Deviated Septum
Deviated Septum: Understanding and Treatment Options
The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nasal cavity into two separate nostrils. When this septum is significantly displaced to one side, it’s called a deviated septum. This common condition can lead to various issues, primarily nasal obstruction, making it difficult to breathe through one or both nostrils.
Dr. David Rodwell III, a facial plastic surgeon with extensive training in Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) surgery, possesses a comprehensive understanding of the nose’s functional and aesthetic aspects. He frequently performs septoplasty, a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum, often in conjunction with rhinoplasty to address cosmetic concerns simultaneously. Contact Charleston Facial Plastic Surgery today for your consultation.It’s like I forgot what it felt like to finally feel normal again – Melissa P.
Causes of a Deviated Septum:
- Trauma to the nose: A blow to the nose from sports, accidents, or other incidents can cause the septum to shift.
- Congenital condition: Many individuals are born with a deviated septum, or it may develop naturally during growth.
Beyond the Septum: Other Causes of Nasal Obstruction
It’s important to note that a deviated septum isn’t the only potential cause of breathing difficulties. Other factors that may contribute to nasal obstruction and might be addressed during the same surgical procedure include:
- Enlarged turbinates: These are bony structures inside the nose covered with soft tissue that can sometimes become enlarged and block airflow.
- Weak nasal valve: The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway, and weaknesses or collapse in this area can impede breathing.
Why Consider Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty)?
Correcting a deviated septum through septoplasty can offer significant improvements in your quality of life by:
- Improving breathing through the nose: This is the primary goal, allowing for easier and more comfortable respiration.
- Reducing snoring and sleep apnea: By improving airflow, septoplasty can alleviate snoring and, in some cases, lessen the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Allowing the sinuses to drain better: A straighter septum can improve sinus drainage, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of sinus infections.
- Helping straighten a crooked nose: In some instances, a significantly deviated septum can contribute to an externally crooked appearance of the nose, which can be improved by straightening the septum.
Dr. Rodwell’s Approach to Septoplasty
Dr. Rodwell’s primary focus is to enhance your quality of life by providing relief from chronic nasal obstruction. Deviated septum repair (septoplasty) is performed in a fully equipped operating room under anesthesia. To achieve the best possible improvement in nasal breathing, Dr. Rodwell often combines septoplasty with a submucosal turbinate reduction, a procedure that reduces the size of enlarged turbinates.
Recognizing the potential link between a deviated septum and the nose’s appearance, Dr. Rodwell carefully evaluates each patient. He can help you determine if combining septoplasty with rhinoplasty is necessary to achieve your functional and aesthetic goals.
What to Expect After Deviated Septum Surgery
- Outpatient Procedure: Septoplasty is typically an outpatient surgery, meaning you can return home the same day, provided you have someone to drive you.
- Insurance Coverage: Septoplasty is generally covered by insurance as it is considered a medically necessary procedure to improve breathing.
- Post-Operative Instructions: Dr. Rodwell will provide detailed instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Recovery Time: Most individuals take just a few days off from work or school to recover.
- Internal Sutures: Any internal stitches used will dissolve on their own.
- No Nasal Packing (Usually): Dr. Rodwell avoids using nasal packing for the majority of his patients. In some specific cases, soft septal splints might be necessary for a few days to support the healing septum.
- Pain Management: You can manage any discomfort with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
- Internal Swelling and Congestion: While there will be no external bruising or significant swelling, you will experience congestion and swelling inside your nose for the first few weeks of recovery.
Considering Deviated Septum Repair in Charleston?
If you are experiencing symptoms of a deviated septum and are considering surgical correction, contact Dr. Rodwell today to schedule a consultation and discuss your individual candidacy for septoplasty.
Charleston Deviated Septum Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms include difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, frequent nosebleeds, recurrent sinus infections, facial pain, noisy breathing during sleep (snoring), and a preference for sleeping on one side.
Dr. Rodwell can diagnose a deviated septum through a physical examination of your nose, often using a nasal speculum to visualize the nasal passages. He will also discuss your symptoms and medical history.
Yes, surgery (septoplasty) is the only permanent way to correct a physically deviated septum. While some over-the-counter or prescription medications can help manage symptoms like congestion, they do not address the underlying structural issue.
The duration of the surgery can vary based on the complexity of the deviation and whether it is combined with other procedures like turbinate reduction or rhinoplasty. Typically, septoplasty alone takes between 30 minutes to an hour.
While you may experience some discomfort and pressure after surgery, it is generally well-managed with pain medication. The pain is usually most noticeable in the first few days of recovery.
Septoplasty primarily focuses on correcting the internal structure of the nose to improve breathing. It typically does not change the external appearance of the nose. If you desire cosmetic changes, a rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time.
Most people can resume light activities within a few days and work or school within a week. Strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks to allow for proper healing.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved, including bleeding, infection, numbness in the upper teeth or lips, changes in the sense of smell, and, in rare cases, a persistent perforation (hole) in the septum. Dr. Rodwell will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation.
Yes. Septoplasty is typically performed to improve breathing and is considered medically necessary, so it is generally covered by most insurance plans. However, coverage can vary, so it’s essential to check with your insurance provider.
The best way to determine your candidacy for septoplasty is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rodwell. He will evaluate your symptoms, examine your nasal structure, and discuss your treatment goals to determine if septoplasty is the right option for you.