{"id":1530,"date":"2020-12-23T10:29:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T16:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foothillsentahc.com\/?p=1530"},"modified":"2020-12-28T10:30:07","modified_gmt":"2020-12-28T16:30:07","slug":"does-your-deviated-septum-require-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foothillsentahc.com\/does-your-deviated-septum-require-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Your Deviated Septum Require Surgery?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that separates your nostrils. For most people, their septum is at least slightly off-center, but if this asymmetry is significant, it\u2019s known as a deviated septum. Some people are born with a deviated septum while others are the result of a nose injury. There is nothing wrong with having a deviated septum<\/a>, although for some people it can cause health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a Deviated Septum Causes Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A significantly deviated septum<\/a> can block one or both nostrils, causing trouble breathing and\/or frequent sinus infections. This is because a stuffy nose creates a breeding ground for bacteria, causing pain, inflammation and infection that is difficult to recover from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this is the case, surgery may be recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Is Septoplasty Performed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The surgery to straighten a deviated septum is known as septoplasty. This procedure is typically performed by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or a plastic surgeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your surgeon will instruct you to avoid medications that include ibuprofen or aspirin before the surgery, as this can increase bleeding. On the day of the surgery, you\u2019ll receive anesthesia. You may or may not be awake for the procedure, which takes about an hour and a half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The surgeon will make incisions inside the nostrils, where scarring won\u2019t be visible, then trim the septum to make it straighter. In some cases, they need to cut the bone in order to place the septum properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may receive splints to keep the septum supported as well as nasal packing to absorb blood and other fluids, which are removed at the first follow-up appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risks and Outcomes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As with any procedure, there are some risks involved, including bleeding, infection, bad reaction to anesthesia or tearing of the septum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, patients continue to have symptoms of sinusitis or other blockages until the condition has completely cleared. Some people have issues with their sense of smell immediately following the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these problems are unlikely, it\u2019s important to weigh the risks and benefits with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recovery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unless there are complications, you can return home after the surgery, though you will need someone to drive you. In the days and weeks following surgery, be sure to\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n