Septoplasty
Septoplasty, or surgery of the nasal septum, is designed to correct breathing problems related to a deviated septum. Patients will typically notice restricted nasal breathing, with one side always being worse than the other. They may or may not have external nasal crookedness.
Some people acquire a deviated septum through nasal trauma. Other patients’ deviated septums simply grow that way.
Septoplasty surgery is done through incisions on the inside of the nostrils. You may also need a procedure to shrink your turbinates at the same time to further improve your breathing.
Patients typically have a large number of dissolvable stitches in their noses following surgery. Dr. Schmidt does not routinely use post-operative nasal packing or internal splints that require removal. Recent scientific literature suggests that such measures are unnecessary.
Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis at a local surgery center. Patients typically return to work after a couple of days.
For more of Dr. Schmidt’s thoughts on Septoplasty, check out our blog archives!