WHAT IS SEPTOPLASTY?
Septoplasty, also known as septal surgery, is performed to straighten a deviated or crooked nasal septum.
The septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that separates the nasal cavity into two different nostrils. When the septum becomes severely deviated, one nasal passage is much smaller than the other, and that can lead to problems breathing through the nose, frequent nosebleeds, and other uncomfortable or painful symptoms.
Dr. Mani Zadeh will resolve this issue and get you breathing free and clear again with septoplasty in Los Angeles.
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Most babies are born with a straight septum, properly centered in the nose, and it remains that way throughout childhood. However, in adulthood, the septum tends to bend toward one side or the other. More than 80% of the adult population has a nasal septum that is deviated to some degree.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR SEPTOPLASTY?
When the deviation is severe enough to cause nasal obstruction and affect breathing, septoplasty may be indicated. Chronic nasal obstruction can contribute to headaches, sleep disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, and impair normal breathing, forcing patients to breathe through the mouth and often affecting their daily activities.
The main indications for septal surgery are:
- Nasal airway obstruction;
- Uncontrollable nosebleeds; and
- Nasal septal deviation preventing adequate visualization of the sinuses during endoscopic sinus surgery.
At Los Angeles Sinus Institute, Dr. Zadeh implements distinctive surgical approaches with septoplasty in Los Angeles, using the safest, most advanced, and minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Zadeh is focused on cutting-edge medical technology and treatment options that offer his patients the greatest outcomes while minimizing risk.
INTERVIEW WITH DR. ZADEH
SEPTOPLASTY WITH DR. ZADEH
SEPTOPLASTY PATIENT TESTIMONIAL
Dr Mani Zadeh performed a Septoplasty on my extremely deviated septum. In conjunction with his partner Dr Carlo Honrado, he also reduced my turbinates and repaired my collapsed turbinate valves. Besides being an amazing surgeon, Dr Zadeh is kind, compassionate, and has great positive energy! His office staff were proactive, and the La Peer Surgery Center nurses and the Anesthesiologist were very good. I highly recommend Dr Mani Zadeh!
- Linda T.
CAN A DEVIATED SEPTUM BE FIXED?
Deviation of the septum and enlargement of the turbinates are two of the main causes of nasal obstruction, which can result in a range of health issues. Fortunately, a severely deviated septum can be straightened in a surgical procedure known as septoplasty. Septal surgery may be indicated when:
- Nasal airways are obstructed by a deviated septum;
- Patient suffers uncontrollable nosebleeds; or
- Septal deviation prevents an adequate view of the sinuses during endoscopic sinus surgery.
The primary goal of septoplasty is to straighten the nasal septum, relive the obstruction in the airways, and improve breathing through the nose. In some cases, this surgery may also reduce post-nasal drip and nasal drainage and decrease headaches, snoring, and sleep apnea.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF A DEVIATED SEPTUM?
Sometimes the deviation of the septum is severe enough to cause nasal obstruction and affect the person’s breathing. Chronic nasal obstruction can contribute to decreased exercise tolerance and sleep disorders, such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. It can impair normal breathing, forcing patients to breathe through the mouth, affecting their daily activities in many cases.
This is when septal surgery should be seriously considered. Dr. Mani Zadeh performs arguably the best deviated septum surgery Los Angeles has to offer and can help resolve these symptoms. Learn more by booking a consultation today.
GOALS OF SEPTOPLASTY
Ideally, the nasal septum would be perfectly straight and located precisely in the center of the nose, so that each side of the nasal cavity would be the same size as other. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Birth trauma and trauma during childhood can cause a deviated septum, but even when no injury has occurred, many people have a crooked, deviated septum blocking their airways in adulthood.
The primary goal of septal surgery is to straighten the nasal septum, thereby relieving the obstruction and improving breathing through the nose. Septal surgery may also reduce nasal drainage and post-nasal drip.
BENEFITS OF SEPTOPLASTY
Septoplasty can improve the patient’s quality of life by decreasing nasal obstruction, headaches, snoring, and sleep apnea. It is often performed in conjunction with turbinate reduction surgery. (Turbinates are the narrow shelves of bone protruding into the breathing passages that can become enlarged, obstructing the patient’s airways.)
