As with any surgical procedure, there are potential septoplasty complications and risks associated with deviated septum surgery.
In this article we look at the studies that examine the risks and complications, and we also answer a few frequently asked questions related to potential side effects of deviated septum surgery.
Septoplasty Complications: Evidence from Studies
In this section, we describe the complications and risks associated with septoplasty that have been found in scientific studies: 1Ketcham, A. S., & Han, J. K. (2010). Complications and Management of Septoplasty. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 43(4), 897–904. 2Bloom, J. D., Kaplan, S. E., Bleier, B. S., & Goldstein, S. A. (2009). Septoplasty Complications: Avoidance and Management. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 42(3), 463–481.
Frequently Asked Questions – Septoplasty Complications, Risks & Side Effects
The short answer is yes.
The nasal septum is a midline structure that positions the nose centrally. Any deformity in the septum causes crooked appearance of the nose. The width, height, and sharpness of the nose also depends on the dimensions (dorsal-ventral) of the septum (cartilaginous septum). So, septoplasty performed to fix the deviated septum can improve the appearance of the nose, making it more symmetrical.3Saharia PS, Deepti Sinha. Septoplasty can Change the Shape of the Nose. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;65(Suppl 2):220-225. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0330-7.
Yes, the septoplasty surgery helps straighten the nose.
The nasal septum is an important structure that supports the nose. It also helps determine the appearance of the nose. The presence of septal deformity can result in a crooked appearance to the nose. Hence, undergoing septoplasty not only straightens the septum but also improves the appearance and function of the nose.4Sykes, J., Kim, J.-E., Shaye, D., & Boccieri, A. (2011). The Importance of the Nasal Septum in the Deviated Nose. Facial Plastic Surgery, 27(05), 413–421.
Yes, undergoing septal surgery can change the voice for the better.
The presence of deviated septum causes nasal obstruction which results in hypo nasal speech. This happens when not enough air is able to move through the nasal cavity due to blocked nasal passage.
The septum surgery eliminates the nasal obstruction by straightening the nasal septum. It leads to a decrease in tissue surface area and widens the nasal passages. This results in a decrease in the nasal resonance and an increase in the quality of the voice.5Ozbal Koc, E. A., Koc, B., Ercan, I., Kocak, I., Tadihan, E., & Turgut, S. (2014). Effects of Septoplasty on Speech and Voice. Journal of Voice, 28(3), 393.e11–393.e15.
Excessive bleeding after the septoplasty surgery is observed in 6-12% of cases. Due to the high number of blood vessels connected to the inner skin of the nose, bleeding can be observed either during or after the septoplasty procedure. Meanwhile, mild oozing of blood is common after the surgery. In case of heavy bleeding, one should consult the surgeon.6Ketcham, A. S., & Han, J. K. (2010). Complications and Management of Septoplasty. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 43(4), 897–904.
Sources:
- 1Ketcham, A. S., & Han, J. K. (2010). Complications and Management of Septoplasty. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 43(4), 897–904.
- 2Bloom, J. D., Kaplan, S. E., Bleier, B. S., & Goldstein, S. A. (2009). Septoplasty Complications: Avoidance and Management. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 42(3), 463–481.
- 3Saharia PS, Deepti Sinha. Septoplasty can Change the Shape of the Nose. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;65(Suppl 2):220-225. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0330-7.
- 4Sykes, J., Kim, J.-E., Shaye, D., & Boccieri, A. (2011). The Importance of the Nasal Septum in the Deviated Nose. Facial Plastic Surgery, 27(05), 413–421.
- 5Ozbal Koc, E. A., Koc, B., Ercan, I., Kocak, I., Tadihan, E., & Turgut, S. (2014). Effects of Septoplasty on Speech and Voice. Journal of Voice, 28(3), 393.e11–393.e15.
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