Septorhinoplasty, also known as nasal deviation surgery, is a surgical procedure that involves correcting nasal deviations. Nasal deviation can occur due to congenital structural differences, trauma, or developmental changes. These structural changes can lead to functional issues like nasal congestion and breathing difficulties in some individuals. Septorhinoplasty is an approach that includes assessing and surgically correcting these types of anatomical problems that affect airflow within the nose when deemed appropriate.
What is Septorhinoplasty Surgery?
Septorhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves correcting internal nasal deviations (septal deviation) and reshaping the outer appearance of the nose. It aims to improve both breathing functionality and the harmony of the nasal structure with the face.
What Causes Nasal Deviation?
Nasal deviation (septal deviation) occurs when the nasal septum shifts to the right or left.
The most common causes of nasal deviation are:
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Congenital structural differences
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Traumas and impacts
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Developmental changes
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Previous surgical procedures
What Health Problems Does Nasal Deviation Cause?
Nasal deviation (septal deviation) can cause various functional problems by affecting airflow. Depending on the severity of the condition, the following health issues may occur:
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Nasal congestion
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Breathing difficulties
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Mouth breathing
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Snoring
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Disruption in sleep quality
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Frequent sinusitis attacks
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Headache and facial pressure
These symptoms may vary from person to person, and not every nasal bone deviation leads to the same level of complaints.
How is Nasal Deviation Corrected?
Nasal deviation (septal deviation), as it usually develops due to a structural problem inside the nose, is often permanently corrected using surgical methods. Medication therapies can temporarily relieve complaints like nasal congestion, but they do not eliminate the deviation itself. Therefore, surgical evaluation may be conducted depending on the degree of nasal deviation and the individual's complaints.
Septorhinoplasty surgery can be applied as an approach that addresses both the structural problem inside the nose and makes adjustments to the shape of the nose when necessary. This surgical procedure is also commonly referred to as nasal deviation surgery.
What are the Techniques of Septorhinoplasty?
Since septorhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that evaluates both the internal and external structures of the nose, the techniques to be used are determined based on the patient's nasal anatomy, existing structural issues, and the scope of the planned intervention. Basically, septorhinoplasty can be performed with different techniques depending on the surgical approach and application method. The selection of these techniques is shaped according to the degree of internal nasal deviation, aesthetic expectations, and the surgeon’s assessment.
The most commonly used techniques in septorhinoplasty applications can be summarized as follows:
Open Technique
The open technique is an approach that allows for visualization of the surgical area at a wider angle through a small incision at the nasal tip. This method is preferable, especially in cases with advanced nasal deviations that require detailed reshaping.
Closed Technique
Closed technique, is a method where all incisions are made inside the nose, leaving no visible external scar. This technique can be applied in more limited interventions and suitable anatomical structures and may be preferred in certain cases.
Techniques Combined with Septoplasty
Techniques combined with septoplasty involve addressing both the correction of the septal deviation inside the nose and aesthetic adjustments in the same surgical process. In this approach, both functional and structural evaluations are conducted together.
Nasal Tip Correction Techniques
Nasal tip correction techniques involve applications aimed at reshaping and repositioning the nasal tip. These procedures can be planned with the aim of evaluating the harmony of the nasal appearance with the face.
Functional nasal aesthetics are considered a personalized surgical approach rather than a standard application.
Who is Suitable for Septorhinoplasty Surgery?
Septorhinoplasty can be planned for individuals experiencing functional problems due to nasal deviation and who are deemed suitable after an evaluation of their nasal structure.
In general, it is evaluated in the following cases:
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Individuals having breathing difficulties due to nasal bone deviation
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Individuals with persistent nasal congestion
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Snoring and experiencing disrupted sleep quality
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Individuals with frequent sinusitis complaints
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Individuals with functional problems along with nasal shape issues
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Individuals with nasal deformity following trauma
Eligibility for septorhinoplasty is determined by an evaluation conducted by a specialized physician, considering the individual’s overall health, nasal structure, and expectations.
What is the Difference Between Septorhinoplasty and Rhinoplasty?
Septorhinoplasty and rhinoplasty are surgical procedures that are often confused with each other but have different scopes. Rhinoplasty (nose aesthetics) primarily aims to aesthetically reshape the nose, while septoplasty focuses solely on correcting internal nasal deviations (septal deviation).
Septorhinoplasty, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive procedure that combines these two approaches, addressing both the resolution of functional issues inside the nose and the adjustment of the nasal outer appearance. In this respect, septorhinoplasty is considered a holistic surgical approach that combines breathing functions with aesthetic expectations.
What is the Process After Septorhinoplasty?
The recovery process after septorhinoplasty may vary depending on the scope of the surgical procedure applied and the individual's recovery speed. In the days immediately following the surgery, it is natural for some temporary complaints to occur due to the swelling of the nasal structure and the healing process of the tissues. This process generally proceeds with controlled and gradual healing.
Common situations encountered in the postoperative period are:
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Mild edema and sensitivity: Swelling around the nose may be observed, especially in the first days.
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Sensation of fullness inside the nose: A temporary feeling of blockage may occur.
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Bruising: Some individuals may develop mild bruises around the eyes.
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Breathing changes: Changes in breathing may occur in the first days due to swelling, which improve as the process progresses.
The recovery process generally progresses noticeably within a few weeks, but it may take time for the nasal tissues to become fully stabilized. Following the recommendations of the physician and protecting the nasal area is important for a healthy progression of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does septorhinoplasty surgery take?
Septorhinoplasty surgery typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours. The duration of the operation may vary depending on the nasal structure, the scope of the procedures to be performed, and any associated aesthetic adjustments.
Is septorhinoplasty surgery painful?
Mild pain or sensitivity may be experienced post-surgery. This condition is usually short-lived and manageable.
Will there be scars after septorhinoplasty?
Depending on the applied surgical technique, visible external scars may not occur. This situation can be assessed according to the preferred method and the scope of the procedure performed.
Does septorhinoplasty completely correct nasal bone deviation?
Septorhinoplasty aims to correct deviations inside the nose. However, the outcomes may vary depending on the individual's nasal structure and the existing anatomical condition.
What are the risks of septorhinoplasty surgery?
Like other surgical procedures, septorhinoplasty can entail some risks. Although these risks are generally rare, they may vary depending on the scope of the surgery and the individual’s health condition. Possible situations include infection, bleeding, temporary edema and bruising, crusting inside the nose, or breathing changes related to the recovery process. All these possibilities are addressed during the pre-operative assessment process.
