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Septoplasty in New York | Deviated Septum Surgery NYC | Dr. Kwak

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Septoplasty NYC

What is a Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure specifically designed to correct a deviated septum, which is a partition of bone and cartilage that divides the interior of the nose into two chambers. When the septum is deviated due to genetics, injury, or other factors, it can obstruct the nasal passageway, leading to serious functional problems. The purpose of septoplasty is to surgically straighten or partially remove the abnormal cartilage and bone, relieving the blockage and restoring proper breathing function.

Unlike rhinoplasty, septoplasty is a functional procedure and does not necessarily change the external appearance of the nose, although it is often combined with it for cosmetic refinement. The procedure is crucial for improving a patient's quality of life by resolving chronic issues stemming from nasal obstruction. It is the only way to permanently correct the symptoms caused by a deviated septum, making an expert septoplasty in NYC the definitive solution for functional nasal issues.

Am I a Candidate for Septoplasty?

Septoplasty NYC

Not every deviated septum is sufficiently out of place to cause problems that require surgery. However, if you experience the following symptoms, this procedure could bring relief to you:

  • Significant Breathing Difficulty: You have trouble breathing through your nose, particularly on one side.
  • Persistent Nasal Congestion: You suffer from a chronic or persistent stuffy nose that does not clear up with medication.
  • Sleep Disruption: You cannot sleep through the night because you are unable to breathe properly.
  • Excessive Snoring: You are an excessive snorer, especially if your snoring impacts the sleep quality of your partner or spouse.

Benefits of septoplasty

While temporary solutions like sleep aids, decongestants, and allergy medications may offer brief relief from bothersome nasal symptoms, only the septoplasty procedure can permanently correct the source of the problem. By surgically straightening out the deviated septum cartilage and bone, septoplasty definitively relieves the internal blockage inside the nasal passages.

The core benefit of deviated septum surgery in NYC is the significant and lasting improvement in nasal function and breathing, which helps resolve chronic issues like noisy snoring, persistent congestion, frequent sinus infections, and difficulty sleeping, thereby enhancing a patient's overall quality of life.

Rhinoplasty with Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a highly flexible procedure that can be performed as a standalone operation or combined with other surgeries to address comprehensive patient needs. It is most often accompanied by rhinoplasty for patients who desire both cosmetic changes to the nose's external appearance and functional correction of the septum.

However, if you do not wish to make any cosmetic changes, septoplasty can be performed entirely on its own to restore clear breathing. Additionally, it is frequently performed in conjunction with other functional procedures, such as sinus surgery or nasal valve surgery, to address multiple underlying structural issues simultaneously.

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Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty

Septoplasty: The Procedure Explained

The septoplasty procedure is a precise and specialized surgery focused on functional improvement. The operation is typically performed under general or local anesthesia and usually takes about two hours. To access the septum, the surgeon chooses between two techniques: an open approach, which leaves a small, discreet scar at the base of the nostrils, or a closed approach, where all incisions are made invisibly inside the nose.

Once the initial incision is made, the mucous membrane that covers the septum partition is carefully elevated. This action exposes the underlying bone and cartilage, which can then be meticulously reshaped or, in some cases, partially removed to clear the breathing passageways. After the structures are corrected, the mucous membrane is carefully sutured back into place. Finally, the surgeon places soft splints or nasal packing to provide immediate support and stabilize the newly straightened septum during the initial stages of healing.

Recovery from septoplasty

New York septoplasty patients typically return home the same day as their surgery. The sutures used during the procedure will dissolve on their own, and packing will be removed within 24 hours. Splints can remain in place for up to several weeks. Some drainage and swelling is to be expected, but clients can help remedy this by sleeping with their head in an elevated position for a few weeks.

Strenuous activities and vigorous nose blowing should be avoided for 10-14 days. Because this procedure is performed within the nose structure, there will not be a visible scar on your nose. As healing progresses, deviated septum patients will find their breathing has improved significantly, along with their quality of life.

Septoplasty New York

Insurance Coverage for Septoplasty

A significant advantage of septoplasty is its classification as a functional medical procedure, which differs fundamentally from purely cosmetic surgery. Because septoplasty is performed to correct a structural issue (the deviated septum) that causes health problems like breathing obstruction and chronic sinus issues, the procedure is often covered by insurance companies.

We highly recommend that patients contact their insurance provider directly before their NYC septoplasty consultation. This allows you to confirm your specific coverage details, understand any required co-pays, and clarify if the procedure will fall under your plan's medical benefits. While coverage is typical, individual policies vary.

