What is the Septum?

The wall that separates the two sides of your nostrils is called the nasal septum. Ideally this separa-tion on the right and left are the same. If one side of your nasal passage is smaller than the other it is likely caused by a deviated nasal septum. If this deviation is severe it can cause difficulty in breath-ing, nosebleeds, frequent sinus infections, facial pain and noisy breathing during sleep. Sometimes these symptoms can be controlled with medications such as decongestants, antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays.

If you continue to have breathing issues issues Mr Kassam may suggest a septoplasty.

What happens during a septoplasty?

The length of surgery is normally around 60-90 minutes. The operation is all done from within the nose so there are no external scars. A portion of the deviated septum is removed to improve the na-sal passage. Sometimes part of the turbinate ( structured responsible for directing airflow in the na-sal passage ) of your nose will also be removed. Your nose may be packed with dressing coated with antibiotics to control any bleeding and promote healing just after your operation. The packing will either dissolve away by itself or will be removed before you are discharged. Your nose will feel blocked for a few days. Any pain can be controlled using simple analgesia.

What it cannot do

Septoplasty does not address a significant cosmetic change to the nose, for that you will need a septo-rhinoplasty.

Will I need general anaesthetic?

Yes septoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia

Post procedure

To avoid the risk of bleeding or swelling Mr Kassam will ask you to avoid any strenuous activity for the first few weeks. You should also avoid blowing your nose until your follow up appointment. Sleep with your head slightly elevated.

Results

It can take up to 12 months before you see the final results of your septoplasty.

Risks

Most people recover well from septoplasty. As with any surgical procedure there can be complica-tions including bleeding, pain, infection, scarring.

Specific complications in septoplasty might include change in the shape of your nose, septal perfora-tion (an opening in the septum), decrease in the sense of smell, symptoms returning meaning the procedure must be repeated