PREPARING FOR SEPTOPLASTY
During your initial consultation with Dr. Zadeh in Los Angeles, he will perform an examination, study your CT scan, if available, and discuss your medical history to determine whether you are a good candidate for septal surgery. He will explain the procedure, advise you of what to expect, address any concerns, and answer any questions you may have.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID BEFORE SEPTOPLASTY?
If septoplasty is scheduled, the doctor will ask you to avoid certain medications for two weeks before and two weeks following the procedure, as they can increase your risk of bleeding during and after the surgery. You may take Tylenol instead. Medications to avoid include:
- Aspirin
- Advil
- Motrin
- Aleve
Please advise our office of any supplements and prescribed or over-the-counter medications you are taking. Certain supplements and herbal medications may also increase the risk of bleeding, including:
- Vitamin E
- Gingko biloba
- Ginseng
- Garlic tablets
As our Los Angeles septal surgery is performed under general anesthesia, it is extremely important that you do not eat or drink anything eight hours prior to the surgery. The procedure would otherwise have to be rescheduled to avoid placing you at risk.
SEPTAL SURGERY PROCEDURE
Dr. Zadeh performs the most advanced and least invasive medical therapies and surgical procedures to treat nasal and sinus disorders for patients throughout the greater Los Angeles area. He practices with a focus on treating the whole patient, not only the disorder, and on treating the source of the problem, not only the symptoms. A basic outline of the septal surgery procedure at Los Angeles Sinus Institute is:
- Septoplasty is performed under general anesthesia.
- No incisions are made in the skin -- septal surgery is performed entirely through the nostrils.
- Through an incision made inside the nostril, the mucosa (thin soft membrane of tissue lining the nasal cavity) covering the septal bone and cartilage is lifted up to allow direct visualization of the cartilage and bone.
- The deviated portions of bone and cartilage are removed or reshaped.
- The mucosa is returned to its original position and the incision is stitched closed.
- After septal surgery, once the effects of the anesthesia have worn off, the patient is discharged home.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SEPTAL SURGERY
You will be discharged to go home as soon as you feel well enough and recover from the effects of general anesthesia. It is important to avoid all strenuous activity for 2 weeks after the surgery. This includes running, aerobics, swimming, exercising, and contact sports. Avoid bending over and lifting anything that weights over 20 lbs. A walk is acceptable for moderate exercise.
You will have red-colored nasal discharge after the surgery, which should lighten in color and decrease in volume over the following few days. You could have blood-tinged discharge for 10 to 14 days after septoplasty.
Septal surgery can cause temporary swelling of the nasal tissues, which can make your nose and sinuses feel congested and full. Do not blow your nose for 14 days after the surgery to prevent bleeding. If you need to sneeze, do not hold it back, but sneeze with your mouth open. Sleep with your head elevated above your heart to assist in reducing swelling.
We will prescribe antibiotics and painkillers, although we encourage you to take Tylenol instead of relying upon prescription pain medications. In your first post-operative office visit, we will prescribe a saltwater solution to flush your sinuses.
SEPTOPLASTY FAQ
WHAT IS THE SEPTUM, AND WHAT IS A SEPTOPLASTY?
The septum is the cartilage and bone that separates your nostrils. Some people have developed symptoms as the septum is blocking air from entering the nostrils and nose structure as it should. When this occurs, whether due to trauma, occurring at birth, or other reason, a septoplasty can repair the area so that free breathing is restored.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS POST-SURGERY?
Septoplasty surgery symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Some corrections are relatively minor, while others involve more time to straighten the mid-wall partition of the nose. The majority of patients have found the procedure to be the most uncomfortable during the 48 hours after surgery.
Dr. Zadeh will talk to you about your medication options and ensure you are comfortable during that time. By the third day, the pain will significantly decrease, and an over-the-counter pain reliever is typically adequate. Many patients have commented on how well they feel after three days.
WHAT KIND OF ANESTHESIA IS USED?
Septoplasty surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
IF I'VE HAD A SURGERY IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS WILL THAT AFFECT MY ELIGIBILITY?