Testimonial

I went through my rhino-septoplasty procedure with Dr.Kwak last January, and it was one of the best decisions that I made. I did a lot of homework before settling on Dr.Kwak, and he really stood out as it is clear that he has an eye for aesthetics while prioritising the long term outcomes of the procedure. Rhinoplasty is one of those procedures that has a high revision rate, and I was extremely scared by this too. Dr.Kwak was clear about what he does and does not do, and explained to me the techniques and the possible risks involved so that I understand the whole picture before deciding to pursue this. One year later I am extremely happy with the outcome, my results are natural and his team was also with me every step of the healing journey. Could not recommend him more!

- C. J.

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Why Choose Dr. Kwak for Septoplasty?

Dr. Kwak possesses the essential combination of skill, experience, artistry, and compassion, making him one of the most trusted surgeons for septoplasty in NYC. Your results are meticulously focused on restoring optimal nasal function and relieving breathing obstruction, significantly improving your quality of life.

As a double board-certified surgeon by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Kwak has been delivering exceptional patient care for over 10 years. His commitment to excellence has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including:

  • New York Super Doctor (2015-2020)
  • New York Rising Stars (2013-2014)
  • Recipient of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society Award
  • Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor 2019

Septoplasty Q&A

Will a Septoplasty Straighten my Droopy Columella?

Q: My clumella is droopy on one side due to my deviated septum, when my septum is straightened after my septoplasy, will my columella be straightened an symmetrical on both nostrils?

A: Droopy columella. A hanging or "droopy" columella can be caused from several factors including the shape of the medial crura or the shape of the septum. If the septum is deviated in the front of your nose and creating a droopy columella then a septoplasty may correct this.

I had a septoplasty 2 weeks ago. Should I be worried about a massive nosebleed?

Q: I seemed to be recovering well with no complications. this morning i awoke with a massive nosebleed that would not stop for approximately 15 minutes. It was gushing from my nose and a large clot came out approximately the size of a penny. i was really worried with the amount i lost .what am i best doing to ensure it does not happen again. thank you Stuart Busby.

A: Nosebleed after septoplasty. One of the biggest concerns as a surgeon performing nasal surgery is postoperative bleed. The amount of bleeding can vary significantly from small amounts of spotting to a significant nosebleed.

The risks of nosebleed associated with nasal surgery can be up to 2 week after surgery. From your description, I would definitely recommend speaking to your surgeon as soon as possible to have this evaluated.

Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction

Q: My nose gets congested on 1 side then switches later. believe this is a turbinate obstruction. during a septoplasty would they remove this entirely? if not, why not?

A: Normal nasal cycles. Your nose goes through nasal cycles related to blood flow. Resulting in an alternating sensation of nasal congestion. This can be more pronounced during a common cold or if you have structural issues inside the nose (deviated septum or inferior turbinate hypertrophy). If it is related to a structural issue surgery may help. Best to consult with your ENT or rhinoplasty surgeon.

Has my Septoplasty Failed? And More, Please Help!

Q: I had to have septoplasty to help my breathing through one nostril. I am 4 weeks post-op and one the opposite side has been blocked and very obstructed since i had my splints removed. I am having extremely bad sinus pain above that-sided eyebrow too. My nose still looks crooked although i know that would need rhino, but this seems like it has made it worse. I also wanted to ask, i have slight frontal bossing, could this be related to my sinus problems ive had for so long. Any advice is welcome!

A: Healing after septoplasty. Your concerns are common after septoplasty. Just like any part of your body your nose will require time to heal. One month out patients can expect to have intermittent nasal obstruction as the nose settles. Also sinus pressure can be felt during this time as the sinuses can get temporarily inflamed.

What Can Be Done for Septum Pain and Deviation, and Enlarged Turbinates?

Q: I have a constant septum pain and inside my nose for about 2 weeks now. I had it before but never constantly, always had difficulty to breathe only through my nose. I went to an otolaryngologist yesterday but it wasn't helpful. He couldn't answer my questions. My turbinates also look pretty enlarged to me. He didn't make a scan of my nose, only outside examination. I got cortisone spray but afraid it won't improve my condition for a long time. I had trauma when I was 11 (now I'm 23). Could it be deviated septum? What should I do? I feel awful.

A: Nasal septal pain. While you may have a deviated septum and or enlarged turbinates, pain in the nose typically indicates an acute and active process usually involving an inflammatory and or infectious process. This should be treated appropriately with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication. Once the acute issues have been stabilized and if you indeed have a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates these can be addressed with surgery at a later date.

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