Free nasal breathing is a guarantee of health and high quality of life. One of the most common causes of systemic nasal respiratory disorders is a deviated septum. This problem cannot be solved with drops and tablets. Here only plastic surgery can help.
Why do you need a nasal septum?
The nasal septum is a plate covered with a mucous membrane that covers parts of the bones and cartilage. 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 was only one gap, it would run out quickly and not be able to fully perform its functions. Thanks to the partition, each half of the nose works in turn, which provides continuous air filtration.
In addition, the nasal septum, being its skeleton, supports the shape of the nose.
Symptoms of curvature
A patient with this pathology is concerned:
- nasal congestion;
- headaches;
- dry mouth after sleep;
- bleeding;
- frequent inflammatory diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis);
- reduction of working capacity, quality of life;
- rapid fatigue.
The plastic surgeon refers to the following statistics:
According to recent research, less than 25% of people in the world have an equal septum. Many of them are not worried about anything, because the curvature is insignificant and does not interfere with breathing through the nose. This group of patients does not require any treatment. However, if these symptoms are present, it is a direct indication for surgical treatment - septoplasty.
How is the correction of the nasal septum performed?
Prior to septoplasty, it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist and undergo a thorough examination. First, a CT scan is performed. This allows you to fully study the structure of the septum, to determine the scope of the operation. You will also need to take a few 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 surgery.
Correction of the nasal septum is performed under anesthesia with the addition of local anesthesia. After anesthesia, the surgeon performs the intervention according to a clear algorithm:
- Opens the nasal mucosa. The incision is made in the nasal cavity, which completely eliminates the presence of aesthetic defects after surgery.
- The next steps depend on the type of defect. If there is an insulated spike or ridge, then it is removed. If the curvature is complex, S-shaped, the section is partially destroyed and "re-created".
- Construction of the mucosa. Self-absorbing yarns are applied.
- Silicone tires are inserted into the nasal passage and sewn. These are plaques that maintain the proper shape of the nasal septum, prevent the development of septal hematoma and accelerate the healing process.
The duration of plasticity of the nasal septum depends entirely on the complexity and amount of work and can vary from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
After surgery, the patient should stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.
Postoperative rehabilitation to repair the septum
After the operation, the patient needs an inpatient regimen. Antibacterial, hemostatic therapy and painkillers are prescribed. It is also necessary to take care of the tires, they should always be washed with saline solution. After septoplasty, hematomas and swellings may appear on the face, which disappear after 3-5 days. During this period, nasal breathing becomes difficult due to swelling in the nasal cavity and tires.
Tires are removed in 7-10 days. Nasal breathing improves, but not completely due to ongoing swelling.
After that, the patient should rest at home for another 4-5 days. In the first 2 weeks you will need:
- avoid hot baths, saunas, baths;
- restrict physical activity;
- do not blow your nose hard;
- Limit sleeping on your back and wearing glasses.
Your doctor may also recommend the use of drops and sprays to accelerate the healing of the mucosa and restore the epithelium in the nasal cavity.
The final result can be assessed after 2-3 months, when the edema is completely gone and the healing process is complete.