a more specific answer to this question based on your condition.

Ramin Pourasadian

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