Tag Archives: deviated septum and rhinoplasty

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deviated septum

Deviated Septum Procedure, Symptoms and Cost in India

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We take normal activities like breathing, seeing, and smelling for granted. They are the basic and important functions of the body. The nose is made up of many components and the septum is also a part of it.  Imagine the discomfort if every time you breathe there is sound or you feel your nose is congested at all times. It can make day-to-day activities difficult including sleeping.

We might think it might be allergies or a sinus infection but it could be something else entirely. It can be the deviated septum causing all the issues and you might need a deviated septum nasal surgery or septoplasty treatment to get the much-needed relief.

What does the septum do?

The septum is actually a very thin wall inside the nose. It is made up of bones and cartilage and does the job of dividing the left and right nostrils. It also helps in keeping the breathing function normal.

Deviated septum

In an ideal situation, the septum should be lined straight but a little deviation in it is normal. But when the deviation is way off the center it is called a deviated septum. Many things can cause the septum to become crooked or displaced such as genetics, sports injury, and direct or indirect trauma to the nose.

In children, a deviated septum is caused because of injury in childbirth. Many people mistake long-lasting injuries for allergies or an issue of sinus. In reality, the number one cause of nasal obstruction is a deviated septum. It also causes stuff or runny nose in most cases.

Deviated septum generally does not cause many problems and most people go through their life without even knowing about it. But sometimes the deviation can be enough to seriously affect the quality of your life.

Deviated septum can be on one side or on both sides of the nasal passage at different points. The crooked septum has many symptoms such as

  • Stuff nose on one or both sides of the nose: Deviated septum can make it difficult for a person to breathe properly especially when they are suffering from a cold or have an allergy. The nasal passages restrict because of swelling and hinder the regular air flow.
  • Nosebleeds: this happens because the deviated septum can become dry and cause crusting and bleeding in the nose.
  • Trouble breathing through the nose: It might feel that the airflow inside is forced.
  • Pain in the facial area especially around the cheek bones: This is very noticeable when you press the nose or the sides of it.
  • Mouth breathing especially when doing strenuous activities
  • Sinus infections that happen too frequently and don’t get relief from regular medications
  • Snoring and noisy breathing when sleeping.
  • Headaches
  • Poor sense of smell
  • Higher occurrences of nosebleeds.
  • Awareness of the nasal cycle i.e., you will more aware of the feel of breathing.
  • Preferring to sleep on one side: People suffering from deviated septum tend to prefer sleeping on one side to optimize breathing through the unobstructed side.
  • Runny nose: The extra air on one side of the nostril dries out the lining of the nose and body’s response kicks in to make more mucus which causes a frequent runny nose.

 

How do I know if I have deviated septum?

The cartilage that makes up the septum is a flexible one and sometimes even what seems like minor injuries can change the shape of the cartilage. Injuries in the childhood also affect how the septum grows as the child grows. Sometimes it is easier to spot a deviated septum because of the change in the shape of the nose. The best person to diagnose a deviated septum is an ENT doctor.

When to seek deviated septum treatment?

An untreated and severely deviated septum can cause many other issues such as

  • Difficulty in breathing because of the deviation in nasal cavities which can further cause inflammation and infection.
  • Tooth decay and even bad breath
  • Dry mouth because of the need of breathing though the mouth
  • Disturbed sleep cycle which also causes dark circles
  • Frequent nosebleeds.

You should also go and see the doctor if you have a blocked nostril that is not responding to any standard medications.

Deviated septum treatment

When you visit the surgeon for a consultation, he will do a physical examination to check for the deviated septum. The otolaryngologist will use a special instrument to open the nostril and a telescope or endoscope to look deep in the nose and check for the deviation in the septum.

The surgeon will also collect your medical history and document if you ever had any injuries in the past. The treatment of deviated septum depends on the severity of the condition. The first line of the treatment of deviated septum is to manage the inflammation and swelling in the nasal cavity and reduce the dryness.

