What is septorhinoplasty?
Septorhinoplasty is a procedure related to rhinoplasty. During rhinoplasty, the visual appearance of the nose is modified and enhanced, so it appears perfectly balanced with the other facial features. If it’s also necessary to remove nasal obstructions that interfere with nasal breathing, the procedure is referred to as septorhinoplasty. Because both the appearance of the nose and the deviated septum are corrected during this surgery, it’s somewhat more complex than a regular rhinoplasty.
The right candidates
Septorhinoplasty surgery is ideal for people who have a deviated septum. The septum is the wall that separates the nostrils. When this wall is crooked, it may block air that’s passing through. Additionally, candidates must also want to enhance the appearance of their nose. This can be anything from decreasing the size of the nose or making it narrower to lowering its height or shortening it.
The procedure
The nasal surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis – an overnight stay in the hospital or surgical center is not necessary. To avoid anesthetic complications, no food or liquids must be consumed 6 hours prior to surgery. The client is put under general anesthesia before the surgical team goes to work. During the surgery, which takes approximately two and a half hours, internal obstructions are removed and the external appearance of the nose is reshaped.
Benefits of the surgical procedure
Some of the benefits clients can expect include:
• Improvement of the appearance of the nose
• Improvement of breathing
• Diminished sleep apnea or snoring
• Balanced facial features
The recovery process
After undergoing the nasal surgery, clients will experience discomfort, such as bruising of the upper lip, cheeks, and nose and eye area. Bed rest is recommended and clients must not take part in strenuous activities that can damage the nose – avoid blowing your nose, swimming and pulling clothes over your head. The client will be prescribed antibiotics and pain pills, which must be taken according to instructions. The splint that keeps the nose in place is removes after approximately one week, which is also around the time that the swelling subsides.
Risks and complications
As with any surgery there are always risks involved. Some of the complications and risks involved with septorhinoplasty include:
• Re-deviation of the septum or nasal obstruction at a later date, due to not fully straightening the septum.
• Chronic nasal dryness, drainage or crusting
• Unresolved nasal or sinus headaches. Different causes can be responsible for these types of headaches.
• Unappealing results. If the client is happy with the visual result, additional surgery may be required.
• Failure to solve sinus problems, which may require additional surgery.
• Diminished sense of taste or smell due to the surgery
Before undergoing the nasal surgery, have an extensive consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. Allow him or her to inform you of what to expect, including all the risks, benefits and possible complications. Develop confidence and trust in your surgeon. You can never ask too many questions when it comes to undergoing surgery.
Leave a Reply