Septoplasty – What to Expect During the Recovery Period
During the Septoplasty procedure, the surgeon performs the removal of the nasal bones or septum. This process is done to improve the appearance of the nose and improve breathing. However, there are several complications associated with the procedure. You should prepare yourself for the procedure before you undergo the operation. You may also want to know what to expect during the recovery period.
Nasal turbinates
Having enlarged nasal turbinates can be a major annoyance. They are small bone and cartilage structures surrounded by thin tissue, which can make breathing through the nose difficult. In many cases, they are caused by allergies or other irritants. However, they can also be an indication of an infection.
The turbinates can be surgically addressed to reduce their size. This can improve airflow through the nose, and can also help ease breathing. The procedure is commonly performed in patients with a deviated septum.
The surgeon will use a needle-like device to insert anesthesia into the tissues. In the operating room, the turbinates are heated with a heat source. This causes scar tissue to form, which helps them shrink. During healing, a bandage-like material is placed in the nose to prevent bleeding.
Some patients will experience minimal pain in the first few days. Others may need pain medications. Some will have a clear discharge from the nose for a week. The recovery time depends on the type of turbinate reduction procedure and the radicality of the surgery.
Some patients have a dry, crusty nasal cavity after turbinate removal. To speed up the recovery process, use a saltwater rinse to wash the inside of the nose twice a day. This can also be done in the first few hours after the procedure.
Turbinate reduction is a relatively safe surgical procedure. Most patients recover within one to two weeks. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Alen Cohen. He can perform the procedure in his office or in a hospital.
Turbinate reduction is often combined with septoplasty. This surgery repositions the septum to the middle of the nose. It can improve breathing in up to 85% of patients. If your turbinates are swollen, you may have a deviated septum. You can take nasal sprays to help alleviate the symptoms. You can also get an out fracturing procedure to open up the nasal passage.
If you are having turbinate surgery, you should contact your anesthesiologist and admitting hospital to discuss the details of the surgery. If your turbinate reduction is performed in the operating room, you will need a person to drive you home.
Complications
During septoplasty surgery, the surgeon attempts to correct nasal deformities, such as a deviated nasal septum, by removing cartilage or bone and straightening the septum. Although the procedure can be successful, it can also cause complications.
Complications include bleeding, infections, nerve injury, scarring, and aesthetic changes. They can occur during the surgical process or after the operation. Generally, the complications are resolved without treatment.
Complications can be prevented by following recommendations and preoperative precautions. These include taking preoperative medications, avoiding strenuous activities, and using conservative medical therapies before the operation. If a complication does occur, it is best to consult with a plastic surgeon.
Some of the most common perioperative complications are infection, epistaxis, bleeding, and nerve injury. If these complications do not resolve, additional procedures may be required.
The primary objective of septoplasty is to make the patient’s nasal airway more comfortable. The surgeon must have a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and be careful with his technique. In addition, the surgeon must be able to communicate the risks of the procedure to prospective patients.
Preoperative evaluation should include a thorough review of medical history and medications. The surgeon should also take photographs for the informed consent process and to provide an accurate postoperative diagnosis of the deformity.
During the surgical procedure, the surgeon will administer anesthesia and numb the area. The surgery typically takes between one and a half hours. After the procedure, the patient is woken up from anesthesia and transported to the recovery room. He will be prescribed pain medication and may require saline sprays and irrigations to prevent the spread of surgical debris and bacterial growth.
During the first week after the procedure, the patient may experience minor discomfort. This is normal and will improve. The physician will also warn the patient that there will be some oozing after the procedure. If the oozing does not stop, the patient should contact the surgeon.
Acute bleed during nasal surgery can be caused by a poor injection technique or inadvertent mucosal trauma during the elevation of the flap. The risk of bleeding is also increased if the patient is exposed to excessively cold temperatures or humidity.
Preparing for the procedure
Performing septoplasty is a simple surgical procedure, but there are precautions you should follow to make sure you get the best possible results. The surgery can be done as an outpatient or as an inpatient, depending on the condition and complexity of the patient.
The first step in preparing for septoplasty is selecting a good doctor. This person will explain the operation and make suggestions based on the condition of your nose. They may also recommend a few medications, like cold compresses, to help control pain. They will likely take pictures of your nose before the procedure to give your surgeon an idea of what to expect.
During the operation, the surgeon will make an incision inside the nose. He or she will then work to reposition the septum. Incisions are usually closed with sutures.
Afterward, patients will experience some swelling and bruising. They may also have a red, bloody nasal discharge for a few days. Fortunately, this is only temporary. The nasal tissues will begin to heal and become more stable after about three to six months.
In the weeks following the operation, you should avoid strenuous activity. You should also stop taking certain medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen. This will reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
If you have any allergies, be sure to disclose them to your doctor. This can reduce the risk of complications, like numbness around your teeth. You may want to consider stopping all smoking, too. During the recovery period, you should refrain from heavy lifting, blowing your nose, and sneezing with your mouth open.
You should also keep your head elevated while sleeping. This will help prevent swelling. It is a good idea to have a friend drive you home after the procedure.
The surgical process is quick, usually about an hour. After the operation, patients will have a swollen nose and an incision on the side of their face. A bandage will be placed around the nose to prevent further bleeding. The packing should be removed within a few days.
The most important thing to remember when preparing for septoplasty is to make sure you follow the prescribed instructions. Your doctor will give you a list of instructions and you should follow them religiously.
Recovery
During septoplasty recovery, patients may experience numbness in the tip of their nose and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are temporary and should resolve within a couple of weeks.
It is important for septoplasty patients to follow their surgeon’s instructions for a successful recovery. Some of the risks associated with this procedure include infection, congestion, and bleeding. Before undergoing surgery, make sure the surgeon is open with you about any potential complications. You should also talk with friends and family members who have undergone similar procedures.
During your recovery from septoplasty, you should avoid lifting heavy objects or bending over. You should also avoid sneezing and coughing. Depending on the severity of your deviated septum, you may have to stop contact sports or other activities for several weeks.
You should not drive until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. You should also not eat after midnight the night before your surgery. The doctor will also give you pain-relief medication.
During your recovery from septoplasty, it is important to get plenty of rest. You should avoid bending over or straining, as this can lead to further internal swelling. You should also close doors and windows to keep out the cold air. You should also avoid coughing and sneezing, which can change the shape of the nasal cavity.
During the first week after your surgery, you should keep your head elevated while sleeping. This will help to reduce internal swelling and speed up your recovery.
It is also important for septoplasty patients to take antibiotics as prescribed. They should also avoid taking blood thinners to prevent excessive bleeding.
While your septum is healing, you may have a drainage tube in your nostril. This is to clear the nasal passages of debris. You should not cough or sneeze for at least two weeks, as this can cause changes in the nasal cavity.
If you notice any significant changes in your condition, you should call your doctor immediately. This can include an infection in your sinuses, or a postnasal drip, which is feeling phlegm coming back into your throat.
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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