Septorhinoplasty mixes two operations, septoplasty and rhinoplasty, into one intricate surgery. The operation tackles the nose’s look and how it works simultaneously. People call it a “nose job”, but it also fixes things inside.
In the septoplasty section of the operation, the goal is to straighten the wall that divides the nostrils. This surgical step aims to make breathing easier by fixing irregular nose shapes. In the rhinoplasty process, the nose’s shape on the outside changes.
For those struggling with how they feel about their nose’s look and breathing problems, septorhinoplasty is the perfect fix. This all-encompassing method tackles crooked septum issues blocking the nose and visual flaws simultaneously.
Dr. Cem Altındağ, the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Turkey, talks about what septoplasty is, what complications it can cause, rhinoplasty in Turkey and other details in this blog post.
What Are The Benefits Of Surgery?
One of the main benefits of getting septorhinoplasty is that it improves the nose’s function. People usually find they can breathe more easily, have less snoring, and sleep better. It can improve life and make everyday tasks easier.
When it comes to improving your face, septorhinoplasty makes everything look more balanced. This procedure is quite the fixer-upper for noses dealing with all sorts of shape problems, be it a nose that zigzags, a bump that stands out too much or a nose that’s either too spread out or squeezed in. When someone looks better, they usually feel better about themselves, too.
Moreover, when people have problems with their nose’s shape because of an accident being born with it or past nose jobs, septorhinoplasty can fix these issues. This surgery has another benefit, too; it makes it easier for people to breathe by tackling long-term sinusitis and cutting down on how often they get sinus infections. In some instances, septorhinoplasty surgery could also improve your ability to smell.
Are There Any Alternatives To a Septorhinoplasty?
Septorhinoplasty is usually the best fix for the nose, yet one could explore a handful of non-surgical paths. When easing breathing troubles, nasal strips or dilators can be a quick fix. These choices help people who play sports or have trouble breathing.
People use dermal fillers to change their nose’s shape without surgery, especially for small beauty worries. They sometimes call this method a liquid nose job because it smooths out tiny bumps and uneven spots.
These outcomes are temporary and need to be kept up often.
Doctors may suggest using steroid shots or pills to lessen the swelling in the nose and help with breathing. Yet these options are short-term fixes and usually work best for less severe situations when people need significant changes in how their nose works or looks; getting a septorhinoplasty is still the best choice.
What Complications Can Happen
Like all surgeries, septorhinoplasty comes with its own set of risks. Even with the best care, getting an infection is a possibility, but it doesn’t happen often. Some patients could end up bleeding or getting a hematoma, which may require more treatment.
Sometimes, after getting anaesthesia, people might feel a bit sick or even face more significant health issues. Even though doctors who are good at their job try their best to keep scars as small as possible, thinking about scars is something people do. After surgery, it’s normal for people to feel hurt and uncomfortable, but doctors often give medicine that helps with this.
After the septorhinoplasty operation, it’s normal for the area around the eyes and nose to get puffy and change colour. Even though this doesn’t last forever, people might see it during the initial few weeks. Sometimes, a few patients find that their swelling lasts longer than usual or that one side doesn’t match the other while they are getting better.
Specific Complications Of Septorhinoplasty
Surgery to reshape the nose, known as septorhinoplasty, might change how things smell to the patient, but this often doesn’t last long. Sometimes, after the surgery, the nose might stay blocked or get even more clogged if the inside parts don’t fix themselves right. A hole forming in the septum is rare, but it can be a complication.
Patients might not be happy with how things look in the end. Because the nose has many parts working together, getting the look one wants might take a lot of work. Sometimes, one might need to go back under the knife to fix issues or flaws.
During surgery, there’s a chance that the surgeon might take away too much cartilage or bone. This could cause the body to have weak spots or look different from how it usually should. Even though skilled surgeons are cautious, there’s always a chance this could happen.
Consequences of Septorhinoplasty
Adjusting to how the nose looks after surgery requires both time and patience from patients as they navigate the physical and emotional changes. Many people experience feeling a bit numb or notice a different sensation in the area around the nose and upper lip. Over time, as the nerves get better, these feelings usually go away.
It takes time to get better after having septorhinoplasty on your nose and the wall inside. At first, the puffiness goes down in a few weeks, but some stick around for a longer while. It might take as long as a year before anyone can see the actual outcome of the surgery. For several patients, this long wait to heal can lead to feelings of annoyance.
Sometimes, the septorhinoplasty slightly changes how the patient’s voice sounds. Most of the time, this change is so slight that other people might not even pick up on it. Moreover, patients might have to get used to different ways of breathing, especially when they had a big bend in the wall inside their nose before getting operated on.
How Soon Will I Recover After Septorhinoplasty?
Healing from nose reshaping takes time and patience. Many individuals are able to return to their jobs or studies within a fortnight following the operation. However, avoiding hard workouts or physical tasks for a minimum of six weeks is crucial to ensure the body heals correctly.
After the first week, the swelling and bruising go down. Yet the slight swelling might stick around for a few months. Over the first year after their surgery, many patients see their looks improving. For the best healing, it’s essential to follow all the advice for care after the operation.
People who have surgery will see their surgeon repeatedly in the time it takes to get better. These visits help the surgeon monitor how well the wound is healing and discuss any worries. Most of the time, people can get back to their everyday tasks fast, but they should steer clear of sports where they might bump their nose or anything rough for a few months.
How Can I Prepare Myself For The Operation?
Getting ready for septorhinoplasty starts a few weeks before the surgery. Stopping smoking and steering clear of medicines that can thin your blood, such as aspirin and some supplements, is a must. Following these steps can lower the chances of problems during surgery and in the recovery period afterwards.
Make sure you have someone lined up to take you back home after the procedure since the anaesthesia’s aftereffects will make driving by yourself unsafe. Set up a cosy spot for your recovery at home, ensuring you have many pillows to prop up your head. Gather a bunch of easy-to-eat foods and drinks because chewing might initially not feel pleasant.
Pay close attention to your doctor’s pre-surgery advice. This could mean you need to stop eating for some time before the operation and change how you take your usual medicine. It is also helpful to prepare your questions before you meet with your surgeon for the pre-op talk.
How Long Does A Septorhinoplasty Take?
A septorhinoplasty operation usually takes two to three hours to complete. However, the time might change depending on the complexity and the amount of work needed. Some complex operations could stretch beyond four hours.
When they talk about how long the surgery will take, they mean it’s not just the part where they operate. They also count the time it takes to put you to sleep and look after you right after the surgery. When you sit down with your surgeon, they’ll be able to give you a better guess of how long it’ll all take for your particular situation.
You must remember that the operation might last just a handful of hours, but arriving early at the place where the surgery happens is a must. After the surgery, there’s also a period where you’ll rest and get back on your feet, which means you’ll be at the place longer than it takes to do the surgery.
What Does The Septorhinoplasty Operation Involve?
The start of the septorhinoplasty operation can be open or closed, tailored to the patient’s needs. In an open approach, a tiny cut is made right on the columella—the bit of skin hanging between the nose holes. In a closed approach, the cuts are made only inside the nose.
After making the cuts, the surgeon carefully peels the skin away from the bone and cartilage beneath it. Next, they straighten the septum and remove any extra bone or cartilage that’s not needed. This step makes airflow through the nose easier and helps people breathe better.
Following that step, the doctor sculpts the nose according to the surgery game plan laid out ahead of time. This process could mean breaking and fixing the nose bones to make the nose tip look better or changing the size of the nostrils. At last, they stitch up the cuts and put a brace on the nose to keep it safe and keep its fresh look while it starts to heal.
