Treatment
Septoplasty is the name given to the surgical technique used to correct deformities of the nasal septum that cause breathing difficulties in patients.
The nasal septum is a wall that separates the two nostrils. It is made up of cartilage and bone, and alterations to it cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, pain in the face and head, nasal mucus, etc. Difficulty breathing through the nose forces the patient to breathe through the mouth, causing other symptoms such as dry mouth, snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, and pharyngitis.
Breathing difficulties may also arise from: inflamed inferior turbinates, which can also induce a sensation of nasal dryness, nasal mucus and pain in the face and head; nasal polyps, which often cause loss of smell; and other rare causes of nasal obstruction.
The turbinates are elongated, fleshy structures found on the side wall of the inside of the nose. They are made up of bone and mucous membrane, and their main function is to help warm, clean and humidify the air that flows through the nose.
Inflamed inferior turbinates can block nasal airflow and also cause difficulty breathing through the nose, pain in the face and head, a feeling of nasal dryness, and the persistent presence of more or less thick nasal mucus.
For a proper diagnosis of the cause of nasal obstruction, a nasal endoscopy will be performed in the clinic. This is an examination in which an endoscope is inserted through the nostrils to view the inside of the nasal cavities and determine the cause of nasal obstruction.
What is turbinoplasty?
Turbinoplasty or turbinate surgery is a procedure that aims to reshape the turbinates. It is a surgical procedure that can be performed using various surgical techniques. In our case, we use radiofrequency to reduce the size of the turbinates. The surgery is performed inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scars, so there is no need to expect any intentional changes to the external appearance of the nose.
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What is septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a procedure that is generally performed on an outpatient basis and can be carried out under either local or general anaesthesia.
It basically consists of the removal, remodelling and replacement of fragments of cartilage or bone in the nasal septum that are not in the correct position and are responsible for alterations in nasal function.
The procedure is performed through a single incision made inside the nostrils, which is then closed with absorbable sutures.
The treatment can be an adjunct to rhinoplasty (rhinoseptoplasty) and is also often coupled with fixing other issues in the nose, like turbinate hypertrophy, sinusitis, etc.
Benefits of nasal septum correction
The benefits of septoplasty are purely functional—except in cases where the septum is crooked, in which case there may also be a cosmetic improvement. Some of the main benefits of septoplasty include:
- The disappearance of limitations in daily activities caused by breathing difficulties.
- Improved sleep quality by resolving issues such as apnoea and snoring, often caused by nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum or turbinates.
- Prevention of chronic sinusitis and other problems resulting from a deviated nasal septum, such as nosebleeds.
What is rhinoseptoplasty?
One of the main differences between rhinoplasty and septoplasty is the purpose of the surgery. While septoplasty corrects problems with the respiratory function of the nose, rhinoplasty focuses on the aesthetic aspect.
Many septoplasty patients decide to take advantage of their visit to the operating theatre to also improve the appearance of their nose during the same surgical procedure. In this way, they not only breathe better but also achieve an aesthetic improvement.
Price of septoplasty
Breathing properly plays a crucial role in our daily lives, and its benefits include better sleep quality and the prevention of problems such as nosebleeds or chronic sinusitis. For all these reasons, septoplasty is a procedure that often changes patients' lives, giving them greater well-being.
When establishing the price of a septoplasty, it is necessary to study each case individually in order to determine the patient's needs and the complexity of the procedure.
However, in order to provide as much information as possible, we can give a price reference for a septoplasty.
Septoplasty in Barcelona with all the guarantees of being a patient at Clínica Planas starting at €3,100.
Septoplasty before and after
Here are some before and after cases of rhinoseptoplasty. These images show different results of this surgery, which can improve both respiratory function and the aesthetics of the nose.
Preoperative
As with any other procedure, a prior medical examination is essential to detect any possible abnormalities that could contraindicate the operation.
Postoperative care following septoplasty
With the surgical technique used and the medication prescribed, it is normal for the patient not to experience excessive discomfort. The discomfort comes, in any case, from having a blocked nose. Patients can expect to have minor, intermittent nosebleeds for a few days after the procedure.
After the procedure, if deemed necessary, the patient will have nasal plugs inserted with small sponges for a minimum of 24 hours. You will begin to notice an improvement in your breathing once the nasal plugs are removed. Despite this, and due to clots and inflammation inside the nostrils, this improvement will become more noticeable as the days and weeks go by.
F.A.Q.
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What type of anaesthesia is used in a septoplasty?
This procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia, although in some cases local anaesthesia with sedation may be used.
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Can a cosmetic problem be corrected at the same time as a functional problem?
Of course. We can correct both aesthetic and functional problems in the same surgical procedure, through rhinoseptoplasty.
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How long does septoplasty surgery take?
In most cases, the procedure takes no longer than 45 minutes.
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Is the result of septoplasty permanent?
The result is permanent in the vast majority of patients.
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Does septoplasty surgery require hospitalisation?
Only a few hours of hospitalisation are required after surgery.
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Is it a painful procedure?
The application of anaesthesia and suitable post-surgery attention typically prevents pain.
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Can I have a septoplasty in Barcelona if I live somewhere else?
Of course, always bearing in mind the importance of attending postoperative check-ups.
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Does the price of septoplasty include everything?
After the initial complimentary consultation with the surgeon, we can provide each patient with a personalised quote. This price for an septoplasty includes:
- Complete preoperative care
- Specialist anaesthetist
- Our proprietary operating theatres
- Inpatient
- Nursing
- 24-hour post-treatment service.
Expert opinion
Patients often find significant relief in their nasal breathing once the nasal plugs are taken out, making this an exceptionally beneficial surgery that enhances their overall quality of life. There are no visible scars after the surgery as the incision is made inside the nostrils.
Related treatments
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Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct nasal deformities in order to improve facial balance and harmony. -
Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct nasal deformities in order to improve facial balance and harmony. -
Nasal septum reconstruction
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