How Septal Surgery Plays its Part in Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?

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How Septal Surgery Plays its Part in Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?

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    Today, rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. Also known as a nose job, it is for correcting birth defects or breathing problems caused due to an accident or to improve the aesthetic appearance of the nose. Septal surgery under rhinoplasty is done to repair a defect in a specific part of the nose – the septum. There is often confusion regarding the difference between rhinoplasty and septoplasty. Both the surgical procedures are related to the nose; however, septoplasty is limited to correcting the defect while rhinoplasty is mainly associated with cosmetic appeal. Here is a more detailed explanation:

    Purpose of operation
    The purpose of septoplasty or septal surgery under cosmetic rhinoplasty is to align a deviated septum or to repair a bent septum, which can be a result of an accident or congenital defect. In certain cases, the surgery is performed to stop the recurrent nosebleed. On the other hand, following the celebrities and famous personalities, rhinoplasty has become famous for improving the looks. Septoplasty is one of the procedures that are done under rhinoplasty. It refers to the surgical reshaping of the nose’s septum. Therefore, septoplasty is a crucial part of rhinoplasty.

     

    Surgical procedure
    Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are both done in similar settings: anesthetic agents are given to the patients and the time taken for the surgery is generally under two hours. In open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made inside the nostrils and the columella after which a skin graft, metal or plastic is used to maintain the new shape of the nose. On the other hand, in septoplasty a small cut is made inside the wall of either the left or right part of the nose. The cartilaginous septum is moved or removed in order to correct the condition. The mucus membranes are then held back to its normal anatomical position.

    Post-operative expectations
    The post-surgical care and expectations are similar in both the procedures. A patient can return home immediately after both the surgeries but can experience discomfort including swollen nose and headaches. In cases where septoplasty is done independently of rhinoplasty, there is no swelling, bruising or changes to the outside of the nose or face as the entire procedure is done inside the nose. If, however, rhinoplasty is done simultaneously, there would be swelling. It is generally not advised to take pain killers and let the natural healing take its course; however, doctors prescribe the pain medication for extreme cases.

    Patients might experience nose blockage; however, they should not to blow the nose. If they need to sneeze, it should be done with an open mouth. Patients can return to their daily activities; however, physical activities should be limited and avoided as much as possible. Full recovery after rhinoplasty takes almost six weeks; however, it might be quicker in septoplasty. Make sure to visit your doctor for follow up visits in order to track the healing process and keep a look out for any complications.

    Both the surgeries have common risks and complications and it is thus necessary for a patient to do his/her homework and gather all the necessary information. It is important to understand that septoplasty is more concerned with healing patients that have septal problems. For example, people who have difficulty in breathing, experience headaches, uncontrolled nosebleeds, and sinusitis have a possibility of having misaligned or deformed septum. Complications are rare in septoplasty and success rates are high. It is one of the most pleasing surgeries if performed properly.

    Make sure to visit and consult an experienced surgeon, clarify all your doubts and be specific about the problems you are experiencing and the results that you want to achieve from the surgery.

    About The Author

    Dr Vikas Gupta