While people have long been getting rhinoplasty to improve their profiles, the humble ‘nose job’ was actually perfected to reduce snoring, improve sleep and even make it easier to breathe during exercise. If your doctor has advised you that you have the option to have a septoplasty, understanding the procedure and all the attendant risks is integral to making the best decision for yourself.
At New England Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center, Dr. John Lazor can help restore your breathing with septoplasty. Don’t suffer through chronic nasal problems or a deviated septum. Contact New England Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center today to schedule your consultation. Our medical staff can answer any questions you may have, and we can help determine if septoplasty is right for you.
Indications for Surgery
Everyone has a septum. It is the thin formation of cartilage and bone that separates your nose into two nasal passages. However, if your septum is deviated, meaning it is off-center or malformed, one passage will be larger than the other. This can lead to snoring and breathing issues. In cases where the nasal passage is very narrow, it can even contribute to difficulties with sinus infections.
Complementary Procedures
If you do decide to have the septoplasty done, it also behooves you to think about whether or not you would like to have a rhinoplasty done at the same time. During the same procedure, your surgeon or a plastic surgeon can reshape your nose. If you’ve ever wanted to have your nose thinned out or have your broken nose bump shaved down, now is the time. As most of the risk associated with these procedures come from the anesthesia, getting them done at the same time is a smart move.
If your doctor has advised you that you have a deviated septum and surgery is an option, being educated about the process and the risks is essential. Of course, always discuss any remaining concerns you have with your surgeon before consenting to surgery.
Possible Complications
While a septoplasty can give you awesome results, it’s important that you understand all the risks associated with the procedure. You may experience excessive bleeding. This is usually not a problem, as surgical candidates are encouraged to discontinue all blood-thinning medications and supplements before the procedure takes place. Bleeding is to be expected, but excessive blood loss could be cause for aborting the procedure or a blood transfusion. If you cannot or will not receive blood products, talk to your surgeon about banking your own blood ahead of the surgery, if possible.
