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Septoplasty New York

Septoplasty

The interior of the nose is separated into two chambers by a partition made of cartilage and bone, known as the septum. Sometimes this wall is crooked, or deviated, from birth, while other times it may incur defects due to an injury. Drug addiction may also play a role in damaging the septum. As a result, a patient may experience obstructed breathing, sinus infections, postnasal drip, headaches and even nosebleeds. Persons with a deviated septum may breathe noisily during the day and snore at night. Insomnia, or sleep apnea, is a common complaint as well. If you're interested in a deviated septum surgery in NYC, visit Dr. Kwak for a consultation.

Benefits of septoplasty

Although sleep aids, decongestants and allergy medications may provide some temporary relief for these troublesome symptoms, only the septoplasty procedure can permanently correct the source of the problem, straightening out the septum cartilage in order to relieve the blockage. Septoplasty is most often accompanied by rhinoplasty, for cosmetic changes. However, if the patient does not wish to make any cosmetic changes to the exterior of the nose, septoplasty can be performed on its own, or in conjunction with sinus or nasal valve surgery.

Details of the NYC septoplasty procedure

Septoplasty can be performed under general or local anesthesia at an ambulatory surgical center or affiliated hospital, and generally takes about 2 hours. Unlike most cosmetic procedures, septoplasty in New York is usually covered in full by insurance companies.

As with rhinoplasty, the surgeon can choose to either perform an open septoplasty, leaving a small scar at the base of the nostrils, or a closed procedure, with all incisions made invisibly inside the nose.

After the incision is made, the mucus membrane covering the septum partition is elevated, exposing the bone and cartilage, which can then be reshaped, or in some cases partially removed. With the breathing passageways successfully cleared, the mucus membrane is then sutured back into place, accompanied by splints or packing.

Choosing the right New York facial plastic surgeon for your septoplasty

Scores of deviated septum clients have experienced restored breathing and nasal functioning as a result of Dr. Kwak’s expertise. Septoplasty in NYC is a technically demanding, complex procedure requiring a background in both facial plastic surgery and ear, nose and throat medicine (otolaryngology). As such, choosing a double certified specialist such as Dr. Kwak--who has spent thousands of hours in training, residency and practice focused exclusively on the nose--ensures the most precise and successful outcomes.

Every NYC septoplasty begins with a detailed private consultation, during which Dr. Kwak will assess your medical records, prior surgeries, any medications or supplements you may be taking, your anesthesia preferences, and your goals for the procedure. This is a good time to let the doctor know of any allergies or discomfort you may be experiencing. Once he has formulated your customized treatment plan, Dr. Kwak will walk you through what to expect from start to finish.

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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

The Difference Between a Rhinoplasty and a Septoplasty

If you’re not a specialist, and you’ve never really investigated the subject of nose surgery, it might be easy to view any “nose job” as pretty much the same sort of procedure.

While it’s true that the term “rhinoplasty” can be applied to the whole topic of nose surgery, including procedures that are strictly for cosmetic purposes, the word “septoplasty” has a very specific meaning.

The Septum

There is a wall of cartilage and bone inside your nose that separates your nostrils. This is known as the septum. If this wall is moved too far too one side, you don’t really have two functioning nostrils. This is known as a “deviated septum.”

Some people are born with this condition, but an injury to the nose can also push the septum out of place.


Problems from a Deviated Septum

As you might imagine, having one side of your nose constantly blocked can create problems. Aside from the most obvious one – difficulty breathing – individuals with a deviated septum can experience the following:

  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • A dry mouth, as a consequence of regularly breathing through the mouth
  • Sleeping difficulties resulting from breathing problems
  • Regular sinus infections, which clearly do not help with breathing problems

The Solution

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure in which the septum is moved into its normal position, enabling the patient to breathe normally. This is not a cosmetic procedure, but a surgery undertaken to restore normal function of the nose.


Am I a Candidate for this Procedure?

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:

  • You have significant trouble breathing.
  • You can’t sleep through the night because you are not able to breathe properly.
  • You have a persistent stuffy nose.
  • You are an excessive snorer, even to the extent that your snoring is preventing your spouse or partner from being able to sleep comfortably, and your quality of sleep is affected.
Septoplasty NYC

Septoplasty Q&A

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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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