Using these treatments also helps reduce further issues such as nasal polyps, chronic sinus and other chronic nose conditions. Otolaryngologists use the following medical treatments

  • Treating the allergies and asthma: Managing the symptoms of seasonal allergies, inflammation and swelling in the nose can be a great help. Avoid the triggers of allergies.
  • Nasal corticosteroids sprays: Spraying them in the nose can help improve the drainage from the nose and even reduce the swelling in nasal passage. They can be used daily with the doctor’s advice.
  • Decongestants: They are used to reduce the swelling in the nose and open up the airways. They are available in pill and spray form. Use them as directed by the physician because using them regularly for more than few days can cause other issues such as dependencies, high sugar and blood pressure etc. and eventually stop being effective.
  • Antihistamines: The aim to reduce the symptoms of the allergies and prevent runny and stuff nose. They can however make you drowsy and reduce the ability to drive or life weights.

Septoplasty or the surgical treatment for deviated septum

In order to get a permanent relief from deviated septum the treatment is a Septoplasty surgery. It becomes necessary when the medication is not able to provide the much needed relief. The structural issues cannot be treated with conservative treatment. The treatment starts with medications for a few months so see if the patient gets any relief. However, if the problem is very severe, the otolaryngologists might recommend a surgery directly.

Septoplasty is a traditional method of correcting the deviated septum. In the basic procedure the nasal septum is repositioned and straightened so that it sits in the middle of the nose. The septal correction is done using various methods such as cutting the part of the septum, using septal extension grafting, bony grafting etc.

The treatment for deviated septum can be using two approaches

  • Endoscopic in which the surgeon approaches the septum from inside the nose. This process works well for mild septum deviations.
  • External or open approach: This surgical technique is used in severe deviations and gives the surgeon a better view of the internal structure of the nose and offers better flexibility.

The results will help you reduce the severity of the condition and help breathe better. An experience surgeon will ensure that the deviated septum treatment does not alter the shape of the nose to maintain the aesthetics. However, allergies and other injuries can still impact the tissues in the nose post-surgery too.

Septoplasty is an outpatient surgery and takes about 1 hour to perform. You can go home on the same day of the surgery. There are no bones broken and your nose will not be in the cast.

Septoplasty can be combined with other procedures if needed or desired by the patient

  • Cosmetic rhinoplasty to alter the shape, size and tip of the nose.
  • Sinus surgery
  • Turbinate removal procedure
  • Nasal valve repair
  • Sleep apnea treatment using endoscopic treatment.

Combining with other treatments can increase the cost of deviated septum treatment in India but the benefit is in terms of recovery time which is same for the septoplasty or other procedures done along with it.

Recovery after Septoplasty

Recovery starts the day the procedure is done. You can notice the relief in symptoms in just 3-4 weeks post the surgery. And in just three months you will be able to see the full results and notice what a game changer the surgery has been for your life. You should take about a week off from work to make sure that the recovery is full and safe.

  • In the first week of the surgery the surgeon will call you in for a regular inspection and clean your nose periodically.
  • Stay away from exercising for a couple of weeks post the procedure
  • Don’t blow your nose till everything is healed.
  • Bleeding and crusting inside the nose are common and you need to just follow the prescribed medications to get the relief.
  • Avoid touching or bumping into your nose
  • Do not pick, or scratch inside the nose
  • Avoid wearing clothing that need to be pulled over the head and cause a pull on the nose
  • Keep your head elevated while sleeping.

 

You can also help along the recovery by

  • Using a humidifier inside the house to prevent the drying of lining of the nose.
  • Use saline rinses not reduce inflammation and keep the nasal passages moistened.
  • Quit smoking all together: Smoking delays healing and gives severe symptoms to the deviated septum.

Deviated septum surgery cost in India

The results of deviated septum surgery are permanent and continue to improve even after a year of the surgery as the natural healing response of the body kicks in. The cost of septoplasty varies by the experience and location of the surgeon, the complexity of the septoplasty, the techniques used (scalpel or lasers), and the hospital charges.

