Free nasal breathing is a guarantee of health and a high quality of life. One of the most common causes of systemic nasal breathing is septal abnormalities. This problem cannot be solved with drops and tablets. Here, only plastic surgery can help.
Why do you need a nasal hedge?
The nasal septum is a plate that contains bone and cartilage sections covered with mucous membranes. He divides his nose into two parts. This feature of the anatomical structure is not accidental.
The nose is needed to filter and heat the air. If there were a single cavity, it would be depleted quickly and it would not be able to perform its functions fully. Thanks to the partition wall, both halves of the nose work alternately, which ensures continuous air filtration.
In addition, the nasal septum supports the shape of the nose as it is a skeleton.
Symptoms of curvature
A patient with such a pathology is concerned with:
- nasal congestion;
- headache;
- dry mouth after sleep;
- bleeding;
- common inflammatory diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis);
- loss of ability to work, quality of life;
- rapid fatigue.
The plastic surgeon cites the following statistics:
Recent studies show that less than 25% of people in the world have an even septum. Many of them are not disturbed by anything as the curvature is insignificant and does not interfere with breathing through the nose. This group of patients does not require any therapy. However, if these symptoms are present, this is a direct indication for surgical treatment - septoplasty.
How is nasal septum correction surgery performed?
An ear-nose-throat consultation and a full examination are required before septoplasty. A CT scan is performed first. It allows a complete study of the structure of the septum, determining the scope of the operation. In addition, you will need to pass several tests:
- clinical analysis of blood and urine;
- blood chemistry;
- blood clotting;
- blood for many infections (syphilis, viral hepatitis, HIV);
- cardiogram;
- fluorography.
All this is necessary to rule out possible contraindications to the surgery.
The nasal septum is corrected under anesthesia by adding a local anesthetic. After anesthesia, the surgeon performs the procedure according to a clear algorithm:
- It opens the nasal mucosa. The incision is made in the nasal cavity, which completely eliminates the presence of aesthetic defect after surgery.
- What to do next depends on the type of error. If there is an isolated spike or spine, it is removed. If the curvature is complex, S-shaped, the partition will be partially destroyed and "re-created".
- Sewing of the mucosa. Self-absorbing fibers are used.
- Silicone rails are placed in the nasal passage and sutured together. These are plates that retain the proper shape of the nasal septum, prevent the formation of a hedge hematoma, and accelerate the healing process.
The duration of rhinoplasty depends entirely on the complexity and amount of work and can range from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
After surgery, the patient must spend 1-2 days in the hospital.
Rehabilitation after surgery to correct the septum
After surgery, the patient needs a inpatient system. Antibacterial, hemostatic therapy and analgesics are prescribed. The rails should also be taken care of, washing them constantly with saline solutions. After septoplasty, hematomas and swellings may appear on the face, which disappear after 3-5 days. During this period, nasal breathing is difficult due to swelling of the nasal cavity and splints.
Removing the rails is shown in Figure 7-10. happens on the day. Nasal breathing improves, but not completely due to continuous swelling.
Thereafter, the patient should remain at home for an additional 4-5 days at rest. For the first 2 weeks you need:
- to give up hot baths, saunas, baths;
- restricts physical activity;
- do not blow your nose hard;
- restricts sleep on the back and wearing glasses.
Your doctor may also recommend the use of drops and sprays to speed up the healing of the mucous membranes and to restore the nasal epithelium.
The final result can be evaluated after 2-3 months, when the edema completely disappears and the healing processes are completed.