Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is often done to improve the look of the nose. It’s one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the United States. In some cases, rhinoplasty may be done along with surgery to repair a deviated septum.
When you have a deviated septum, the bone and cartilage that divides the space between your two nostrils is crooked. This can make it harder for you to breathe through your nose and put you at a greater risk of developing sinus infections.
Surgery for a deviated septum, known as septoplasty, repositions your septum in the middle of your nose. At Plastic Surgery Arts Center in Webster, Texas, Dr. Jan Garcia performs this surgery to help you breathe more freely. He can perform rhinoplasty at the same time to reshape your nose and/or change its size.
If you’re scheduled for surgery for a deviated septum as well as rhinoplasty, here’s what you can expect.
A deviated septum can make it hard to breathe because one or both of your nostrils feel obstructed.
You may experience nosebleeds and facial pain, and breathe noisily during sleep. You most likely have poor nasal drainage, which puts you at greater risk of sinus infections, too.
If conservative treatments don’t help your symptoms, surgery may be the best answer.
During septoplasty, Dr. Garcia trims, repositions, and replaces cartilage or bone. This helps you breathe better and feel more comfortable.
During your septoplasty, Dr. Garcia may also perform rhinoplasty to further modify bone and cartilage to change your nose’s appearance.
Dr. Garcia performs your nose surgery while you’re under general anesthesia. He makes incisions inside the nose and sometimes, depending on your case, he makes an incision between the nostrils.
If you have crooked nasal bones that are pushing the septum off to a side, he may need to cut some of your nasal bones to reposition them. He may also shave these bones down to change the shape of your nose. If you have issues with the bridge of your nose, he may implant reinforcing strips of cartilage to correct the deviated septum and give you a pleasing look.
Once the surgery is complete, Dr. Garcia closes any incisions with absorbable sutures. You may have soft silicone splints inserted into each nostril to support your nose’s new shape. The doctor may pack your nose with gauze to prevent excessive bleeding.
Once your vital signs are back to normal, you’re sent home to recover. Usually, you go home the same day as your procedure.
In the weeks after your surgery, you’ll need to elevate your head while sleeping. Avoid blowing your nose, and choose clothes that button or zipper up the front so you don’t have to pull shirts over your head.
You’ll also receive instructions about how to care for your nose during healing. This includes recommendations to avoid strenuous activities for up to five weeks.
You’ll feel and look more like yourself after three months, but it can take six months to a year for all swelling to subside and tissues to settle.
If you’ve been told you have a deviated septum and would like to change your nose’s appearance, contact us at Plastic Surgery Arts Center in Webster, Texas. Call us today or use the “book online” button on this website to request an appointment.
