Septorhinoplasty
Surgery to correct breathing and the shape of the nose together.
Septorhinoplasty alters the structure of the nose to improve the airway, the appearance, or both, and can reconstruct the nose after injury or correct long-standing structural problems. The septum almost always needs correcting as part of it, which is why the fuller term is used. It is a complex procedure that is not suitable for everyone, and all causes of nasal blockage are explored at assessment.
What it involves
- Usually two to three hours under general anaesthetic
- Often an "open" approach: a small cut across the skin between the nostrils (the only visible scar) plus cuts inside, so the skin can be lifted and the bone and cartilage reshaped
- Cartilage may be borrowed from the septum, or occasionally the ear or a rib, to add support, usually only after previous nasal surgery
- Usually a day case, home 3 to 4 hours after theatre
- A splint is worn on the nose for about a week
Recovery
- Swelling across the nose and cheeks is normal and mostly settles over a few weeks; milder swelling can persist for months, so the final result takes time
- Bruising under the eyes ("black eyes") can occur and usually clears within a week to ten days
- A little blood-stained discharge is normal; packing is not usually needed
- Sleeping propped up on extra pillows helps the swelling
- Most people take about two weeks off work
Risks
Most people do well, but the outcome is not completely predictable. Risks include rare heavier bleeding; a small chance of a septal perforation; a very small chance (under 1%) of a change in shape after severe infection or a large perforation; occasional skin changes such as thread veins, thinning or altered pigment, more likely after previous surgery; a very small chance of affecting smell; and that not everyone is fully satisfied, with around 5 to 10% having an adjustment procedure later. Photographs are taken beforehand to plan the operation.
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This page is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. The right treatment depends on your assessment.