Nasal septum reconstruction surgery
The nasal septum is the structural support of the facial projection which, in addition to being fundamental to the appearance of the face, also has an important functional implication:
1. Breathing
2. Speaking
3. Swallowing
Though exceedingly rare, destruction of the middle third of the face can occur following severe trauma, such as a mountain or skiing accident, or high-impact vehicle collision.
Book an appointment
CLÍNICA PLANAS' DATA PROTECTION INFORMATION CLICK HERE
Purposes: To respond to your requests and to send you commercial information about our products and services, including via electronic means. Rights: At any time, you can withdraw your consent, access, rectify, delete your data and exercise other rights at doctor@clinicaplanas.com. Additional Information: Privacy Policy.
What constitutes nasal septum dystrophy?
Nasal septal dystrophy occurs with excessive consumption of toxic vasoconstrictive substances, such as cocaine.
The effects of cocaine inhalation can be very damaging on a structural level, causing destruction of the nasal septum in the middle third of the face, i.e. from the floor of the nasal cavity to practically the base of the skull.
What does loss of the nasal septum mean?
Septal destruction results in literal tissue death (necrosis), thereby causing a structural modification in the central facial region. This pathology subsequently precipitates nasal collapse and palatal retraction, which in turn causes the following complications:
1. Loss of sense of smell and taste,
2. Difficulty breathing
3. It can even affect speech
4. And swallowing certain foods
What is nose reconstruction?
When we talk about nasal septum reconstruction, we are not referring to nose reconstruction.
This procedure essentially reconstructs the middle third of the face. As a helpful metaphor, imagine a building whose internal structural beams have rotted, causing the entire structure to collapse.
Before this middle third of the face collapses, we need to rebuild the structure covering the nasal cavities and the base of the skull. The goal? To provide support to that septum so that the nose—which is what we see on the outside—does not collapse completely.
To give us an idea, when a patient is losing their nasal septum, they experience something like internal necrosis and face several functional problems:
1. Breathing problems.
2. Swallowing difficulties that may affect the soft palate
3. Loss of taste
In short: we will reconstruct the structure of the nasal septum cartilage to restore all of the patient's functionalities.
Causes of nasal septum perforation
Today, the most common cause of a perforated nasal septum is damage to the structure of the nose caused by cocaine use.
Drug consumption.
As mentioned above, one of the main causes is cocaine inhalation. Why? This action is very harmful to the cartilage in the nose.
Trauma or injury.
This type of injury to the middle third of the face is primarily caused by trauma, such as car or sports accidents, assaults and falls.
Infections.
In some African countries, there are cases of NOMA infection due to immunosuppression caused by malnutrition; however, this type of infection is rare in Europe.
Previous surgeries.
It may also be necessary to perform this operation to correct a suboptimal result from a procedure previously undertaken at another clinic, or when the initial surgery requires further refinement.
Nasal septum reconstruction Before and after
Nose reconstruction price
Perforation of the nasal septum can cause functional and aesthetic defects that significantly affect the quality of life of patients who suffer from it.
It should be noted that, as mentioned above, this is not nose surgery, but rather a reconstruction of the middle third of the face.
It is a complex operation that requires considerable time and great surgical skill.
The expertise and diagnosis provided by our team of surgeons are paramount in accurately establishing the price for complex microsurgery.
From this point onwards, it is necessary to assess the particularities of each case and the specific needs of the patient. With this information, we will be able to provide you with a personalised quote.
F.A.Q.
-
What is septum correction surgery like?
It is a microsurgery involving tissue transplantation to cover and support the entire dead area.
-
What are the potential complications if a perforated nasal septum is left untreated?
Unfortunately, if an affected patient does not undergo surgery, tissue destruction will continue until the middle third of the face actually collapses; from this point on, the patient will lose vital functions such as breathing; that is, they will no longer be able to breathe through their nose, only through their mouth. In advanced cases, it could also cause infections at the base of the skull, such as meningitis or ethmoiditis. We are talking about a total loss of quality of life.
-
How is a nasal septum reconstructed?
In at least three stages.
-
How long does it take for the septum to heal after surgery?
Nasal septum reconstruction is a process that we should think of as a journey; a year-long journey. In other words, there is an initial surgery that requires a month and a half of recovery time. Then you have to wait for all this tissue to settle into place. From here on, two minor surgeries will be necessary for touch-ups and refinements. These two procedures will take place four and ten months after the first operation.
Related treatments
Related articles
-
La Rinoplastia de Cesc Escolà
Cesc Escolà decidió realizarse una rinoplastia ultrasónica para corregir aquellos aspectos que no le gustaban de su nariz. Descubre aquí el resultado. -
Postoperatorio de una rinoplastia: cuidados y recuperación
El postoperatorio de una rinoplastia requiere observar una serie de cuidados para favorecer la recuperación y evitar problemas. Te los contamos. -
Los devastadores efectos de la cocaína en el tabique nasal
Los efectos de la cocaína en el tabique nasal -e incluso en el paladar- pueden llegar a ser tales, que el paciente se vea obligado a pasar por un procedimiento de cirugía del tabique como consecuencia de los daños que produce el consumo de esta droga en la estructura de la nariz. Los datos relacionados [...]
