Deviated Septum Surgery

What Is Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty)?

Deviated septum and nasal congestion can cause difficulties in daily life and sleep irregularities. Deviations of the nasal septum, which consists of cartilage in the front and bone in the back, are the most significant cause of nasal congestion.

Septal deviation can lead to sinusitis, nosebleeds, and sometimes headaches. This condition can be corrected through Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty).

Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty) is a surgical procedure performed to correct congenital or acquired deviations in the cartilage inside the nose. Not every deviation requires surgery. However, if the deviation causes breathing difficulties, correcting it can improve breathing and enhance quality of life.

The septum, which separates the inside of the nose into two sections like a kind of curtain, has a complex anatomy made of cartilage and bone. It is technically divided into five regions. Deviations in the front areas are more likely to cause breathing problems.

Often, swelling in the nasal turbinates causes breathing difficulty when accompanied by a deviated septum. In this case, a comprehensive treatment plan is necessary to address all issues.

Who Is Suitable for Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty)?

Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty) is an operation performed to correct nasal deviations. Unless absolutely necessary, the procedure is typically performed after the age of 17–18. It is easily done under general or local anesthesia. We prefer to place silicone splints in the nose after surgery and remove them easily after 2–3 days.

However, if desired, the procedure can be done using only stitches with no additional materials. After this operation, there is no swelling or bruising around the nose or eyes. Patients do not require bed rest and usually only feel sensitivity at the tip of the nose and above the upper lip.

Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty) is a treatment method that can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The main goal during the procedure is to straighten the septum and prevent obstruction of airflow.

During this procedure, some cartilage pieces removed from the septum can also be used in rhinoplasty. This provides a more aesthetically pleasing nasal result. While harvesting cartilage from the septum, certain areas are preserved to avoid any loss of structural support.

Why Does Septum-Related Nasal Congestion Occur?

One of the most common causes of nasal congestion is septal deformity. The ideal septum should be thin and straight. However, the septum may bend and become deformed for various reasons.

This can make breathing extremely difficult. When the septum is deformed enough to block airflow, Septoplasty becomes an important intervention.

How Is Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty) Performed?

Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty) involves surgically correcting the deformed septum. Under anesthesia, an incision is made inside the nose on one side of the septum.

Through this incision, the surgeon corrects the obstructed area of the septum. The operation can be performed in several ways. In some methods, the obstructing part is removed.

In other methods, the obstructing portion is reshaped and repositioned. Regardless of the method, changes to the external appearance of the nose are not intended.

After Deviated Septum Surgery

Following Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty), the patient should consume soft and liquid foods. Eating can usually resume 3 hours after the operation. Normal eating habits can return the next day.

Mild pain may be experienced after the operation. Pain can be managed with medications prescribed by the doctor. Severe pain is not expected. The nasal splints used during surgery are special silicone tampons.

Unlike the previously used gauze and string tampons, these modern splints generally do not cause pain or bleeding when removed. For the first 1–2 weeks post-surgery, nasal congestion may occur due to crusts and accumulated discharge. As healing progresses, this congestion will ease, and breathing will become more comfortable.

Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty), when performed by a skilled specialist, significantly improves quality of life by eliminating serious problems caused by breathing difficulties such as ear congestion, chronic fatigue, and excessive need for sleep.

Nasal Fractures

Nasal fractures are among the most common nasal injuries. The nose is a delicate structure composed of cartilage and bone. It plays a crucial role in breathing by filtering and humidifying inhaled air. Due to its central position on the face, it is easily prone to injury. Falls, sports injuries, or direct impacts can cause micro or major fractures.

What Is a Nasal Fracture?

A nasal fracture refers to breaks caused by impacts ranging between 45 and 85 kilograms. Many patients do not immediately recognize the damage or fractures. Especially in closed nasal fractures, symptoms like prolonged inability to breathe and headaches may lead to diagnosis later.

The severity of the nasal fracture is determined by a physician during a physical examination. If diagnosed early, the fracture or dislocation can be treated promptly. However, this may vary depending on the nature of the fracture.

What Are the Symptoms of a Nasal Fracture?

Nasal fractures can occur on a micro or macro scale. In minor cases, the individual may think they escaped unscathed, yet small fractures can later cause significant breathing issues.

In more noticeable fractures, distinct symptoms may emerge immediately or be recognized much later by the patient.

Symptoms of nasal fracture include:

• If the patient feels pain or sensitivity when touching their nose, it could be a sign of a nasal fracture.
• Swelling and edema in the nasal area.
• Heavy nosebleeds following trauma or impact may indicate a fracture.
• Bruising around the nose or under the eyes.
• Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and increased mucus production may also be signs of a fractured nose.

What Causes Nasal Fractures?

Nasal fractures can result from many different causes. They are especially common in contact sports like football or basketball.

Car accidents, direct trauma to the nose, or impact from a hard object can also lead to nasal fractures.

How Are Nasal Fractures Treated?

Several treatment options exist for nasal fractures. If the nasal bone or cartilage has shifted, tampon support may be placed inside the nose. If bones and cartilage are misaligned, the doctor will reposition them manually.

This procedure is called reduction. The nasal passages are then checked, and the fractured segments are properly aligned.

If more than 10–15 days have passed and the bones have already started healing, it is more appropriate to consider rhinoplasty six months after the fracture. Most nasal fractures are treated surgically.

First Aid for Nasal Fractures:

Staying calm is the first step in managing a nasal fracture. Only a trained healthcare provider should intervene. If that is not possible, no one should attempt to manipulate the nose.

If bleeding occurs, the patient’s head should be tilted forward to prevent blood from flowing into the throat.

After tilting the head forward, a cold compress should be applied. This helps reduce swelling. First aid should be limited to proper support until a doctor can assess the injury.

After a fracture, keeping the head elevated with a firm pillow is essential.