When you think of the nose and the different parts of it, it can be easy to forget about the septum. You may imagine a septum ring piercing when the word septum comes to mind, but it is a lot more than that. The septum is the midline wall that separates your two nasal passages. However, issues with the septum can cause problems with breathing. Thankfully, septoplasty can be performed to often correct these problems. Let’s take a closer look at what septoplasty is and how it could help you.
Understanding Septoplasty
The best way to understand a septoplasty is to know what condition it corrects. The most common condition corrected by a septoplasty is a deviated septum. A deviated septum is where your septum is curved or crooked. This deforms the nasal passageways, makes it difficult to breathe, and can change the shape of your nose. Septoplasty is the surgical correction of the septum and is often used to correct a deviated septum. However, septoplasty is also sometimes used to remove tumors and other sinus surgeries, and even for cosmetic purposes.
Septoplasty Process
Septoplasty entirely takes place inside the nose and is dependent on what is being corrected. That being said, the typical procedure is done by making an incision on the thin membrane of the septum. This is done to access the bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then manipulated to correct septum deviation. Lastly, the membrane called the mucosa, is replaced back over the septum. The entire process is relatively quick and usually takes 30 to 90 minutes to complete. Septoplasty is normally performed in-office.
How Can It Help Me?
The primary benefit of a septoplasty is to alleviate the symptoms you may have been experiencing from a deviated septum or other nasal blockages. You will be able to breathe better, sleep easier, not have to deal with a dry mouth, and experience an overall better quality of life. Our team of doctors at Del Rey MD, provides comprehensive ENT services like septoplasty to get you back to living your best life. Our staff makes it their mission to provide compassionate and efficient treatments for every procedure. If you’re considering septoplasty for your needs, contact Del Rey MD at 310-823-4444 for our Los Angeles office, 562-774-0844 for our Long Beach office, and 661-695-8627 for our Bakersfield office.
