Free nasal breathing is a guarantee of health and a high quality of life. One of the most common causes of systematic 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 plate that includes sections of bone and cartilage, covered with a mucous membrane. She divides the nose into two parts. This feature of the anatomical structure is not accidental.
The nose is necessary to filter and heat the air. If it were a single cavity, it would be quickly depleted and unable to fully perform its functions. Thanks to the partition, each half of the nose works in turn, which guarantees continuous air filtration.
Furthermore, the nasal septum supports the shape of the nose, being its skeleton.
Curvature symptoms
A patient with this pathology worries about:
- nasal congestion;
- Headaches;
- dry mouth after sleeping;
- bleeding;
- frequent inflammatory diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis);
- decreased working capacity, quality of life;
- rapid fatigue.
The plastic surgeon cites the following statistics:
According to recent studies, less than 25% of people in the world have an even septum. Many of them are not bothered by anything, since the curvature is insignificant and does not interfere with breathing through the nose. This group of patients does not require any therapy. However, if these symptoms are present, then this is a direct indication for surgical treatment - septoplasty.
How is nasal septum correction surgery performed?
Before septoplasty, a consultation with an otolaryngologist and a complete examination are necessary. First, a CT scan is done. 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 blood and urine tests;
- blood chemistry;
- coagulation;
- blood for a number of infections (syphilis, viral hepatitis, HIV);
- cardiogram;
- fluorography.
All this is necessary in order 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 intervention according to a clear algorithm:
- Opens the nasal mucosa. The incision is made in the nasal cavity, which completely eliminates the presence of an aesthetic defect after the operation.
- Other actions depend on the type of defect. If there is an isolated spike or ridge, then it is removed. If the curvature is complex, S-shaped, then the partition is partially destroyed and "created" again.
- Sew up the mucosa. Self-absorbable threads are applied.
- Silicone splints are inserted into the nasal passage and sutured. These are plates that maintain the correct shape of the nasal septum, prevent the development of septal hematoma and accelerate the healing process.
The duration of the nasal septum plasty depends entirely on the complexity and amount of work and can vary from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
After surgical procedures, the patient must spend 1-2 days in the hospital.
Rehabilitation after surgery to correct the septum
After the operation, the patient needs a stationary regimen. Antibacterials, hemostatic therapy and analgesics are prescribed. It is also necessary to take care of the splints, constantly washing them with saline solutions. After septoplasty, bruising and swelling may appear on the face, which disappear after 3-5 days. During this period, nasal breathing is difficult due to swelling in the nasal cavity and the splints.
The splints are removed on day 7-10. Nasal breathing improves, but not completely due to continued swelling.
After that, the patient should be at home on rest 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 hard;
- limit sleeping on your back and wearing glasses.
The doctor may also recommend the use of drops and sprays aimed at accelerating the healing of the mucosa and restoring the epithelium in the nasal cavity.
The final result can be assessed after 2-3 months, when the edema completely disappears and the healing processes are complete.