Septoplasty
Did you know that up to 80% of the population has a deviated septum? Do you have trouble breathing through your nose and are finally looking for relief? Read on to discover the benefits of septoplasty for a better future in breathing and sinus relief.
How a Septoplasty Can Improve Your Breathing
Nasal blockage from a deviated septum can decrease airflow and seriously affect a person’s quality of life. If one or both of your nostrils have blockage, this can also affect the turbinates’ ability to do their job and keep you healthy. A septoplasty can straighten and repair the obstruction to help you breathe more easily.
To find out if you are a candidate for a septoplasty procedure, contact Dr. Matorin’s office today.
What Are the Turbinates?
The narrow passageways made up of curly bone structures in your nasal cavity are called turbinates.
The turbinates extend into your breathing pathway within the nostrils. Most turbinates are covered by mucosal tissue. They filter, humidify, and heat the air you inhale.
When the turbinates work properly, they filter and trap airborne particles and are vital to fighting and preventing disease.
If your deviated septum affects your turbinates, you are likely not breathing as well as possible and are more prone to infection and disease.
Preparing for Septoplasty Surgery
Before you can schedule a septoplasty surgery, you will need to have a consultation with Dr. Matorin and your surgeon. Make sure to discuss any allergies with every doctor involved. A doctor will likely take photos of your nose before the procedure. This will allow the doctors and yourself to review before and after photos.
After you schedule your surgery, your surgeon may request that you refrain from taking medications such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, and aspirin. This is to reduce the risks of bleeding during and after surgery.
The night before your surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight if you will be given general anesthesia. It’s also important to have someone drive you home after the surgery. If you have trouble finding an available person, speak to Dr. Matorin’s staff about possible options.
How the Septoplasty Procedure Works
A septoplasty usually requires patients to undergo general anesthesia. Make sure to discuss how to plan and what to expect for this process.
Typically, an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist performs the septoplasty. However, other surgeons can also perform this procedure.
Many people take the opportunity to have plastic surgery performed at the same time if they wish to change the shape of their nose. Moreover, the surgeon is able to make the cuts inside the nostrils to avoid any visible marks or scarring on the outside of the nose.
The surgery normally lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. The surgeon’s main goal is to straighten and trim the septum as needed. Sometimes this requires cutting the bone to be able to place it in the correct position. You may receive silicone splints in the area to support the septum during healing.
Some patients receive nasal packing. This is a gauze-like material placed inside the nasal cavity to absorb blood and other fluids. Your doctor will remove it at your first follow-up appointment.
What Results to Expect After a Septoplasty
The overall benefits of a septoplasty far outweigh the risks. And 85% of patients feel an improvement in their nasal airway.
It’s normal to feel tired and/or nauseous from the anesthesia immediately after the procedure. However, if you feel any pain, be sure to inform your nurse so you can receive the appropriate pain medication.
Most patients are able to go home within a few hours of the surgery’s completion. It’s normal to experience bleeding and congestion afterward, but it should subside within two weeks post-op. Any sinusitis you have been experiencing will likely remain until the infection clears.
Some side effects you may experience include:
- Bruising around the eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
- Headaches
- Small burst blood vessels
Possible complications include a hole or tear in the septum, bleeding, infection, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. However, the risks are minimal and the relief you’ll receive will be worth the temporary discomfort.
Recovery Tips After a Septoplasty
You’ll need to be cautious in your recovery for a few weeks once you return home after a septoplasty. The biggest hurdle of recovery will only take a few days. However, you should plan on staying home from work or school for about a week after the surgery.
Some things to keep in mind to help your recovery process for three weeks post-op include:
- Avoid blowing your nose.
- Refrain from strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
- Keep your head raised when you sleep (we recommend using an extra pillow).
- Take all prescribed medications.
- Follow your specific recovery instructions closely.
If you follow these tips, then you can expect a speedy and restful recovery.
Septoplasty Cost
Like all medical procedures in the United States, the cost greatly depends on whether you have insurance or will be paying out of pocket. However, you can expect to pay between $3,500 to $11,000 for the procedure.
If the cost is a determining factor for you, request a quote beforehand and confirm with your insurance how much they will cover.
Ready to Breathe Easier?
Contact Dr. Matorin’s office today to find out if a septoplasty is right for you. While it may seem overwhelming, the relief of the benefits far outweighs the risks and temporary discomfort.
West Houston Office
12121 Richmond Avenue, Suite #104
Houston, Texas 77082
Phone: 281-920-5558
Bellaire Office
6699 Chimney Rock Road, Suite #202
Houston, Texas 77081
Phone: 713-665-8887