Free nasal breathing is a guarantee for health and high quality of life. One of the most common causes of systemic nasal breathing disorders is a deviated septum. This problem can not be solved with drops and tablets. Only plastic surgery can help here.
Why is a nasal septum needed?
The nasal septum is a plaque that includes sections of bone and cartilage, covered with a mucous membrane. It divides the nose into two parts. This feature of the anatomical structure is not accidental.
The nozzle is needed for filtering and heating the air. If it were a single cavity, it would be impoverished quickly and would not be able to fully perform its functions. Thanks to the separation, each half of the nose works in turn, which ensures continuous air filtration.
In addition, the nasal septum supports the shape of the nose, being its skeleton.
Bending symptoms
A patient with this pathology is concerned about:
- nasal congestion;
- headache;
- dry mouth after sleep;
- bleeding;
- frequent inflammatory diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis);
- reduction of work 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 equal septum. Many of them do not bother with anything, as 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, it is necessary to undergo a consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist and a thorough examination. First, a CT scan is done. This allows you to fully study the structure of the septum, determine the purpose of the operation. You will also need to pass some tests:
- clinical analysis of blood and urine;
- blood chemistry;
- coagulation;
- blood for a variety of infections (syphilis, viral hepatitis, HIV);
- cardiograms;
- fluorography.
All this is necessary to exclude possible contraindications to surgery.
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 surgery.
- Further actions depend on the type of defect. If there is an insulated rivet or ridge, then it is removed. If the curvature is complex, S-shaped, then the partition is partially destroyed and "created" again.
- Suturing the mucosa. Self-absorbing fibers are applied.
- Silicone partitions are inserted into the nasal passage and closed. These are plaques that maintain the proper shape of the nasal septum, prevent the development of septal hematoma, and speed up the healing process.
The duration of nasal septum plastic surgery depends entirely on the complexity and amount of work and can range from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
After surgical procedures, the patient should spend 1-2 days in the hospital.
Postoperative rehabilitation for septal correction
After surgery, the patient needs a stationary regimen. Antibacterial, hemostatic and sedative pain therapies are prescribed. It is also necessary to take care of the spleens, constantly washing them with saline solutions. After septoplasty, hematomas 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 spleens.
The strips are removed on day 7-10. Nasal breathing improves, but not completely due to persistent swelling.
After that, the patient should be home at rest for another 4-5 days. In the first 2 weeks you need:
- give up hot baths, saunas, baths;
- restrict physical activity;
- do not blow your nose hard;
- restrict sleep on your back and wear glasses.
The doctor may also recommend the use of drops and sprays aimed at accelerating the healing of the mucosa and restoring the epithelium to the nasal cavity.
The final result can be evaluated after 2-3 months, when the edema disappears completely and the healing processes are complete.