An Insight to the Ideology and Practice of Septoplasty

We all know humans have two nostrils through which we breathe. The two nostrils are separated by a bridge, which is called septum. It is a cartilaginous, bony structure that runs right in the middle of your nose that separates the two nostrils. The natural shape of the septum is supposed to be straight, so that both nostrils are identical and the mucous inside can flow freely. However, sometimes due to injury or by birth, the septum is not straight. This causes many medical problems in a person – aching nose, mucous obstruction, breathing troubles, etc. It also causes people to lose the aesthetic pleasantness of the face. Medical science today has allowed this problem to be corrected through septoplasty. Here is an article giving insight to the ideology and practice of septoplasty.

What is septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure performed on the bridge of a patient’s nose in order to straighten and align it. It is performed when there is a deviated septum in a patient’s nose which causes one nostril to be enlarged while the other is shrunk. This disturbed proportion can cause facial pains and nosebleeds, which is why it is necessary to correct it. Septoplasty straightens the septum, allowing free flow of air and mucous, making the patient healthier than before. Nowadays, septoplasty is being performed for cosmetic reasons as well to get a smaller, straighter and prettier nose – and all this is achievable in combination with rhinoplasty.

How is septoplasty done?

It is a relatively simple procedure which may sound crudely technical. An incision is made on one side of the nose to access the septum. The mucous membrane (which is a protective covering over the septum) is then lifted off the septum. Straightening procedure is now performed which includes pushing the septum back into its right place, and shaving off any extra bone or cartilage that is in the way. The nose is then packed with cotton to keep the fragments in place.

Recovery

It is not a major surgical procedure, and only local anaesthesia is required – which means you will be able to go home the same day you are operated on. Physical activity should be avoided, and consumption of drugs not on the prescription should be avoided as well. The packing in the nose is changed in every two days. Healing duration depends on the individual.

Septoplasty in India is a specialty in The Esthetic Clinics, Mumbai. If you are lined up for this procedure, you should give this clinic a visit.