What is Septoplasty Surgery?
Septoplasty surgery is a surgical intervention performed to correct the structure called the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the combination of the cartilage and bone structure that separates the nasal cavity into right and left compartments. Normally, the nasal septum is straight and in the middle. However, in some cases, the septum may be crooked or deformed.
The main purpose of septoplasty surgery is to improve airflow in the nose by correcting the curvatures or deformities in the nasal septum. This surgery is an effective method for eliminating septum disorders that cause nasal congestion, breathing problems and respiratory problems such as sleep apnea.
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU makes the necessary incisions to correct the septum by removing the mucosa inside the nose. Then, the crooked cartilage and bone structures are corrected, excess tissue is removed or added if necessary. Finally, the nasal mucosa is placed in place and closed with stitches.
Septoplasty surgery usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours. Patients are usually discharged the same day, but in some cases, an overnight hospital stay may be required.
Although the general goal of this surgery is to improve airflow in the nose, septoplasty should not be confused with cosmetic surgery. Aesthetic nose correction surgery is called rhinoplasty and is a different procedure than septoplasty.
Degree of Difficulty of Surgery
Septoplasty surgery is an easier procedure, but it is usually a surgery that requires expertise. It is often performed by the surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU, the degree of difficulty of the surgery depends on how much the septum is deviated and how complex the deformity is.
In some cases, septoplasty surgery can be performed as a fairly simple and routine procedure. When correcting a slight deviated septum or a simple deformity, the surgeon’s experience and skill can affect the success of the surgery. In such cases, the risk of complications is low.
However, septoplasty surgery can be more complex in some cases. In cases where the septum is severely deviated or the deformity is more complex, the surgeon’s skill and experience are more required. For example, deviations where the septum is crooked and adheres to the side walls can make surgical intervention difficult. In such cases, it is important for the surgeon to carefully correct the septum and recreate a functional nasal structure.
The risks of complications from septoplasty surgery are generally low, but as with every surgical procedure, there are some risks. These include infection, bleeding, complications related to anesthesia, wound healing problems inside the nose, and rarely septum perforation (hole). However, these complications are generally rare and can be minimized by specialists with good surgical experience.
In summary, septoplasty surgery is generally not a difficult surgery, but the experience and skill of the Operator Dr. Sinan EROĞLU can affect success. The degree of difficulty of the surgery depends on the complexity of the septum curvature and deformity. The risk of complications is generally low, but as always in surgical procedures, there are some risks.
Stitches and Scars
Septoplasty surgery usually uses stitches due to the incisions made inside the nose. These stitches help hold the nasal mucosa and the cartilage and bone structures where the septum is corrected together.
The stitches are usually of the self-dissolving (absorbable) type. Since these types of stitches are absorbed by the body over time, there is no need for a separate procedure to remove the stitches. Self-dissolving stitches usually dissolve on their own within 1 to 2 weeks.
The stitches inside the nose are usually invisible after septoplasty surgery because they are placed inside the mucosa. Therefore, there is no visible scar that can be seen from the outside after the surgery.
During the healing process, it may take a few weeks for the mucosa inside the nose to heal and the stitches to completely absorb. During this time, there may be slight irritation, crusting or slight bleeding inside the nose. These situations are usually normal and are part of the healing process.
The timing of when the stitches are removed may vary depending on the type of stitches used and your surgeon’s preference. When self-dissolving stitches are used, there is usually no need for a separate stitch removal procedure. However, in some cases, the surgeon may schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that the stitches have completed their healing process.
The post-operative recovery process is usually completed within a few weeks. During this time, nasal swelling and irritation will decrease, nasal breathing will improve, and a return to normal life can usually be achieved. The surgeon, Dr. Sinan EROĞLU, will give you post-operative care instructions and specific information about when the stitches will be removed.
Things to Consider After Surgery
There are some important points to consider after septoplasty surgery. Here are some of them:
Focusing on rest and recovery: Giving importance to rest after surgery helps the body focus on the recovery process. You should rest and limit activities as recommended by Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU.
Medication use: You should use medications such as painkillers and antibiotics regularly as recommended by Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU. Taking medications at the right doses and times is important for controlling pain and reducing the risk of infection.
Nasal cleaning: You should clean your nose as recommended by Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU. Usually, saline sprays or nasal irrigation solutions are used. This helps to clear crusts and secretions inside the nose and keeps the nasal passages open.
Using a humidifier inside the nose: It is important to keep the mucosa inside the nose moist. You can use the nasal humidifier sprays or ointments recommended by Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU. This helps to reduce dryness and irritation inside the nose.
Physical activities: You should avoid strenuous physical activities in the postoperative period. You can exercise according to Sinan EROĞLU’s instructions, but you should avoid overly strenuous activities. It is especially important to stay away from sports and activities that may cause nasal trauma for a while.
Nutrition: It is important to pay attention to a healthy diet in the post-operative period. You should take care to consume enough nutrients to support the healing process and help the body strengthen.
Doctor’s check-ups: It is important to go to the doctor’s check-ups regularly after the surgery. Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU will give you appointments to follow the healing process and detect any complications early.
Possible complications may include infection, bleeding, nasal congestion, wound healing problems and rarely septum perforation. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly to prevent these complications. Using the recommended medications regularly, paying attention to nasal cleaning, avoiding excessive physical activities and going to the doctor’s check-ups regularly can help reduce the risk of complications.
If you notice any abnormal symptoms or problems after the surgery, it is important to see your doctor immediately.
The Healing Process
The recovery period for septoplasty surgery may vary from person to person, but it usually takes a few weeks to a few months. Here are the common recovery stages of septoplasty surgery:
First few days: Pain, swelling, and nasal congestion are normal for the first few days after surgery. During this time, you can control the pain by regularly using painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
First week: During the first week, crusting, mild bleeding, and nasal congestion may continue. You should clean your nose and use a nasal humidifier as recommended by your doctor. It is important to limit physical activity and avoid heavy lifting.
First few weeks: Swelling and congestion in the nose may decrease in the first few weeks. Nasal breathing improves and you can usually return to normal life. However, you should still avoid excessive physical activity and follow your doctor’s instructions.
A few months: The recovery process continues for several months. During this time, it is expected that the mucosa in the nose has completely healed and the nasal structure has stabilized. It is important to continue to see your doctor during this time and follow your doctor’s instructions.
The process of returning to normal life and activity restrictions may vary depending on the person’s recovery process. Generally, you can return to light physical activity after a few days. However, it is important to avoid excessive exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that risk trauma to the nose. It is best to follow your doctor’s recommendations and slowly increase your activities during the healing process.
Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU will tell you more specifically when you can return to normal life after septoplasty and what activities you should avoid. Everyone’s healing process is different, so it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and act according to your body’s needs.