Septorhinoplasty

What is septorhinoplasty?

Septorhinoplasty is a type of rhinoplasty that deals with the reshaping of the nasal septum for therapeutic and aesthetic purposes. Its purpose is to correct deviations and malformations of the nasal septum to improve its function and facilitate breathing, but it can also correct some imperfections of the nose. This dual function is what differentiates it from simple rhinoplasty (which only tries to improve the aesthetics of the nose) and septoplasty (which corrects the nasal septum only for medical purposes). The best results are obtained if the remodeling to be performed is mild.

The septorhinoplasty is a type of rhinoplasty that deals with the remodeling of the nasal septum for therapeutic and aesthetic purposes.

Why is it performed?

As for the therapeutic indications for septorhinoplasty, these are related to disorders caused by nasal septum deviation. Some examples are:

  • Respiratory problems due to the deviated septum creating obstructions;
  • Sleeping problems
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia) caused by breathing with the mouth open;
  • Rhinorrhage (or epistaxis), or frequent episodes of blood loss from the nose.
  • Aesthetic indications, on the other hand, can be all kinds of imperfections in the shape of the nose.

What does it consist of?

Prior to surgery, the patient undergoes local or general anesthesia.

As for septoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision in the nose at the level of the septum. If the necessary reshaping is simple, the doctor can reposition the septum without removing it first. Otherwise, he will have to remove it, straighten it and only then reposition it inside the nose. The surgeon then applies stitches to the nose.

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As for rhinoplasty, it can be performed either closed (through a cut inside the nose) or open (through an external cut at the base of the nose). At the end of the operation, a small cast is placed on the nose, which is then removed less than a week later.

Preparation for septorhinoplasty

Before the operation is necessary:

  • Visit the ENT specialist to discuss the surgery and expected results, as well as the patient’s medical history.
  • Perform tests such as an electrocardiogram, blood pressure, blood and urine tests.
  • Stop smoking and taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, which can be dangerous in case of nosebleeds during surgery.

Postoperative recovery

The operation involves a one-day stay in the hospital, but full recovery may take several months (3 months to a year in some cases). It is common to experience pain in the nose and to have nosebleeds in the week following the operation.

It is important to remain smoke-free and avoid blood thinners and antiplatelet medications for about two weeks after surgery, as well as to refrain from heavy physical activity, keep your head elevated while sleeping, and not blow your nose for a period of time.

Approximately one week after septorhinoplasty, you can resume work, but you will still need to undergo periodic medical check-ups.