What is Septoplasty?
A septoplasty is a nose surgery which corrects the deviations in the nasal septum to improve the nasal airway. The nasal septum is a cartilaginous and bony structure that separates the two nasal cavities. The nasal septum can be deviated (crooked) resulting in nasal obstruction. The septum has a functional and aesthetic responsibility within the nose. It allows efficient breathing, as well as supports the midline of the nose and helps define the nasal tip. When the nasal septum suffers damage or becomes off-center, disruptive symptoms can result. Patients who have a deviated or perforated septum may experience chronic sinusitis, dry mouth, nosebleeds, snoring and other breathing difficulties. Septoplasty is the most preferred and proven nose procedure to restore proper breathing to a nose with a deviated septum while also maintaining or improving its cosmetic appearance.
Relief for Your Breathing Problems
Dr. Harirchian is proud to offer excellence in deviated septum and perforation repair in Houston. She is a skilled facial plastic surgeon that specializes in septoplasty and other nose surgeries. Dr. Harirchian understands the intricate structures of the nose, both internally and externally. If a deviated septum is compromising your breathing function, you can trust that she will take dedicated measures to carefully and effectively straighten the septum and remove any airway blockage that is causing your symptoms. Septoplasty can often be performed through the nostrils, which means there is no visible bruising or scarring. Dr. Harirchian frequently helps patients that need deviated septum repair along with cosmetic nose correction. She is a highly respected rhinoplasty surgeon who is fully equipped to bring long-lasting and natural results.
The Symptoms
Symptoms of nasal obstruction can include nasal congestion, mouth breathing, snoring, dry mouth, and reduced sense of smell. A deviated septum may also contribute to sinus infections, recurrent nose bleeds, rhinogenic headaches, or sleep problems.
The Causes
A deviated septum can be caused by nasal trauma, nasal fracture, development, or can be present at birth. Enlarged turbinates can also contribute to nasal obstruction. A turbinate is composed of tissue and bone, which arises from the lateral nasal wall and when enlarged, can block the nasal airway. Septoplasty can be performed with turbinate surgery if enlarged turbinates are also blocking the nasal airway.
The Procedure
The objective of a septoplasty is to remove the deviated portion of nasal septal cartilage and bone while keeping the exterior shape of the nose unchanged. The incisions for a septoplasty are hidden inside the nose. Dr. Harirchian will often perform a septoplasty with endoscopic turbinate surgery to maximally improve the breathing. She typically does not use any packing or nasal splints after this procedure.
Septoplasty alone will not change the appearance of the nose nor will it improve nasal valve collapse. More complicated forms of nasal obstruction from a twisted, crooked or collapsed nose may require a functional rhinoplasty to improve breathing and straighten the nose. Form accompanies function in the nose, so often noses that are crooked don’t breathe well. The removed nasal septal cartilage and bone may be used during a septorhinoplasty for reconstruction of the nasal valves or appearance of the nose.
To learn more about Dr. Harirchian’s expertise and experience in functional nose surgeries, please contact our office today. Beyond deviated septum and perforation repairs, she also offers nasal fracture treatment, nasal valve collapse repair and saddle nose repair. Whether you are bothered by the way your nose looks or you are unable to enjoy full function of your nose, we can help you at our state-of-the-art plastic surgery center in Houston.