Septoplasty and nasal valve surgery: Which is right for me?

Septoplasty surgery is a common operation to help with a blocked nose due to structural problems. In her latest online article, Miss Natasha Choudhury, a highly skilled Consultant ENT Surgeon, offers her expert insight.

What is septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct a deviated septum. The septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates your two nostrils. When the septum is twisted or off-centre, it can obstruct airflow, leading to breathing difficulties through the nose.

Understanding a deviated septum

Your nasal septum is the central partition inside the nose. The septum is not necessarily perfectly aligned in most individuals, but if there are significant deviations or bends in the internal septum, it may disrupt the smooth airflow through your nose, causing nasal blockage, difficulty in breathing and sometimes snoring.

The septoplasty procedure

If you have a deviated nasal septum causing a blockage in the nose, a septoplasty operation may be offered to you. This is a routine operation performed under general anaesthesia, and typically done as a day-case procedure, so you will be able to go home the same day, after surgery.

Septoplasty surgery is performed entirely through the inside of the nose, with no external cuts or scars. The surgeon will carefully adjust or remove some excess cartilage and bone, to re-align the septum to create a good and equal airflow passage through both nostrils. This procedure can dramatically improve your quality of life if you have struggled with nasal obstruction.

Recovery after septoplasty

Post-surgery, patients can expect some internal swelling and minimal discomfort. However, with proper care and follow-up, these symptoms typically subside within a few weeks. Most individuals experience a significant improvement in nasal breathing, leading to a much better overall quality of life.

Nasal valve surgery: A solution for airflow issues

Inside the nose, there is a tiny space at the top, between the midline septum and the side wall of the nose; this area is called the internal nasal valve. This area is important in nasal breathing, so any collapse or constriction in this area can also lead to nasal obstruction, making it challenging to breathe through the nose. Nasal valve surgery to address this area can help further improve the airway in your nose.

The nasal valve surgery procedure

Nasal valve surgery involves opening and reinforcing the nasal valve area to enhance airflow. This may include the use of small grafts to provide structural support in this area, ensuring the nasal passages remain open for optimal breathing.

Miss Choudhury performs nasal valve surgery, often in conjunction with Septoplasty surgery, to further improve airflow through the nose. This can be particularly beneficial in some patients where a previous Septoplasty operation has not adequately improved nasal blockage symptoms.

Recovery after nasal valve surgery

Patients typically experience improved nasal breathing immediately after the surgery, with full recovery within a few weeks. As with any surgery, post-operative care and follow-up appointments are crucial for a successful outcome.

If you have been struggling with nasal breathing difficulties, you should consider consulting with an experienced ENT specialist. Following a full clinic assessment, you can be advised if septoplasty and nasal valve surgery are suitable options for your specific condition. If appropriate, these procedures have the potential to significantly improve your ability to breathe easily through the nose, leading to improved overall well-being.

If you would like to book a consultation with Miss Choudhury, you can do so today via her Top Doctors profile.