Septoplasty in Kirkland

Septoplasty in Kirkland

The nose is a delicate structure that serves important functions for our body and the symmetry of the face. Our nose helps us breathe, and in most cases, provides an ample amount of air to our body. Additionally, sitting center on the face, the nose serves as a vital cosmetic feature. When the nose does not adequately serve one of these purposes, a qualified plastic surgeon can operate to restore function and balance. Septoplasty typically improves breathing and can treat or eliminate a variety of health problems and complications caused by a deviated septum. The ENT specialists and plastic surgeons at Northwest Face Medical specialize in septoplasty procedures and serve the Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland areas.

What is septoplastic surgery?

A septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated septum. A deviated septum is when the cartilage and bone between your nostrils is not even and off center. Often, this results in feeling like you can breathe better through one nostril versus the other. Deviated septums can cause or be a sign of other health or structural problems of the nose.

Usually, a patient undergoes a septoplasty in Kirkland because they do not experience optimal breathing or other complications. Septoplasty is not a cosmetic surgery. Although, some surgeons can perform it during a cosmetic rhinoplasty if you wish to address other aspects of your nose.

Typically, an ENT surgeon or plastic surgeon corrects a deviated septum. At NW Face Medical, our surgeons include ENT and plastic surgeons who understand the intricacies and goals of both fields. This means that they can perform the functional septoplasty with a medical or cosmetic rhinoplasty. Our surgeons want to ensure you achieve your functional and cosmetic goals for your nose.

What Health Problems Can A Deviated Septum Cause Or Worsen?

A deviated septum can cause or worsen many health problems and conditions. While some people with a deviated septum will never have any issues or even notice, others will have major breathing hindrances. Additionally, a deviated septum can worsen existing conditions or symptoms. For example, a deviated septum can put you at a larger risk of chronic sinusitis and other sinus problems.

Other health problems that your deviated septum may cause or worsen can include:

• Sleep apnea
• Continued sinus infections (chronic sinusitis)
• Snoring
• Congestion
• Nose bleeds
• Headaches
• Difficulty breathing through the nose

Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives?

A deviated septum is surprisingly common. Many people will not require any treatment because the deviation does not cause any side effects. If you experience mild symptoms, medications or nasal sprays may provide sufficient relief.

Regardless, your Kirkland ENT specialist will likely recommend trying more conservative treatment before your septoplasty. This allows them to ensure that it is the best course of action. Other at-home remedies for sinus congestion or uncomfortable side effects of a deviated septum can include:

• Over-the-counter allergy medications and decongestants
• Humidifiers
• Nasal irrigation
• Nose sprays

Your Kirkland Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor will help you create a treatment plan cater specially to you. Septoplasty will often be presented as possibility once a deviated septum is diagnosed. However, the ENT surgeons and doctors at Northwest Face Medical prefer to attempt treatment and management methods.

Septoplasty vs. Rhinoplasty

While it is a commonly performed surgery, septoplasty is not as widely known as rhinoplasty. This is because a septoplasty refers to surgery on a smaller area. In fact, a septoplasty is often part of a rhinoplasty. A rhinoplasty is a surgery that can be performed for medical or cosmetic reasons. Your ENT surgeon may perform a septoplasty as part of a rhinoplasty procedure, or on it’s own.

The septoplasty procedure includes only the correction of the crookedness of the septum. Depending on your anatomy and nasal structure, deviated septum surgery can include many different techniques. Yet, the goal is always to reposition the septum to allow for better breathing and relief from symptoms and health problems.
A medical rhinoplasty usually aims to achieve these same goals. However, the surgery requires a larger procedure and may operate on other nasal structures. In certain situations, your ENT may recommend a medical rhinoplasty in addition to or instead of a septoplasty. If your nasal obstruction is further up in the nose or due to a problem unrelated to the septum.

A septoplasty by itself will not likely cause a significant change in the look of the nose. Conversely, rhinoplasty–whether cosmetic or medical–can change the overall appearance of the nose.

