Septorhinoplasty
What is a Septorhinoplasty?
A septorhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that combines two separate procedures: septoplasty and rhinoplasty.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated septum, which is the cartilage and bone that separate the two nostrils in the nose. It is done to improve breathing and reduce symptoms such as nasal congestion, snoring, and sleep apnoea.
Rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is a cosmetic surgery that reshapes the nose to improve its appearance. It can also improve breathing by correcting structural abnormalities in the nose.
A septorhinoplasty is a combination of these two procedures and is done to address both functional and cosmetic concerns of the nose. During a septorhinoplasty, the surgeon will first perform septoplasty to correct the deviated septum, followed by rhinoplasty to reshape the nose. The surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over two hours to complete depending on the complexity of the case.
What are the risks of a septorhinoplasty?
Septorhinoplasty is generally a safe procedure, but like any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. Here are some potential risks of septorhinoplasty:
Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during and after the surgery. While bleeding is usually minimal, severe bleeding can occur, and in rare cases, additional surgery may be necessary to stop the bleeding.
Infection: There is a risk of infection after any surgery. In some cases antibiotics are prescribed to reduce this risk, and patients should follow their surgeon's instructions for proper wound care.
Scarring: Septorhinoplasty can involve making incisions in the skin, which can result in visible scars. However, Mr Farnan uses techniques that minimize scarring and make the scars less noticeable.
Nasal obstruction: In rare cases, septorhinoplasty can result in nasal obstruction. This may occur if the septum or nasal structures are not adequately supported during the healing process.
Changes in smell: In rare cases, septorhinoplasty can result in changes in smell due to injury to the olfactory nerves.
Numbness: When the open approach is used patients will often experience numbness of the skin of the nasal tip after surgery. This numbness will fade away, but can take several months to completely resolve.
Persistent pain: All patients experience some degree of pain during the first few weeks of the recovery period. In rare cases nasal pain can persist for many months after surgery. If pain persists after septorhinoplasty Mr Farnan will examine your nose and discuss the treatment options.
Dissatisfaction with results: While most patients are happy with the results of septorhinoplasty, there is a small chance that a patient may be dissatisfied with the results. This may require additional surgery or revision rhinoplasty.
It's important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before the procedure so that you can make an informed decision about whether septorhinoplasty is right for you.
What is the recovery like after septorhinoplasty?
The recovery period after septorhinoplasty can vary depending on several factors, such as the extent of the surgery, the patient's age, general health, and any pre-existing medical conditions. However, in general, the recovery period after septorhinoplasty can be divided into four phases:
Immediately after surgery: After the surgery is completed, patients are taken to the recovery room to be monitored until they wake up from anaesthesia. The first few hours after surgery can be uncomfortable, and patients may experience pain, swelling, and bruising around the nose and eyes.
First week: During the first week after surgery, patients will likely experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. The nose may feel congested, and patients may need to breathe through their mouth for a few days. Most patients will have a splint or cast on their nose, which will be removed after about a week. Mr Farnan also uses internal splints to support the septum during the first week of healing. Patients will be provided with simple pain killers to ease discomfort during the recovery period
Second week: During the second week, patients may still experience some swelling and bruising, but these symptoms should gradually start to improve. Patients may also be advised to start using saline nasal spray to help keep the nasal passages moist and to prevent infection.
Third week and beyond: By the third week, most patients will be feeling much better and will be able to return to work or school. However, it is essential to continue to avoid any strenuous activity or contact sports for several weeks to allow the nose to fully heal.
In general, the recovery period after septorhinoplasty can take several weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual's healing process. Patients should follow their surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.
How long should I take off work?
Mr Farnan recommends taking at least two weeks of work after septorhinoplasty.