Septoplasty – Nose Septum Surgery NZ

Septoplasty – Septum Surgery for Improved Breathing and Reshaping in Auckland New Zealand

• Difficulty Breathing?
• Finding it hard to sleep?
• Deviated Septum ?

What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct deviations of the septum by removing or reshaping deviated portions of the nasal bone and cartilage. Unlike rhinoplasty which is a cosmetic surgery performed to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the nose, the goal of septoplasty surgery is to improve functionality by eliminating nasal blockage. Many Surgeons often perform septoplasty together with rhinoplasty (called septorhinoplasty) to ensure the perfect look and function of your nose.

Dr Mark Gittos, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Auckland, New Zealand is a nose surgery expert and studied as an ENT Surgeon during his Plastic Surgery Studies.

Watch Dr Gittos explain Septoplasty Nose Surgery

Symptoms Of Nasal Blockage and Nose Septum problems

Deviated septum causes nasal blockage due to the displacement of the wall between the nostrils. Some people are born with a deviated septum, but it can also be caused by suffered trauma and aging.

The most common symptoms of a deviated septum are:

• Troubled breathing
• Complete or partial Anosmia – Inability to smell
• Nosebleeds
• Sinusitis
• Headaches
• Facial Pain
• Snoring
• Apnea
• “Ringing” noises in the ear

Am I A Good Candidate for Septoplasty?

Septoplasty surgery is a good solution for achieving a better life quality affected by the negative effects of a deviated septum. If you are experiencing breathing troubles, consistent snoring, chronic nosebleeds, and sleep apnea symptoms you may be a good candidate for septoplasty surgery.

Smoking has negative effects on recovery, so you will have to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the procedure and even more after the surgery. Cigarette smoke can cause a longer healing period, wound infections, and painful nasal irritation.  This is because it restricts oxygen.

It is considered safe to undergo septoplasty surgery at the age of 17. Exceptions are made for younger patients with severe nasal obstructions.

In consultation with your doctor, you should temporarily stop taking medications that prevent blood clotting.

Benefits of Septum Surgery

Septoplasty is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure.

The Benefits Of Septoplasty Surgery can include

• Improved airflow and breathing
• Improved smell and taste sense
• Fewer headaches caused by sinus infections
• Better sleep quality
• Better sinus cavity drainage

Nose Surgery Photos – Septoplasty Before & After Nose Job Photos

These before and after nose surgery photographs represent typical results our patients get. Results depend on individual patient circumstances and can vary significantly.

More nose surgery photos are available to see in the clinic when you attend for a consultation with Dr Gittos.

Septoplasty Surgical Procedure

Preoperative Assessment – Review of your medical history records, allergies, prior surgeries, symptoms, etc.

Anaesthesia – Based on your health condition and medical history, your doctor will recommend the best anaesthesia option for you. The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. Sometimes, sedation can be used in addition to local anaesthesia. The complexity of your surgery and the surgeons preference will decide which anaesthetic will be applicable to you.

Surgery –  Nasal septum surgery involves strengthening the septum by shortening, restoring, or placing the cartilage and bone in a central position.

The operation does not require any external incisions on the skin of the nose but requires a small incision on the side of the nasal septum inside the nose (sometimes it is also necessary to make a small incision between the nostrils). The incision is usually closed with an absorbent suture.

The operation usually lasts 30-60 minutes, depending on the severity of the septum deformation. –

You should get home on the same day. Patients with heavier deviations might stay hospitalized overnight as a precaution measure.

 

Recovery after Nose Septum Surgery

After the septoplasty surgery, splints are placed into the nostrils and need to be worn for a couple of days after the procedure. Minor swelling and bruises under the eyes can occur.

To further reduce the chances of bleeding and swelling, your doctor may ask you to follow some precautions for a couple of weeks after the surgery, such as:

• Raising your head while sleeping,
• Avoiding workout and contact sports,
• Refrain from blowing your nose,
• Take care while pulling shirts over your head to get dressed

You can expect to return to your daily activities after just a couple of days, and physical activities up to 4 weeks after the surgery.

Blowing your nose after the Septoplasty Surgery can cause bleeding, so you should try to refrain from blowing your nose at least for the first two weeks. We recommend you to clean your nose with nasal saline irrigations instead.

You should wait for at least 4 weeks before you start exercising. Playing contact and ball sports should wait even longer to minimize the risk of nose trauma.

The surgeon will recommend quitting smoking for a few weeks before and after the operation. Smoking prolongs recovery time and can cause post-op complications.

Complications and Risks of Septoplasty

Septoplasty, like any surgery, carries the risk of bleeding, infection, or an allergic reaction to the anesthetic.

There is a risk of other possible complications:

• Presence of the deviated septum symptoms
• Bleeding
• Change in the nose appearance
• Perforation of the septum
• Reduced sense of smell
• Formation of blood pockets inside the nasal cavity
• Upper jaw numbness

Septoplasty Patient Journey

• Start with an Initial consultation with Dr Mark Gittos, NZ Plastic Surgeon
• Preoperative Assessment
  • Review of medical history, health condition, discussion about expectations, taking pre-surgical before photos
• Surgery
  • Anaesthetic is issued and the surgery is performed.
• Post-op and Recovery
  • A few days after the operation patient attends a routine post-procedural checkup.
  • Patient to follow recovery instructions and tips

Septoplasty Cost NZ – What does Septoplasty Cost in NZ? Fees & Prices

Every patient is different, therefore the prices vary depending on procedure complexity, your hospital choice and whether you qualify for insurance subsidies.

You will be given a price quote after your first consultation. This will include a Surgeon’s fee, Anaesthetist fee, Surgical Assistant fee, and hospital fees. Visit the pricing page for more information

Will Insurance pay for nose surgery in NZ?

As a functional nose surgery Septoplasty may be eligible to be subsidised by your insurer – Please ask Dr Gittos.

Septoplasty FAQs – Questions about Septoplasty Surgery

Will Septoplasty Change The Appearance Of My Nose?

•  Septoplasty is the surgical procedure that improves nose functionality, not appearance. However, in the rare cases of heavy deviation of the septal cartilage, there might be minor changes to the shape of your nose.

Is it possible to do Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty at the same time?

• It is advisable to do them at the same time rather than two separate procedures.

Does Getting A Septoplasty Hurt?

• Most patients take pain-killers for a couple of days after the surgery. Septoplasty recovery is relatively quick without intense pain but can be uncomfortable.

Further reading – Medical References about Septoplasty

• Mayo Clinic: Septoplasty
• Septoplasty: What to expect, risks, and reasons for surgery

For More information about Nose Reshaping Rhinoplasty Surgery – read our Rhinoplasty Webpage

Looking for a Nose Surgeon in New Zealand?

Nose surgeries are considered to be one of the most complicated procedures in plastic and facial surgery therefore should be conducted by a qualified plastic surgeon based in New Zealand. Please avoid going overseas for cheap surgery. Both septoplasty and rhinoplasty are complex nose surgeries that require an experienced surgeon in order to produce the best results and reduce the possibility of a revision.  Your Surgeon’s experience, education, and technique should be the deciding factors when choosing the right option. If your nose is causing you health issues that affect your quality of life quality, it may be worth exploring your options for Nose Surgery with Dr. Mark Gittos