Free nasal breathing is a guarantee of health and a high quality of life. One of the most common causes of systemic nasal breathing disorders is a deviated septum. 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 plaque that includes bone and cartilage sections, covered with a mucous membrane. Divide the nose into two parts. This feature of the anatomical structure is not accidental.
The nose is needed to filter and heat the air. If it were a single cavity, it would quickly wear out and could not fully perform its functions. Thanks to the partition, each half of the nose works in turn, ensuring continuous filtration of the air.
Furthermore, the nasal septum supports the shape of the nose, being its skeleton.
Symptoms of curvature
A patient with this condition is concerned about:
- nasal congestion;
- headache;
- dry mouth after sleep;
- bleeding;
- frequent inflammatory diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis);
- decrease in working capacity, quality of life;
- fast fatigue.
The plastic surgeon cites the following statistics:
According to recent studies, less than 25% of people in the world have a regular septum. Many of them are not bothered by anything, as the curvature is insignificant and does not interfere with breathing through the nose. This patient group does not require any therapy. However, if these symptoms are present, this is a direct indication for surgical treatment - septoplasty.
How is nasal septal correction surgery performed?
Before septoplasty, it is necessary to undergo a consultation with an otolaryngologist and a comprehensive examination. First, a CT scan is performed. It allows you to fully study the structure of the septum, determine the scope of the operation. You will also have to 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 to exclude possible contraindications to surgical intervention.
Correction of the nasal septum is performed under anesthesia with the addition of a local anesthetic. After anesthesia, the surgeon performs the surgery according to a clear algorithm:
- Opens the nasal mucosa. The incision is made in the nasal cavity, which completely eliminates the presence of a cosmetic defect after the operation.
- Further actions depend on the type of defect. If there is an isolated tip or ridge, it is removed. If the curvature is complex, S-shaped, the partition is partially destroyed and "created" again.
- Sew the mucous membrane. Self-absorbable threads are applied.
- The silicone sticks are inserted into the nasal passage and sutured. These are plaques that maintain the correct shape of the nasal septum, prevent the development of the septal hematoma and accelerate the healing process.
The life of nasal septal plastics depends entirely on the complexity and amount of work and can range from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
After the surgical procedures, the patient should spend 1-2 days in the hospital.
Rehabilitation after surgery to correct the septum
After the operation, the patient needs a stationary regimen. Antibacterial, hemostatic and pain relieving therapy are prescribed. It is also necessary to take care of the splints, constantly washing them with saline solutions. After septoplasty, hematomas and swelling on the face may appear, which disappear after 3-5 days. During this time, nasal breathing is difficult due to swelling in the nasal cavity and splints.
The splints are removed on the 7-10th day. Nasal breathing improves, but not completely due to the ongoing swelling.
Thereafter, the patient should be at home resting for another 4-5 days. In the first 2 weeks you need:
- give up hot baths, saunas, baths;
- limit physical activity;
- do not blow your nose forcefully;
- limit sleep on your back and wear glasses.
The doctor may also recommend the use of drops and sprays aimed at accelerating the healing of the mucous membrane and restoring the epithelium in the nasal cavity.
The final result can be evaluated after 2-3 months, when the edema disappears completely and the healing processes are completed.