It is often fine to have surgeries back-to-back without any complications. When it comes to elective surgery, we can discuss whether it is safe to undergo a septoplasty, or if a waiting period is required.
ARE THERE OTHER NON-INVASIVE OPTIONS?
Before you decide to undergo a septoplasty, we can discuss the non-surgical options and alternatives to restore free breathing. Dr. Zadeh focuses on providing his patients with effective and non-invasive treatments when appropriate. Many patients will require a septoplasty to fully resolve the symptoms.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER SURGERY?
BAfter your septoplasty surgery, a splint will be placed on nose to keep the repaired area protected so it heals properly, with the added benefit of reducing swelling. The splint will need to stay dry and remain in place for one-week post surgery.
WILL MY FACE BE SWOLLEN AND BRUISED WITH SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY?
You can expect some level of swelling and bruising after septoplasty surgery. The severity will depend on the extent of the septoplasty surgery but subsides quickly.
WILL I NEED TO TAKE TIME OFF WORK?
Time off of work will be needed to help with recovery. After surgery, you should expect to take at least two weeks off of work. If you work in an environment that involves vigorous physical motions or heavy lifting, you should expect to take at least three weeks off before you return. All patients must avoid strenuous physical activity during recovery, so the healing process proceeds quickly and correctly.
CAN I DRIVE AFTER SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY OR SHOULD I GET A RIDE?
Plan on having a friend or family member to transport you home. It is normal to feel somewhat groggy and tired, as you have had anesthetic. Driving under those conditions would not be safe.
I LIVE ALONE. DO I NEED SOMEONE TO STAY WITH ME AFTER SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY?
If you can, it is recommended that you have a family member or a friend stay with you for the first day after your surgery. Emergencies are rare, but you may need help moving around for the first 24 hours. The pain medication could cause you to experience a bit of dizziness when moving around.
WHEN CAN I SHOWER?
You can shower the day after your surgery as long as you feel up to it and aren’t experiencing any lightheadedness. When showering, be careful not to get your bandages wet. Avoid washing your hair for a day or two, as bandages can easily get wet from shower spray.
WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO BREATHE EASIER?
After the first week, your nose splint will be removed, and you should notice a significant improvement in your ability to breathe freely.
COSMETIC RHINOPLASTY WITH DR. CARLO HONRADO
In conjunction with Dr. Zadeh's septoplasty procedure, some patients elect to also have Dr. Carlo Honrado perform a cosmetic rhinoplasty.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty, also referred to as a nose job, is a cosmetic surgical procedure which reshapes the nose to create a more attractive facial appearance. Various nose shape flaws can be surgically corrected for greater facial balance between the nose and the other features.
HOW IS RHINOPLASTY PERFORMED?
Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure in which the cartilage and bony tissue of the nose is reshaped resulting in a more aesthetically-pleasing nasal structure. There are many techniques that may be employed in a custom rhinoplasty, depending upon the current shape, size, and projection of the nose. A rhinoplasty can be performed in conjunction with a septoplasty.
One aspect that is of utmost importance: The skills and surgical techniques of the surgeon performing your nose job. These procedures must be performed with meticulous care and the most advanced surgical techniques, so the results are stable, attractive, and balanced.
EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT SURGEON
If your nasal septum is severely deviated, septal surgery may be the most effective and appropriate treatment to relieve the obstruction, improve your breathing, and potentially relieve symptoms such as snoring, sleep apnea, headaches, nasal drainage, and post-nasal drip.
Contact Los Angeles Sinus Institute to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Zadeh, a board certified otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon), for your septoplasty Los Angeles.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
Learn what Dr. Zadeh's patients have to say about the medical services they recieved by viewing their testimonials videos. Dr. Zadeh treats all his patients as if they were family, ensuring he delivers the best treatment he can.
See his happy patients patients claim many health benefits from his treatments, including resolution of nasal congestion and obstruction, relief from chronic sinus infections, headaches, snoring, and sleep apnea, and improved breathing, hearing, and sense of smell. Many of them also mention a comfortable treatment experience and easy recovery after Dr. Zadeh’s minimally invasive advanced sinus surgical techniques.