The septum separates the right and left sides of the nose and is made of bone and cartilage. A well-positioned septum can enhance nasal structure, support healthy function, and may contribute to improved nasal contour. In a perfect world, everyone’s septum is located exactly in the middle of the nose – but that is not usually the case. Some people have slightly off-center septums while some have severely crooked septums. This condition is known as a deviated septum, regardless of the severity of the crookedness. Contact Jacksonville Breathe Free today to see if septoplasty may be right for you.
SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
Can You Benefit From Septoplasty Surgery?
WHAT IS SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY?
A deviated septum can often cause several health concerns including:
- Breathing issues
- Nosebleeds
- Snoring
- Sinus pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Postnasal drip
- Headaches
- Facial tenderness and pain
WHAT CAUSES A DEVIATED SEPTUM?
A deviated septum can result from various factors. Some people are born with it, while others develop it later in life. It may arise from a prenatal injury, stress during childbirth, or from an accident, fall, or sports-related injury later on.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SEPTOPLASTY PROCEDURE?
Before proceeding, your doctor will assess the severity of your deviated septum to determine if surgery is necessary. If surgery is recommended, they will explain the procedure and ask about allergies, bleeding issues, and current medications. Providing all relevant information helps tailor the treatment to your needs.
All septoplasty procedures at our clinic are outpatient, meaning patients go home the same day with personalized recovery guidance. The procedure normally takes only one to two hours. Your doctor will either place you under general anesthesia (this will keep you asleep throughout the procedure) or local anesthesia (this will keep only the nasal area numb during the procedure).
The skilled physician will then make an incision on one side of your nose to access the septum. Then, they will lift the mucous membrane that covers it. They will then proceed to reshape the bone and cartilage of the septum area and reposition the mucous membrane. The doctor will use splints to protect the nasal area as the surrounding tissues heal.
What is Recovery Like After a Septoplasty Surgery?
After the procedure, the patient will be moved to a recovery room, waiting for the anesthesia to wear off. When your doctor clears you to go home, you must be accompanied to do so. Additionally, a trusted adult should stay with you for at least 24 hours after the procedure to make sure no complications arise. The doctor may also provide pain medication and pain management instructions to help you heal.
While recovering and healing, avoid exercising and other strenuous activities that may hinder proper healing. Your doctor will give you a timeframe of when it is safe to go back to your regular lifestyle.
Are There Risks Associated With Septoplasty?
As with any surgery, septoplasty comes with associated risks including:
- Scarring
- Decreased smelling ability
- Excessive bleeding
- Change in nose shape
- Fluid build-up
It’s important to work with a qualified surgical team you trust. Also, be sure to follow all aftercare instructions from your doctor to minimize and avoid potential risks.
Septoplasty at Jacksonville Breathe Free
Our team at Jacksonville Breathe Free can discuss how septoplasty may help address the challenges of a deviated septum. Get in touch with us to get more information regarding the procedure.