When Do I Need A Medical Nose Surgery?

A septoplasty and medical rhinoplasty can have similar causes and the ENT surgeons at NW Face Medical often perform them together. The two most prevalent causes of a deviated septum or nasal obstruction are: those that are present at birth and injuries.

As mentioned before, a deviated septum is not a rare phenomenon and many people are simply born with a deviated septum. Some will only have slight deviations that are not readily visible and do not cause any symptoms or side effects. In these cases, there is no reason for correction.

Secondly, injuries and trauma to the nose can permanently change the look and function of the nose. A septoplasty, rhinoplasty, or combination of both can correct the nasal obstruction and cosmetic issues caused by the injury.

Other times where either of these procedures may be needed or warranted can include:

• Formation of scar tissue after an injury (especially when inside nasal structures)
• Other natural deviations in nasal structure (often present from birth)
• Severe breathing problems

In a consultation at Northwest Face Medical, our ENT doctors will help you determine if septoplasty will benefit you.

The Kirkland Septoplasty Procedure

The techniques and methods that your ENT surgeon in Kirkland will use depends on your goals and septum. The incision is typically made inside the nose. But for those requiring larger correction, your surgeon may cut across the columella–the thin tissue that separates your nostrils. When performed on it’s own, a septoplasty usually takes between an hour to 90 minutes.

During surgery, your ENT surgeon will begin by lifting up the nasal mucosal lining. This will give them access to the cartilage and bone underneath. Carefully, they will remove the structures causing your deviated septum before repositioning it. The final step is to place the nasal mucosal lining back over your septum and suture it in place.

Can I Fix Cosmetic Issues At The Same Time?

Yes, it is common to address cosmetic concerns along with deviated septum surgery. At NW Face Medical, we offer both medical and cosmetic rhinoplasties. This means that we will work to correct the functional issues of your nose while taking special care for aesthetics.

Along with this, if you want to correct a cosmetic concern at the same time, speak to your surgeon. They can help you come up with a plan to alleviate your symptoms and leave you with the look you want. Opting to undergo a cosmetic procedure at the same time will increase the length of the procedure and recovery time.

Septoplasty Recovery

After a Kirkland septoplasty, you will go home the same day. Unless you had a rhinoplasty performed simultaneously, you will most likely not need external splints. However, you can expect internal splints that your surgeon will remove within a few days of surgery.

Generally, pain, minor difficulty breathing, and swelling are normal. Your surgeon can prescribe pain medications for the first few days of your recovery. They will likely advise you to avoid Ibuprofen and Aspirin because they can worsen bruising.

Additionally, you will require a few days of downtime and most people can return to work within a week or so. However, you should refrain from vigorous exercise for at least two weeks. Staying in contact with your surgeon will allow them to judge when you can return to your activities accurately.

To help along your recovery, your surgeon will give you instructions to keep the nose clean and increase overall comfort. Nasal drainage will keep your nose clear, prevent build up, and keep the surgical site clean.

Will Insurance Cover Septoplasty in Kirkland?

As a medically necessary procedure, most insurance plans will likely cover at least part of your septoplasty surgery. However, if you choose to extend the procedure to perform a cosmetic rhinoplasty, insurance usually will not cover the cosmetic part.

Experienced ENT Surgeons in Seattle and Kirkland

At Northwest Face Medical, our Ear, Nose, and Throat doctors and surgeons come with years of experience and multiple board certifications. Dr. Ludwig Allegra and Dr. Sunil Ummat want to help you find a solution to the symptoms you experience everyday. Deviated septum surgery is only one of the ways the ENT specialists at Northwest Face Medical can relieve sinus symptoms.

When it comes to septoplasty surgery, Dr. Allegra and Dr. Ummat both have extensive experience performing nasal procedures. For more than two decades, Northwest Face Medical has served the Greater Seattle area. They provide the gold standard in Ear, Nose, and Throat care, medicine, and surgery.

To schedule a consultation at Northwest Face Medical, call us at (425) 522-0555. Or, contact us using the form on the side of this page.