Free nasal breathing is a guarantee for health and a high quality of life. One of the most common causes of systematic nasal breathing disorders is a septal deviation. This problem cannot be solved with drops and tablets. Only plastic surgery can help here.
Why is a nasal septum needed?
The nasal septum is a plate containing sections of bone and cartilage covered with a mucous membrane. She divides the nose into two parts. This feature of the anatomical structure is not accidental.
The nose is necessary to filter and warm the air. If it were a single cavity, it would quickly become exhausted and would not be able to fully perform its functions. Thanks to the partition, each half of the nose works in turn, which ensures continuous air filtration.
In addition, the nasal septum as a skeleton supports the shape of the nose.
symptoms of curvature
A patient with this pathology is concerned about:
- stuffy nose;
- Headache;
- dry mouth after sleeping;
- bleeding;
- frequent inflammatory diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis);
- decrease in working capacity, quality of life;
- quick fatigue.
The cosmetic surgeon lists the following statistics:
According to recent studies, less than 25% of people in the world have an even septum. Nothing bothers many of them, since the curvature is insignificant and breathing through the nose does not interfere. This group of patients does not require any therapy. However, if these symptoms are present, then this is a direct indication for surgical treatment - septoplasty.
How is a nasal septum correction performed?
Before septoplasty, a consultation with an otolaryngologist and a full examination is required. First, a CT scan is performed. It allows you to fully study the structure of the septum and determine the scope of the operation. You must also pass several tests:
- clinical analysis of blood and urine;
- blood chemistry;
- coagulation;
- blood for a number of infections (syphilis, viral hepatitis, HIV);
- Cardiogram;
- Fluorography.
All this is necessary in order to exclude possible contraindications to surgical intervention.
The correction of the nasal septum is performed under general anesthesia with the addition of a local anesthetic. After anesthesia, the surgeon performs the procedure according to a clear algorithm:
- Opens the nasal mucosa. The incision is made in the nasal cavity, which completely eliminates the presence of an aesthetic defect after the operation.
- Further measures depend on the type of defect. If there is an isolated tip or burr, it is removed. If the curvature is complex, S-shaped, the partition is partially destroyed and "created" anew.
- suturing the mucous membrane. Self-resorbable threads are applied.
- Silicone splints are inserted into the nasal passage and sutured. These are plates that maintain the correct shape of the nasal septum, prevent the development of a septal hematoma and speed up the healing process.
The duration of the nasal septum plasty depends entirely on the complexity and the amount of work and can vary between 40 minutes and 2 hours.
After surgical interventions, the patient has to spend 1-2 days in the hospital.
Rehabilitation after surgery to correct the septum
After the operation, the patient needs an inpatient regime. Antibacterial, hemostatic therapy and painkillers are prescribed. It is also necessary to care for the splints, constantly washing them with saline solutions. After septoplasty, there may be hematoma and swelling on the face, which will disappear after 3-5 days. During this period, nasal breathing is difficult due to swelling in the nasal cavity and splints.
The rails will be on the 7th -10th. day away. Nasal breathing improves but not completely due to persistent swelling.
After that, the patient should remain at home for another 4-5 days. In the first 2 weeks you will need:
- refrain from hot baths, saunas, baths;
- limit physical activity;
- do not blow your nose hard;
- Limit sleeping on your back and wearing glasses.
Also, the doctor may recommend the use of drops and sprays to speed up the healing of the mucous membrane and restore the epithelium in the nasal cavity.
The final result can be assessed after 2-3 months, when the edema has completely disappeared and the healing processes are complete.