Is it useful to know about septoplasty and septoplasty incisions? Patients who have deviated septums often want to know how they can address this structural issue in their noses. A deviated septum can result in a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from difficulty in breathing and competing in sports to trouble with sleeping through the night and excessive snoring.
Most people take breathing for granted, but those with breathing problems often find themselves limiting their activities. One of the top causes of breathing problems is a deviated septum in which the tissue dividing the nasal cavity is crooked and creates a narrow passageway through which breathing is more difficult. For this reason, experienced cosmetic surgeons see many requests for breathing help which comes in the form of a septoplasty procedure.
Breathing Trouble from Deviated Septums
The deviated septum narrowing a nasal passage because it is crooked is one possible scenario. In many cases, the problem is further complicated when a turbinate enlarges in the larger nasal cavity because there is more room for the tissue to grow. The turbinate is the tissue that processes the air breathed in by cleansing and humidifying it. Frequently, cosmetic surgeons perform a septoplasty and a turbinectomy at the same time, correcting both problems.
The deviated septum is more than an annoyance. It causes restricted airflow, promotes sinus infections, and can cause heavy snoring. Sleep is disrupted throughout the night when it is necessary to breathe through the mouth to get enough oxygen, leading to a dry mouth. The septoplasty straightens the misshapen or crooked septum, and the turbinectomy reduces the size of the enlarged turbinate blocking airflow. The result is easier breathing which promotes a healthier body and a good night’s rest.
Many people who have deviated septums often opt to have a septoplasty performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon. The septoplasty is a medically necessary surgery in which the surgeon fixes the structural issues within the nose. Patients should recognize that there are several types of incisions that will be used for this surgery.
What Types of Septoplasty Incisions Could be Used?
Killian Incision
The Killian Incision is one common type of incision that is used by surgeons during the septoplasty procedure. It is usually the best incision choice for patients who have a septal deviation in the middle or toward the posterior region of the nasal cavity. Surgeons must know when it’s best to choose this incision because there are risks associated with it. For instance, the caudal septal edge cannot be reached when this incision method is used. This can increase the risk of tearing the membrane within the nose.
Cottle Elevator
This technique is used in combination with two dissecting faces. The first face of the equipment is dull, while the other face appears like a sharpened spade. The sharp end of the tool is used to create the incision and begin the septoplasty procedure, while the dull end is used within the nose to elevate the envelope of the nose and fix the deviation. This incision procedure is one of the least traumatic techniques for the structure of the nose.
Transfixion or Hemitransfixion
Patients who have a deviated septum close to the caudal septal edge will likely require a transfixion or hemitransfixion incision for their surgery. When a surgeon uses this incision style, they can gain access to the posterior region of the nose as well as the caudal septal edge. In most cases, patients will find that the hemitransfixion is the best incision type for them. This incision provides the surgeon with the most accessibility to the caudal septum. It does this by lowering the support of the nasal tip during the surgery.
Combination Plastic Surgeries
The septoplasty can be combined with other surgeries, including the rhinoplasty procedure and surgery to correct sinus problems. A crooked septum can cause the bridge of the nose to develop a bump which is one reason why a rhinoplasty may be performed at the same time. The physician will do a thorough evaluation of the nose’s structure and consult at length with the patient to determine the desired end result.Â
The septoplasty is a common non-cosmetic surgical procedure, but it is critical to utilize the services of an experienced plastic surgeon. Though it is an outpatient surgery, the expertise of the surgeon has an enormous influence on the results. Many expert plastic surgeons are even involved in ongoing research into developing less-invasive and highly effective surgical procedures. In addition, prospective patients from all over specifically seek board-certified plastic surgeons’ clinics because of their reputation.
The facial plastic surgeon will perform a physical and mental evaluation on the patient during the consultation appointment, and at this time, the specifics of the septoplasty procedure will be discussed. In addition, the surgeon will provide the patient with a plan of action for the surgery and will explain which incision type will be used and why.
It’s important that each patient is evaluated at an individual level, for the cause and location of the deviated septum can vary. For example, a person who had an injury that resulted in a deviated septum may require a different technique than a patient who was born with a deviated septum.