As a type of septum repair, at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, we see many patients for perforated septum surgery. In NYC, Dr. Pearlman is a distinguished rhinoplasty specialist with advanced expertise in nasal surgeries, including perforated and deviated septum surgery.
What Causes a Perforation
Nasal septum perforations occur when the tissue in the nasal septum, which is the cartilage and bone structure separating the two nostrils, becomes weakened to the point of developing a tear or hole.
Common causes of nasal perforations:
- Injury
- Chronic infections
- Surgical complications
- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Past intra-nasal drug use
- Environmental factors like chemicals or dry air
Using Surgery to Repair the Septum
Surgery for a perforated septum involves several key steps. It typically happens under general anesthesia, followed by an incision inside the nostril to access the septum.
Dr. Pearlman removes any damaged tissue around the perforation and uses grafts—often using something called fascia that can be harvested with an incision in your temple, behind the hairline —to close the hole. After stitching the grafts in place, nasal stents may be applied to support the repair for the first few days to a number of weeks while it heals.
Expected Recovery Timeline
The recovery for perforated septum repair is less than a full septoplasty or rhinoplasty procedure.
During the first few days, expect some swelling and discomfort, so rest and keep your head elevated. In the coming days,
Weeks 1 to 2 will see ongoing healing, but it’s essential to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous activities. By the end of the first month, most people experience significant improvement and are back to normal routines.
Need perforated septum surgery in NYC? Visit Dr. Pearlman
At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, we’re home to Dr. Pearlman, one of the top rhinoplasty surgeons in NYC. Dr. Pearlman is uniquely dual-board certified in both facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery (ENT).
