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Perforated Septum Repair NYC | ESKMD

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A hole (“perforation”) in the nasal septum – the partition of cartilage and bone that separates the nose into two chambers – can trigger a whole spectrum of burdensome symptoms, from congestion to nosebleeds, infections and migraine headaches. Crusting, whistling and chronic pressure/pain are also often reported by patients suffering from this condition. Left untreated, these ailments only worsen with time. The size of the hole grows, and eventually the nose may even collapse. If you or a loved one is experiencing nose irritation or any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is best to schedule a consultation with one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons NYC has to offer to restore nasal functionality and comfort.

As with most nasal impairments, there are a variety of causes. Sometimes a perforation results from chronic infection; other times it is the outcome of a subpar prior surgery. The hole can also be due to physical trauma from injury, excessive nose picking, drug abuse, or certain rare autoimmune diseases.

While some septum perforations are small enough that they can be treated with non-prescription lubricants or saline solutions, a larger hole must be addressed through septum perforation repair surgery. Luckily, there are several septum perforation repair techniques that have proven highly successful. The best method will be selected by your doctor during consultation.

Why should clients choose

Septum perforation repair is a very delicate and intricate procedure demanding a great deal of detail and medical insight. This is due to the fact that there are actually not one, but three perforations to address: the hole through the septum, and the holes on either side of the protective membrane covering the septum.

As a double board certified plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist, Dr. Kwak is among an elite group of New York facial plastic surgeons that possess the expertise and training to successfully execute such a challenging operation. Consistently at the forefront of his profession, Dr. Kwak is continuously seeking out the newest, most forward-thinking surgical discoveries that allow him to deliver outstanding patient outcomes.

The first step in pursuing septum perforation surgery is to meet with Dr. Kwak in the warmth and comfort of his NYC office, which is staffed by the ESK team of friendly and knowledgeable assistants and nurses. Dr. Kwak will carefully examine your nose, review your medical history, including any prior surgeries and any current medications, discuss your symptoms, and assess the best path forward that is consistent with your goals for improvement. Once he is certain of all the facts, Dr. Kwak will outline his treatment plan so that you know exactly what to expect – from the type of anesthesia you will receive to the details of your recovery.

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The septum perforation repair

Dr. Kwak’s preferred method of repair is similar to his open rhinoplasty technique. In this case, leftover cartilage from the bony section of the septum is employed to bridge the hole, after which the patient’s nasal lining is stretched to cover it. If this method is not viable for some reason, the doctor may also consider building a flap from a tissue graft taken from another part of the body such as the ear to repair the perforation. The 1-2 hour surgery is performed at an ambulatory facility and is covered by most insurance carriers.

Recovery from septum perforation repair

Septum perforation repair patients in Manhattan can expect mild discomfort and pain after the procedure, which are easily alleviated with Tylenol or other medications prescribed by Dr. Kwak. The doctor will also suggest a nasal saline spray to keep the nose hydrated. Swelling can be minimized by avoiding rigorous exercise for at least 2 weeks. If any questions or concerns arise during the recovery process, Dr. Kwak is available 24/7 to assist you, so don’t hesitate to call. As healing progresses, most patients find that along with their breathing, their quality of life is significantly improved.

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