Correction of Nasal Deviation(Septoplasty)

To reach this ideal, when the patient's aesthetic evaluation is being made, the nasal passage, the partition called the septum that separates the nasal passages from each other, and the conchae (turbinates) on the side walls of the nose must always be evaluated. In addition, the candidate for surgery should be asked whether they have an allergy and whether there has been any trauma to the nose in the past.

Since septal deviation is a problem encountered quite frequently in the population, correcting the septal deviation in a patient who presents for aesthetic nose surgery both increases the chance of success of the aesthetic operation and helps the patient gain functional improvement by opening the airway.

The most important advantage of performing septoplasty and aesthetic nose surgery in the same session is that the excess cartilage or bone tissue that causes the septal deviation, and which usually needs to be removed, can be used for various purposes in the aesthetic part of the operation.

Although in patients in whom only the septal deviation will be corrected intervention can be made through incisions inside the nose, also called the closed technique, in the group of patients in whom the septum will be corrected together with aesthetic nose surgery I prefer open-technique septoplasty. In this way I have better command of the septal anatomy, and at the same time I can better ensure the integrity of the septal cartilages with the cartilaginous structures of the nasal tip.

Is Nasal Packing Used After Septoplasty? Nasal packing is not used in patients operated on purely for nose aesthetics. In patients who have an airway problem and also undergo septum surgery and/or turbinate (concha) surgery, thin silicone splints may be placed inside the nose. The silicone splints contain a tube that keeps the airway open. They are much less uncomfortable than the oily gauze used in the past. In addition, they cause less pain during removal and the risk of bleeding is minimal.

Is Anaesthesia Required for Septoplasty? Although not mandatory, it is beneficial for septoplasty operations to be performed under general anaesthesia in order to increase patient comfort and allow less bleeding.

What Is the Recovery Process After Septoplasty Like? Patients can usually be sent home on the same day. During the first 2 days there may be swelling, bruising and oozing of blood from the nose. Especially after septoplasty operations performed together with aesthetic nose surgery, cold is applied around the eyes when the operation is over, and within 3-4 hours it becomes possible to eat, drink and walk.

Even if no packing has been placed, patients may not be able to breathe comfortably during the first days because of oedema (swelling) in the tissues. Until healing of the mucosa inside the nose is complete, saline (physiological saline) and decongestant sprays, together with softening drops or sprays, are used for 2-3 weeks against the dryness and crusting that will occur. On the sixth day the splint and stitches are removed.

After the splint is removed, the patient can return to work. If bruises remain, they can be concealed with the help of concealer make-up. After about 3 weeks the swelling largely subsides and the patient's operated appearance passes. At the end of three months 80% of the swelling has resolved, but the nose only takes on its true appearance at the end of 1 year. Patients should not do sports in which they could receive a blow to the face for 3 weeks after surgery, and should protect themselves from the sun for 3 months.