The Low-Down on Endonasal Septoplasty

Many of us have a crooked septum to some degree.

But when the septum is very crooked, it can block one side of the nose and reduce airflow. At this point, it’s known as a deviated septum. And if you have one, you may have difficulty breathing through one or even both nostrils.

Fortunately, for most people, an endonasal septoplasty procedure can repair it.

Types of Septoplasty Procedures

There are actually three types of septoplasty procedures.

Endonasal septoplasty is the simplest and is suitable for most patients. It involves accessing the septum and mucous membrane without compromising their integrity. More on that in a bit…

Meanwhile, endoscopic septoplasty is used in cases where there’s a need to correct septal deformities. This procedure uses a camera for enhanced visualization and is ideal for revision surgeries or when combined with sinus procedures.

Finally, for severe deviations, plastic surgeons will perform an extracorporeal septoplasty. In this case, the septum is completely removed, reshaped outside the body, then put back into place.

Since endonasal septoplasty is by far the most common procedure, we’ll look at that here.

What to Expect from Endonasal Septoplasty

To access the septum, your board-certified plastic surgeon will make an incision on one side of your nose. He or she will need to lift the protective covering (the mucous membrane) to position your deviated septum properly. If there are extra pieces of bone or excess cartilage that are slowing or obstructing airflow, those will be removed. This is known as turbinate reduction. Once everything is in place, the surgeon will reposition the mucous membrane.

Depending on how complex the condition of your deviated septum, you can expect the procedure to take anywhere from 30 – 90 minutes. Whether the surgeon uses a local or general anesthetic will be based on what you and s/he discuss prior to your procedure.

In some cases, packing the nose with cotton is sufficient to keep the septum and membrane in place. There is the possibility, however, that you may need stitches to hold them in position.

After the procedure, most patients report feeling mild to moderate discomfort that’s comparable to that of a sinus infection. There might be some pressure or pain around the eyes, across the forehead, in the cheeks, and even the upper teeth. This is completely normal and typically subsides within a few days.

Caring for Yourself After Endonasal Septoplasty

As with all surgical procedures, there are precautions you’ll need to take to ensure that the septum and membrane stay in place.

For example, during the first week or two, you’ll need to sleep with your head elevated and avoid blowing your nose. This includes during sneezing, which you’ll have to do through an open mouth.

The gauze will remain in your nose until the drainage stops – usually after two days. You’ll also need to clean your nose carefully by rinsing it with saline. If any crusting occurs around the nostrils, you’ll be instructed to clean the outside area (never the inside) with a cotton swab dipped in equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.

Avoiding spicy foods will also be advised, as they can make your nose run. You can take OTC pain relievers if needed. And resting for the first couple of days is recommended. You’ll be able to return to light activities within a week – though you may want to hold off on strenuous activity for a few weeks.

Your surgeon will supply you with a list of instructions that provide guidance on all of these.

Breathe Easy

If a deviated septum is obstructing the airflow through your nostril(s), you don’t have to struggle.

Endonasal septoplasty can go the distance in helping you breathe more easily again. So contact us today to set up a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons to get started.

Whether you need endonasal, endoscopic, or extracorporeal septoplasty, we’ll sit down and discuss all of your options and the best course of action for you.