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The nasal septum is a structure in the middle of the nose that is designed to separate the two sides of the nose to allow for laminar air flow. Sometimes, usually secondary to trauma at some point in one's life, the septum becomes crooked. This in of itself is not significant unless it causes an obstruction to breathing or recurrent sinusitis.
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A deviated septum, along with swollen turbinates (the soft tissue structures hanging next to the septum) may cause a blockage of the normal breathing passageway. This will result in mouth breathing, snoring, drooling during sleep, change in voice, decrease sense of smell and taste and sometimes sleep disturbances. Many people have deviated septums that do not interfere with normal breathing. In addition, other conditions, such as allergies, may cause difficulty breathing needs to be evaluated and treated prior to attempting surgery to correct a deviated septum. |
A septoplasty is performed through the inside of the nose with no outside incisions. Occassionally it is necessary to combine other procedures such as turbinate reduction (to shrink swollen turbinates) or rhinoplasty (to alter the external structure of the nose such as a drooping nasal tip) which may be contributing to the nasal breathing obstruction. Bone and cartilage is reshaped to return the septum to its original midline position and recreate the nasal airway to allow for adequate breathing.
Dr. Sinha uses small sponges instead of painful nasal packing and these are usually removed in one day (as opposed to the traditional 3-5 days). Most people take 1-5 days off of work. Pain is mild to moderate and is well controlled with pain medication. Usually, there is no bruising or external swelling of the nose. Avoidance of heavy exercise, heavy lifting or air travel is recommended for 2 weeks after surgery.
The vast majority of patients note significant improvement in nasal airflow soon after the healing process is complete. Interestingly, many people have to relearn how to breathe though there nose! An improved sense of smell (and taste) as well as improved energy and sleep are also noted. It is important to continue to treate other nasal conditions such as allergy after surgery if indicated.
A personal consultation and evaluation with Dr. Sinha can determine if septoplasty or other functional nasal surgery is indicated. Please call 404/257-1589 for an appointment.