Septoplasty in Cleveland, OH
Choosing a Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty Specialist in Cleveland, OH
Those considering functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty should carefully evaluate their surgeon’s training and credentials. Dr. Brian Harmych is double board-certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is one of the only fellowship-trained and board-certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive rhinoplasty surgeons in the Northeast Ohio and Cleveland, Ohio area.
Impaired nasal breathing, or nasal obstruction, can be quite disruptive to a person’s quality of life. Abnormalities of the bone and cartilage framework of the nose may be inherited, congenital, or caused by trauma and prior surgery and often impair nasal airflow and nasal breathing. This problem may be exacerbated by the presence of other nasal and sinus problems such as a deviated nasal septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal allergies. Patients often seek consultation with a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon to improve their nasal breathing. Occasionally those undergoing surgery to improve nasal breathing desire to improve the appearance of the nose at the same time.
Who is a Candidate for Functional Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty Surgery?
Healthy men and women, with appropriate expectations, seeking relief from nasal obstruction caused by a deformity of the bone and cartilage framework of the nose may be excellent candidates for functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty.
How is Functional Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty Surgery Performed?
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty may be performed with moderate sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference. Small incisions, hidden under the nasal tip and within the nose, allow access to the cartilage and bone responsible for the shape and function of the nose. These structures are carefully adjusted to achieve the desired function and, in some cases, appearance of the nose. As each nose is unique in both appearance and function, the septoplasty and functional rhinoplasty procedures and techniques are planned to meet each patient’s individual needs. Sutures are used to close the incisions and a small external splint is placed. Internal splinting and packing are usually not necessary.
What is the Recovery Time for Functional Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty Surgery?
Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis with most patients returning to the comfort of their own home a few hours after surgery. Patients are encouraged to be up and about on the day of surgery. Prescription pain medicine is usually required for about 3 days. Bruising and swelling last about 7 to 10 days. Activity is restricted for 2 weeks with additional avoidance of contact sports for one month. A splint over the bridge of the nose and a few small sutures near the nostril opening are removed one week after surgery and most patients are able to return to their occupational and social activities at that time. Patients undergoing a septoplasty without functional rhinoplasty should anticipate a much milder recovery with return to full activity in one week.