Most insurance companies cover a part of the deviated septum surgery cost in India. This is the medical part which makes the surgery necessary to reduce the symptoms. Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance which will affect the cost of septoplasty in India.


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Does rhinoplasty vary with age?

Does rhinoplasty vary with age?

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The nose has many idioms associated with it and all talk about pride. The nose is the prominent feature of the face, and a successful rhinoplasty looks good even as you age. This is only possible when an expert rhinoplasty surgeon does it with outstanding skills. It is a challenging task to create a nose that stands the test of time. Top rhinoplasty surgeons with extensive knowledge and expertise in all types of rhinoplasty techniques are the ones that can do a successful aging rhinoplasty.

There is no limit to the age of cosmetic rhinoplasty, and it can be done even in the teenage as long as the functional components of the nose are fully developed, and you are in generally good health. Generally, the most popular age for rhinoplasty is between 20-29 and in the 40s and 50s.

Many people believe that once they get a nose job done, it will stay the same forever which is a big misconception.

As we age, rhinoplasty gets more challenging, affecting long-term cosmetic results for the patient. Aging changes the appearance and the basic structure of the nose in order to enhance the appearance of the nose suiting the changing facial features.

What does rhinoplasty do to the nose?

Before discussing how rhinoplasty varies with age, it is essential to understand what nose surgery or a nose job does to the nose. Most rhinoplasties are reductive, which means the surgeon will manipulate the bones and cartilage to make the nose look smaller. As good as it seems, it tends to fail as one age Because though the bones stop growing as you reach puberty, body tissues change throughout the lifetime.

The nose contains bones, tissues, and cartilage which change shape as you age, and the nose starts to stretch and sag downward. As a result, the structure and skin of the nose lose strength, and with the previous rhinoplasty, the support is already weakened leading to a disfigured nose job. In addition, as the nose ages, the tip might become more extensive, making the nose look wider and heavier.

How does the nose change with age?

As we grow and attain puberty our features begin to take shape a by midlife they are thoroughly and perfectly formed. For example, a nose with the right shape and size during adolescence might seem bulbous, vast, or significant in adulthood. As time passes, the nose becomes different from what you are used to seeing in the mirror in your younger days. The changing shape of the nose also affects the air patterns.

Aging of the nose is a very normal process, but some people like it. This is because the shape and size of the nose matter, and then the rest of the face looks imbalanced and less attractive.

For a successful rhinoplasty, it is necessary to do it in a way that reinforces the structure of the nose to ensure excellent results at all times. This is why aging rhinoplasty has become an essential consideration for both men and women. The initial results are only the first step of having the ideal nose, how your nose will look years or decades after is critical for your appearance and happiness with a nose job over time.

Is the rhinoplasty procedure different for older vs. younger people?

The basic procedure for a nose job remains the same for older and younger people but they aim for different goals. In younger people, the focus is usually on.

  • Reducing nasal humps
  • Strengthening the nasal bridge or narrowing a wide bridge
  • Correct nasal asymmetry
  • Shortening a nose
  • Improving breathing issues, if any

On the other hand, for old people, a rhinoplasty typically focuses on

  • Correcting a droopy tip
  • Shaping a bulbous tip to a narrower appearance.
  • Reducing the size of the nose
  • Correcting breathing and cartilage defects

In both, the surgeon will aim to get the most natural-looking results that don’t show any obvious signs of surgery. The primary considerations for rhinoplasty are improving or modifying the overall structure of the nose structure in a way that compliments the proportions of the face and enhances the functions of the nose. This is done by

  • Modifying nose size with respect to facial balance
  • Altering nose weight and its size and position about the nostrils
  • Correct visible depressions and humps visible on the nasal bridge in the profile view
  • Tip plasty or nasal tip correction to right drooping, upturned, hooked, or enlarged tips
  • Correct large, wide, or upturned nostrils
  • Correct nasal symmetry

Rhinoplasty through the ages

Rhinoplasty, a cosmetic nose job, has recently been popular among youth. Increased awareness and acceptance of nose surgeries have contributed significantly to this. Modern-day nose surgeries are simple, with fewer complications and great results. They also cost less with lower recovery time.

