What is a septoplasty?
A septoplasty is a procedure in which Dr. Furze corrects a deviated septum. Up to 80% of Americans have different-sized nostrils because of a crooked or misaligned septum — the wall of cartilage that separates your nostrils.
In most of these cases, the problem isn’t significant enough to warrant intervention. However, sometimes the misalignment is a deviated septum, which can lead to:
- Difficulty breathing
- A runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Snoring
- Recurrent or chronic sinusitis
- Headaches
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Sleep apnea
- Facial pain
The severity of these symptoms depends upon the degree of imbalance, but a moderately to severely deviated septum can have a cascading effect on your quality of life.
Since the problem is anatomical, only a septoplasty can provide relief as other treatments simply address the symptoms and not the deviated septum itself.
What happens during a septoplasty?
Once Dr. Furze thoroughly examines your nasal cavity, he comes up with a surgical plan that best remedies your unique problem. Each septoplasty is different, which is why you want an experienced and highly trained surgeon like Dr. Furze to perform your septoplasty. As an added benefit, Dr. Furze is also board-certified in plastic surgery so he can tend to your cosmetic concerns at the same time as he corrects your septum.
During the procedure, Dr. Furze places you under general or local anesthesia, depending upon your preferences. Once you’re comfortable, he makes an incision in the mucosal lining of your septum to access the cartilage and bone underneath. Dr. Furze then straightens and repositions your nasal septum by cutting and removing parts of the structure before reinserting them in their new position.
Dr. Furze’s goal during your septoplasty is to leave enough of your cartilage and bone intact so that he can maintain the structural integrity of your nose.
What is recovery like after a septoplasty?
After your septoplasty, you’re free to return home, though you should arrange for someone to drive you. Dr. Furze may temporarily stabilize your septum with splints or internal sutures, which he removes when the time is right.
A septoplasty is less invasive than other nasal surgeries, but you should still plan on:
- Avoiding strenuous activity while you recover
- Keeping your head elevated, especially while you sleep, for a couple of weeks
- Refraining from blowing your nose for a week
- Taking your pain medications as directed
- Applying cold compresses
Dr. Furze monitors your progress every step of the way, and after three to six months you should be breathing easier through your newly aligned septum.
To find out whether you’re a candidate for septoplasty, call Alexis Furze, MD, or schedule a consultation online today.
