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For many people, dealing with a deviated septum creates numerous problems that can lead to nasal obstruction, sleep apnea, excessive snoring, and other breathing complications that can have a severe impact on an individual’s quality of life. Restrictions on breathing can lead to serious health hazards such as increased blood pressure, a stronger likelihood of developing shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, and even emotional issues.
A septum is classified as deviated when the partition between the two nostrils is crooked, which causes a blockage of the nostril. This could result in either a partial or complete impairment of the natural breathing pathways.
Luckily, undergoing a septoplasty with Dr. Pearlman, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, can straighten a patient’s septum and provide relief from impaired breathing and snoring as well as
more serious conditions like sleep apnea.
THE PROCEDURE
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure and takes under one hour to complete. It is performed to treat any of the following conditions: deviated septum, sinus-related health problems, severe snoring, or sleep apnea.
Dr. Pearlman will begin the surgery by making a small incision within the patient’s nostril to lift the surrounding tissue and get a clearer understanding of the bone and cartilage that he will operate on. The problematic portions of the bone or cartilage will be removed or reshaped to straighten the septum. In some instances, the doctor will place soft splints to promote straight healing and minimize the chance of scar tissue formation.
Septoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can decrease snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. There is little to no discomfort during the procedure, no breaking of the nose, and no change in the patient’s outward appearance. The surgery will relieve the blockage from the airway, which restores the body’s natural breathing patterns.
RECOVERY
Most patients report minimal pain, even during the recovery period, which allows them to resume full activity within a few weeks of their surgery. Most patients can go back to work in less than a week. It is also typical for patients to have no external bruising or swelling following the procedure. It is possible for blood or mucus leakage to drain through the nostrils after the surgery, but this is a normal part of the healing process.
PAIRING WITH RHINOPLASTY
In many cases, patients who are planning to undergo septoplasty often decide to include rhinoplasty simultaneously. This prevents patients from having to pay for a second round of anesthesia and hospital fees, and it cuts back on the total amount of recovery time.
If you are looking to enhance the appearance of your nose while dealing with structural issues from a deviated septum, this combination is highly recommended.
For more information about relieving your breathing problems through septoplasty, or to learn more about a combination procedure, contact Dr. Pearlman’s office today by calling 212-223-8300.