Rhinoplasty in the 20s and 30s

Termed youth rhinoplasty, this type of nose surgery is done to improve the cosmetic and functional appearance of the teen or the young adult’s nose to bring about more facial harmony and a rested look on the face.

A nose that does not ‘fit’ the face can cause significant mental distress in the youth. Studies have proven that many young females feel anxiety and depression because they have a nose like their father or the beak is crooked, and they shy away from class photos or selfies. The results of a youth rhinoplasty last for a long time.

Rhinoplasty in the 40s

By the age reaches the 40s, signs of aging begin to show, and the skin demands extra attention. A nose job at this age is more focused on correcting a droopy tip and humps in the nose. However, care must be taken to ensure the supporting cartilage does not collapse. The surgeon might also use nasal grafts to reinforce the supporting structures.

Rhinoplasty in the 50s

A nose job can be easily tailored to suit a patient of any age. But in the 50s, the skin becomes thicker, so columella or tip manipulation is highly tricky. This is because the surgeon has to make the corrections aesthetically pleasing, and it shows through the skin but still does not weaken the basic structure. Other considerations also come into play in such surgeries, such as whether the patient has underlying conditions like hypertension or diabetes or other medical situations that can increase the risk of surgery.

Other things to consider are the condition and elasticity of the skin. Poor skin quality can cause easy bruising and delay the healing process. Also, the surgeon must consider the patient’s ability to adhere to pre and post-operative needs, quality of nasal cartilage and bone structure, blockages in nasal airways, etc.

How will my rhinoplasty change with the years?

Once the rhinoplasty is done, the actual effects begin to show once the swelling goes down. However, the surgery also initiates the aging process, and thus, most people see a difference in their rhinoplasty results 5-10 years post-surgery. There is no sure-shot way of predicting how the nose will look in the coming years, but here is a list of factors that can influence the results.

  • The techniques your surgeon will use during rhinoplasty.
  • Genetics
  • Trauma or injury to the nose, especially the face.
  • Skin quality and thickness

The best way to keep the rhinoplasty results looking good is to select a surgeon with extensive experience in aging rhinoplasty that can lessen the nose job’s adverse effects. In addition, taking good care of your skin and maintaining good lifestyle choices also help keep nose surgery results for a long time.

Today aging rhinoplasty is a specialty in itself. Modern rhinoplasty is more reconstructive than reductive with the same results, i.e., a more proportionate nose without removing the foundations’ strength. Best rhinoplasty surgeons use grafts to reinforce the areas that can weaken over time to improve the appearance and stability of rhinoplasty over time. If you have also been seeing changes in your previous rhinoplasty, you could consult your doctor for revision rhinoplasty.

Cost of aging rhinoplasty

The cost of rhinoplasty differs by many factors. The primary influencer on the price of nose surgery is the age and genetics of the patient. The second is the change they want to see in the nose. Other factors which cause the cost of rhinoplasty to vary include surgeon experience, primary or revision rhinoplasty, cost of grafts used, the duration of hospital stay, and post-operation care. Your doctor and his team are the best people to brief you about the price and payment plans for rhinoplasty. Some types of rhinoplasties are covered by insurance, and some are not. Therefore you can discuss this with your insurance provider for the same. The main objective should be to get the best procedure done so that the results last decades.


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Know the Difference Between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty?

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Know the Difference Between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty?

A nose job is a very popular type of surgery and it covers a vast number of procedures under its umbrella. This is not surprising because the nose is located at the front and centre of the face and it has a very important role in maintaining regular functions. The main function of the nose is to control and filter the airflow and help you breathe properly. But there is another important role of the nose is the beauty of the face. A crooked nose can make your lips look crooked. The crooked nose can be because of a slanted tip or it might be because of the deviated septum or bone structure.  The balance and harmony that the nose brings to the face are unique.

There are two main types of nose surgery:

septoplasty and rhinoplasty. both aim to improve the nose but address different issues. They can be done as stand-alone surgeries or combined for better results.

