The structure that is located between the nostrils and divides the nasal cavity into two is called the "septum". The septum is composed of bone and cartilage.
What Causes Nasal Curvature?
One of the most common causes of nasal obstruction is deformities in the septum.
Curved septum, which should normally be thin and straight (deviation); It can make breathing through the nose difficult or impossible.
Surgical intervention is recommended in cases where the septum is deformed enough to cause nasal obstruction. These surgeries in which the septum curvature is corrected; It is called "septoplasty".
What is Septoplasty Surgery (Septum Deviation)?
Septoplasty; It is the operation to correct the deformity of the septum.
After the anesthesia applied to the patient, an incision is made through the nose on one side of the septum. The surgeon corrects the obstructing part of the septum from this incision.
In deviation surgery; The obstructing septum part can be removed or the obstructing septum part can be corrected and repositioned. No matter which method is applied, the external appearance of the nose does not change. We generally do not use nasal packing after surgery. Therefore, after the operation, our patients can return to their home and normal life in a short time. After the doctor's control, they can return to their homes.
Our patients can easily get through the post-operative recovery period, as nasal packing is not used in our otorhinolaryngology department unless it is absolutely necessary.
Things to Consider After Septoplasty Surgery
- After the operation, be careful not to hit your nose, to move your nose.
- Do not blow your nose. It is better to pull the runny nose back into your nose rather than blowing it.
- A week after the surgery, you can start to blow your nose lightly.
- Do not hold your sneeze, be careful not to sneeze with your mouth open.
- Make sure to use a straw to drink liquids.
- It is natural to have very little and bloody nasal discharge at first. Over time, this discharge turns into a yellow-pink color.
- The feeling of swelling and fullness in your nose decreases within a few weeks.
- In order to reduce swelling and fullness, instead of lying flat on the bed, you should keep your head 30 degrees above heart level. It will be beneficial.
- As the surgical site heals, crusting may occur in the nose. This situation lasts for a maximum of 3-6 weeks.
- Cold compresses can be applied to reduce nasal discharge, swelling and comfort. You can apply an ice pack or a towel moistened with ice water on your nose without pressing it. A cold compress applied within the first 72 hours after the surgery will relieve you.
- If necessary, you can use painkillers recommended by your doctor after the surgery. Do not use any medication without consulting your doctor. Medicines such as aspirin may cause bleeding as they will dilute the blood.
- Be careful not to take a shower/bath with very hot water.
- You can return to your normal life within 1 week after the surgery. However, you should avoid exercises such as running, swimming, and lifting weights.
- Call your doctor immediately if you have pain that cannot be controlled with medication or if you have a fever above 38 °C.
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