Septoplasty / Functional Rhinoplasty

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Restore Breathing Comfort with Septoplasty

The inside of the nose is a delicate combination of airways and cavities that make up the nasal structure. Even a slight alteration of these structures can cause breathing difficulties, excessive snoring and other functional concerns that drastically reduce the quality of life. Whether caused by trauma or a birth defect, septoplasty, also called functional rhinoplasty, can be performed to provide relief, allowing patients to breathe again without difficulty.

What Is Septoplasty? Symptoms Of A Deviated Septum Benefits Of Septoplasty What Happens During The Procedure? The Recovery Process Ideal Candidacy Why Choose Dr. Fechner?

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What Is Septoplasty?

A septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated septum. A deviated septum occurs when the bones are not straight in the central structure of the nose that separates the nostrils. Septoplasty is one of the most common functional rhinoplasty procedures to correct a deviated septum. During a septoplasty procedure, the bones and cartilage of the septum are straightened to remove obstructions from the breathing passages.

Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

A deviated septum typically causes breathing difficulties, such as frequent, unexplained congestion. A deviated septum is uncomfortable and causes patients to breathe through their mouth, resulting dryness and other concerns, especially at night. This causes patients to have trouble sleeping. A septoplasty can effectively address the following concerns and symptoms of a deviated septum:

Chronic sinus problems
Snoring
Sleep apnea and trouble sleeping
Breathing concerns
Allergies

Benefits of Septoplasty

Septoplasty provides many benefits for patients who suffer from the effects caused by a deviated septum. Benefits include the following:

Easier breathing
Nasal blockage removed
Air flows more easily through the nose
Makes it possible to breathe through their nose rather than through the mouth
Better sleep quality
Resolves excessive snoring and sleep apnea
Better quality of life

What Happens During a Septoplasty Procedure?

Dr. Fechner will begin with a thoughtful consultation to examine your nose and understand your concerns. He will explain the surgery to you in detail, and design a customized surgical plan to meet your exact needs. Your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the complexity of your procedure, Dr. Fechner will utilize either the open or closed rhinoplasty technique to lift the mucous membrane away from the septum, and straighten the nasal bones and cartilage. He may remove sections of cartilage and bone to ensure the nasal structure doesn’t shift back into a position that blocks the airflow.

Typically, septoplasty nose surgeries take about an hour to perform and are performed with closed rhinoplasty. Incisions are made inside the nostrils, and the alterations are made without causing visible scars. Patients undergoing cosmetic rhinoplasty at the same time as their septoplasty may require open rhinoplasty, requiring small incisions to be made on the outside of the nose, carefully made to be hidden in the natural folds of the skin. This provides Dr. Fechner access to the entire nasal structure, allowing him to make more significant changes to the nose.

Recovery After Septoplasty

After your procedure there will be some swelling, which usually dissipates in about a week or so. For patients who are not having additional cosmetic procedures, there is not typically external bruising. Elevate your head and use cold compresses to help with the swelling. Most patients feel able to begin sedentary work again after about two weeks. Wait to resume exercise until 3-6 weeks have passed. Swelling will continue to fade and your results will stabilize over the coming months as your nose settles into its new internal contours.

Who Is A Candidate For Septoplasty?

Candidates for septoplasty are men or women who are suffering from the effects of a deviated septum due to a genetic defect or trauma. Dr. Fechner will conduct a thorough consultation with you, review your medical history, and he will examine the anatomy of your nose and listen to your concerns about your functional issues with your nose. Based on this information, he will determine whether you are a candidate for septoplasty. Ideal candidates for septoplasty meet the following requirements:

Are in good general health
Do not have a history of healing problems or medical concerns
Do not smoke
Have a deviated or crooked nasal septum
The nasal valves do not open and close properly when breathing
Snore excessively or have other breathing problems

Why Choose Dr. Fechner For A Septoplasty Procedure?

Dr. Fechner is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, specializing in functional and cosmetic rhinoplasties and other facial plastic surgeries. Dr. Fechner is known for his significant expertise and outstanding outcomes, and having performed more than 10,000 facial procedures, he has a well-earned reputation as a leading authority in his field. Patients who suffer from the effects of a deviated septum can trust a specialist like Dr. Fechner to resolve their concerns and bring their nose back to functionality, greatly increasing their quality of life. To find out more about septoplasty with Dr. Fechner, please call for a consultation.