Free nasal breathing is a guarantee of health and a high quality of life. One of the most common causes of systemic nasal breathing disorders is a deflected septum. This problem cannot be solved with drops and tablets. Only plastic surgery can help here.
Why is a nasal septum needed?
The nasal septum is a plate that includes bone and cartilage areas covered with mucosa. It divides the nose into two parts. This feature of the anatomical structure is not accidental.
The nose is needed to filter and heat the air. If it were a single cavity, it would quickly run out and could not fully perform its functions. Thanks to the barrier, each half of the nose works in turn, which ensures continuous air filtration.
In addition, the nasal septum maintains the shape of the nose, being its skeleton.
Symptoms of curvature
A patient with this pathology is concerned about:
- nasal congestion;
- headache;
- dry mouth after sleep;
- bleeding;
- frequent inflammatory diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis);
- reduction of working capacity, quality of life;
- rapid fatigue.
The plastic surgeon cites the following statistics:
According to recent studies, less than 25% of people in the world have a uniform barrier. Many of them do not worry about anything, as the curvature is insignificant and does not interfere with breathing through the nose. This group of patients does not require any therapy. However, if these symptoms are present, then this is a direct indication for surgical treatment - septoplasty.
How is the operation for correction of the nasal septum performed?
Before septoplasty it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist and a full examination. First, a computed tomography scan is performed. It allows you to fully study the structure of the septum, to determine the scope of the operation. You will also need to pass several tests:
- clinical analysis of blood and urine;
- blood chemistry;
- clotting;
- blood for a number of infections (syphilis, viral hepatitis, HIV);
- cardiogram;
- fluorography.
All this is necessary to exclude possible contraindications for surgery.
The correction of the nasal septum is performed under anesthesia with the addition of local anesthesia. After anesthesia, the surgeon performs the intervention according to a clear algorithm:
- Opens the nasal mucosa. The incision is made in the nasal cavity, which completely eliminates the presence of an aesthetic defect after surgery.
- Further action depends on the type of defect. If there is an isolated spike or ridge, then it is removed. If the curvature is complex, S-shaped, then the barrier is partially destroyed and "re-created".
- Suturing of the mucosa. Self-explanatory threads are applied.
- The silicone splints are placed in the nasal passage and sutured. These are plates that maintain the correct shape of the nasal septum, prevent the development of septal hematoma and accelerate the healing process.
The duration of the plastic of the nasal septum depends entirely on the complexity and volume of work and can vary from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
After surgical procedures, the patient should spend 1-2 days in the hospital.
Rehabilitation after barrier correction surgery
After the operation the patient needs a stationary regime. Antibacterial, hemostatic therapy and analgesics are prescribed. It is also necessary to take care of the rails by constantly washing them with saline solutions. After septoplasty, hematomas and swelling of the face may appear, which disappear after 3-5 days. During this period, nasal breathing is difficult due to swelling in the nasal cavity and splints.
The splints are removed on the 7th-10th day. Nasal breathing improves, but not completely due to continued swelling.
Then the patient should be home at rest for another 4-5 days. During the first 2 weeks you need:
- give up hot tubs, saunas, baths;
- restriction of physical activity;
- do not blow your nose hard;
- limit sleeping on your back and wearing glasses.
The doctor may also recommend the use of drops and sprays aimed at accelerating the healing of the mucosa and the restoration of the epithelium in the nasal cavity.
The end result can be assessed after 2-3 months, when the swelling completely disappears and the healing process ends.