Septoplasty is not a cosmetic procedure, instead it is a surgical procedure performed for correcting a deviated septum. Septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils. A crooked or deviated septum takes place when septum gets shifted to one side of the nasal cavity. The procedure can cause reduced airflow and difficulty breathing because of blockage of the nasal airway.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides septoplasty and various other cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive procedures for the breast, body, and face to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.
Purpose of Septoplasty is Functional Not Cosmetic
Deviated septum refers to the displacement of the nostril wall that causes blockage. Turbinates or enlarged bone structures may also block the nose. The cosmetic surgeon will perform septoplasty for removing nasal polyps, long-term sinusitis, and other conditions that block the nasal passage.
Crooked septum is common. Pertaining to this, in severe cases, it may reduce airflow by blocking one or both sides of the nose. This may make breathing difficult. Septoplasty is recommended when it gets difficult to breathe through the nose and the symptoms start affecting your quality of life. Your surgeon will recommend the surgery for fixing your deviated septum.
On rare occasions, a surgeon may recommend getting a septoplasty for stopping recurrent nosebleeds. Septoplasty procedure is a common ENT procedure performed in the US. However, doctors will rule out all other treatment options before recommending this procedure for nasal blockage.
Septoplasty Procedure
The septum is straightened after repositioning it to a more middle position in the nose. The procedure involves cutting and removing parts of the septum. The septum is then reinserted into a correct position. It takes an experienced surgeon to straighten bent bone and cartilage in the septum. The mucosa lining is first lifted.
This lining covers the bone and cartilage. The lining is again put into place after the bone and cartilage are reshaped. The surgeon may try to shrink enlarged turbinates if they are causing a blockage. A portion of the turbinate may be removed in some cases.
Results And Recovery
Up to 85% people experience improvement in their nasal blockage following this plastic surgery procedure. You may feel discomfort since the medical team would place packing in the nostrils. This means you would need to breathe through your mouth. The packing is to prevent any bleeding following the surgery. This packing will be removed once you are discharged from the hospital.
In rare cases, splints are placed on the nose. These would need to be removed in the next 7 days. You should be able to go back home on the same day as the surgery as septoplasty is an outpatient procedure. You should expect bleeding and congestion following discharge from the hospital.
Furthermore, most symptoms should resolve on their own in 2 weeks. The doctor will prescribe pain medications to make you more comfortable. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for septoplasty.
Contact the Office of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, CA and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
