What is Septoplasty ?

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Why do you need Septoplasty ?

Septoplasty is indicated for:

  • Deviated nasal septum (DNS):
    • Misalignment causing nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils.
    • Symptoms: Chronic nasal congestion, snoring, recurrent sinus infections, facial pain, or headaches.
  • Associated conditions:
    • Often combined with other procedures (e.g., Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery [FESS], as you asked earlier, or turbinate reduction).
  • Functional issues:
    • Sleep disturbances (e.g., sleep apnea), nosebleeds, or difficulty with nasal medications (e.g., sprays).

The procedure aims to straighten the septum, improve nasal airflow, reduce infections, and alleviate symptoms, without altering the external appearance of the nose (unlike rhinoplasty, which is cosmetic).

Why Do Septoplasty Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Septoplasty Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
    • Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe.
    • Consent: Risks, including bleeding, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Septoplasty:
      • Performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation, lasting 30–60 minutes.
      • Incision: Inside the nose (no external scars); typically on one side of the septum.
      • Septum correction:
        • Mucosa (nasal lining) elevated to access cartilage and bone.
        • Deviated cartilage/bone removed, reshaped, or repositioned.
        • Mucosa repositioned and sutured with absorbable stitches.
      • Packing/Splints: Nasal packing (if used) controls bleeding (removed in 1–2 days); silicone splints may be placed to support the septum (removed in 5–7 days).
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Endoscope: Visualizes nasal structures.
      • Nasal speculum: Opens nasal cavity for access.
      • Microinstruments: Removes or reshapes cartilage/bone.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: Same-day discharge or 1 day.
    • Care: Nasal saline sprays to keep passages moist; avoid blowing nose for 1–2 weeks.
    • Pain management: Mild to moderate discomfort for 3–5 days; managed with acetaminophen.
    • Instructions: Sleep with head elevated; avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks.

Recovery After Septoplasty

  1. Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge or 1 day.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Discomfort: Mild nasal congestion, pressure, or headache for 3–5 days; improves in 1–2 weeks.
    • Bleeding: Minor nasal bleeding or discharge for 2–3 days; use drip pad if needed.
    • Breathing: Initial congestion due to swelling/packing; improves in 1–2 weeks, with full benefit in 4–6 weeks.
    • Activity: Rest for 2–3 days; avoid heavy lifting or sports for 2–3 weeks.
    • Nasal care: Saline sprays or irrigation for 2–4 weeks; avoid irritants (e.g., smoke).
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week (remove splints/packing), 2 weeks, and 1 month.
    • Endoscopy: At 1 month to check healing and airflow.

Most resume normal activities in 3–5 days; full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 80–90% achieve improved breathing; some (10–15%) may have persistent symptoms if other issues (e.g., allergies) remain.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (2–5%): Minor nasal bleeding common; severe bleeding (<1%) may need packing or cauterization.
    • Infection (1–2%): Nasal or sinus infection; treated with antibiotics.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Septal perforation (1–3%): Hole in the septum; may cause whistling or crusting, needs repair if symptomatic.
    • Change in smell (1–2%): Temporary (due to swelling); rarely permanent.
    • Persistent deviation (5–10%): Incomplete correction; may need revision surgery.
    • Nasal collapse (<1%): Rare; if too much cartilage removed, may affect nasal structure.
  • Long-Term:
    • Recurrence of symptoms (5–10%): If allergies or sinus issues persist; needs further management.

Report heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or breathing difficulty promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a deviated nasal septum?

Congenital (present at birth), trauma (e.g., nasal injury), or aging; affects 70–80% of people to some degree.

Can I avoid septoplasty?

Yes, if mild: Nasal sprays, decongestants, or allergy management; surgery is for significant breathing issues or complications.

Is septoplasty painful?

Mild to moderate discomfort for 3–5 days, managed with medication; congestion improves in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume activities?

Normal activities: 3–5 days; full recovery: 4–6 weeks; avoid strenuous activity for 2–3 weeks.

Is septoplasty covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for functional issues; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or breathing difficulty.

Will septoplasty change my nose’s appearance?

No, septoplasty is functional; rhinoplasty is needed for cosmetic changes (can be combined if desired).

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Avoid blowing nose, use saline sprays, manage allergies, and avoid nasal trauma.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Septoplasty

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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