Septoplasty in St. Louis
The nose is an essential organ in terms of human health. It is one of the primary cavities of the body and a critical organ that facilitates effective breathing.
One of the more common (yet serious) conditions associated with the nose is a deviated septum. The septum is the ridge of bone and cartilage between the chambers of the nostrils. Whether through injury, natural growth, or other factors, the septum can become crooked. A deviated septum can negatively impact breathing, sleeping, and cause medical conditions that negatively impact quality-of-life.
Dr. Porshinsky has a history of correcting deviated septums and restoring his patient’s noses to full functionality.
What Are the Benefits of Septoplasty?
The main benefit of a septoplasty is the restoration of the ability to breathe easily. By restoring the ability to breathe effectively, septoplasty can also indirectly treat many of the medical conditions caused by a deviated septum. These may include:
- Periodic or chronic nosebleeds
- Headaches
- Dry mouth (especially during sleep)
- Facial pain or associated discomfort in the face
- Constant feelings of congestion or nasal pressure
- Noisy breathing (including excessive snoring)
- Sleep disruptions
- Periodic or chronic sinus infections
How Is Septoplasty Performed?
The first step in any plastic surgery is a consultation. When meeting with Dr. Porshinsky, the patient will discuss their goals, desires, and any questions about the operation. Dr. Porshinsky will also evaluate the patient’s nose to ensure that a septoplasty will effectively treat the patient’s concerns.
During the operation, the patient will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure they experience no pain or discomfort. An incision will usually be made under the nasal tip across the columella (the tissue separating the nostrils) to allow Dr. Porshinsky to lift the nose tissue. This incision placement results in minimal scarring for most patients.
Once the nose has been lifted, Dr. Porshinsky will adjust the septum’s shape and position using a combination of grafts, excision, and physical reshaping as required to correct the defect or injury.
This procedure is related to perforated septum surgery, which repairs holes in the septum. In some cases, the two procedures may be performed concurrently.
How Long Does Recovery From Septoplasty Take?
Following the operation, most patients experience swelling and discomfort for three to five days. During this time, breathing may remain challenging for patients, and patients will need to wear special Doyle nose splints. Dr. Porshinsky will remove these splints after three to four days to ensure that the patient is recovering well.
Patients will still require external Denver splints until one to two weeks following the surgery but may resume daily activities. The septal tissue may be tender and somewhat fragile for up to eight weeks after surgery, so care should be taken to avoid injuries or pressure on the nose.
What Are the Results of Septoplasty?
Most patients will notice a change in their ability to breathe within four to 14 days following the operation. Most patients will find that their symptoms associated with a deviated septum should fade concurrently with their ability to breathe normally. If symptoms persist, contact Dr. Porshinky.
Septoplasty is performed to correct functional concerns associated with breathing. It is not performed to adjust the external shape or appearance of the nose. If you are interested in altering the nasal look, consider combining your septoplasty with aesthetic rhinoplasty.
Want to Learn More About Septoplasty?
Dr. Porshinsky is the nasal surgery expert in the Mercy Plastic Surgery Group. If you are interested in learning more about septoplasty surgery, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Porshinsky by calling his office at (314) 649-5419. You may also fill out this online form to schedule a consultation.
