Septoplasty is a surgery to straighten a crooked or displaced septum. It’s for people who report frequent sinus infections, difficulty breathing through one nostril, and blockage on one side of the nose because of a deviated septum.
A septoplasty surgery in Navi Mumbai is a functional surgery, not a cosmetic procedure that can reshape your nose. However, it does make your life easier by fixing breathing and sinus issues caused by a deviated septum. If you are wondering what happens during septoplasty, recovery details, and more, this post is for you.
Understanding Septoplasty: A Functional Nasal Surgery
The septum is a thin wall made of bone and cartilage that divides your nasal cavity into two parts. Ideally, this wall should be straight and right in the centre. However, the septum can be displaced in some people.
This can be a structural defect from birth or develop due to injury or other reasons. A septum that bends too much can block airflow through one or both nostrils. An ENT specialist in Navi Mumbai recommends septoplasty to reposition the septum to the centre.
Septoplasty Procedure: What Happens During and After the Surgery
The surgeon makes small cuts inside your nose to work on the bone and cartilage. Sometimes, a cut between your nostrils might be required. Here’s what happens during septoplasty:
1. Administering Anaesthesia
Your surgeon will use local or general anaesthesia, depending on how complex the surgery is. Local anaesthesia numbs the nasal cavity, while general anaesthesia puts you into a deep-sleep state. Rest assured that you won’t feel any discomfort or pain throughout the procedure.
2. Septum Aligning
They make a small incision inside your nose, so there won’t be any visible scar outside. They might gently lift the tissue covering the septum and either trim or reposition the bone to straighten it.
3. Closing the Incision
Once the septum is repositioned, the surgeon will suture the internal lining with dissolvable stitches. They place the septum in the centre and stabilize it. They may also use silicone splints to keep the septum stable as you heal. The surgery usually lasts 30-60 minutes.
Post-Surgical Instructions
Septoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, so you will likely be discharged on the same day. Make sure you arrange for a drive home. It’s natural to feel some tightness, congestion, and pressure in the nose. That’s due to the swelling, which might last a couple of days. If silicone splints are used, they will be removed in 5-7 days. Here’s what to keep in mind during recovery:
- Avoid wearing tight clothes that need to be pulled over your head.
- Avoid swimming unless your doctor says it’s safe.
- Keep your head elevated when sleeping
- Avoid blowing your nose until you have healed completely
- Do not indulge in heavy lifting or any strenuous activity for at least six weeks
Most people are cleared for routine household chores, schools, and work in a week after septoplasty. Complete healing might take weeks to 1-2 months. You will notice improved breathing as swelling subsides.