Many times what we see as a deformity on the nose from the outside is actually related to some internal issues as well and both need to be treated to make the patient comfortable. Rhinoplasty focuses on treating the external appearance of the nose and septoplasty is aimed to correct or improve the internal defects.

When you visit the surgeon for a nose job, he will ask you about your concerns in detail and then help choose the right treatment for you. Rhinoplasty and septoplasty both have different goals but the aim is to improve your quality of life and self-confidence. It is therefore important to understand the difference between septoplasty and rhinoplasty to know what difference it will make in your nose and facial profile. Here we have listed some common things and major differences between rhinoplasty and septoplasty to help you understand which one to choose.

Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty nose job is mostly done for cosmetic reasons primarily. The nose is a complex organ and each person’s nose is very unique. Therefore, the ideal nose for each person is different and there is no mould that every nose can fit in. therefore your nasal structure has an individual relationship with your facial features. Unlike other plastic surgery procedures, conservatism is a prime consideration in rhinoplasty to preserve the natural and soft look. It is important to let your doctor know about what you are looking to correct.

Rhinoplasty can be done to

  • Reduce the size of the nose
  • Change the width of the bridge
  • Correct the hump on the bridge
  • Lengthen the nose
  • Make your nose symmetrical
  • Straighten a crooked nose
  • Change the orientation of the nose tip and alter its size and shape
  • Remove the depression on the bridge
  • Correct the size, position, and shape of the nostrils

Every patient has a different set of preferences when it comes to selecting the type of rhinoplasty. the final aim is to achieve a natura look that fits well with your facial features. There are very high degrees of refinement that can be achieved with surgical nose reshaping. In a rhinoplasty nose job, a detailed consultation is done with the surgeon about what you like and don’t like about your nose. the surgeon will carefully asses your nose, look at the photos, examine your skin type, and work with you to work out what nose shape works for the structure of your face. This procedure can be done in a minimally invasive way too i.e., with the use of threads or fillers. This is called liquid rhinoplasty and is done to augment the nose. A Liquid nose job is a temporary procedure less costly than the traditional rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty can be done under local or general anaesthesia. Rhinoplasty is usually not covered by insurance.

Septoplasty

This type of nose job is done to correct the shape of the septum. The septum is the thin wall that separates the two nostrils. The septum has important functions, it supports the nose and helps direct the airflow. It is composed of cartilage and thin bone. When either the cartilage or the bone is not straight, it is called a deviated septum.  This can happen because of birth or an injury. About 80% of people around the world have some degree of deviation in the septum.

Deviated septum sometimes does not cause any symptoms or problems in an individual. But when left untreated or if it gets severe it can cause many problems such as

  • Reducing the airflow and causing difficulty in breathing. This obstruction can get worse when you get some cold or allergies as it can cause the nasal passage to become narrow and swell.
  • Deviated septum can cause dryness in the effect of airflow and it can cause crusting or bleeding in some people.
  • A crooked septum can also cause congestion in the nose and cause swelling in the tissue and skin lining on the insides of the nose. Medications can help reduce the swelling but not solve the deviated septum problem.
  • Snoring or noisy breathing when sleeping because of deviated septum and swelling in the tissues of the nose and obstructed breathing.
  • Sinus infections are mainly caused because of deviated septum and it can disrupt the person’s entire life. A chronic sinus infection can cause swelling, irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages.
  • Obstructive Sleep apnea is a condition caused by deviated septum and it results in a person to stop breathing in the night during the sleep. This can happen multiple times during the night. Sleep apnea decreases the oxygen supply to the brain and other parts of body.

People suffering from deviated septum tend to sleep on one side to adjust breathing through the nose. Deviated septum should be treated to avoid long term and short-term health problems. Septoplasty to correct the deviated septum is a simple surgery that can help relieve the patient of long term pain and  discomfort. Deviated septum cannot be treated with medications.

When untreated conditions like sleep apena can cause blood pressure, heat attack, diabetes, depression, headache, ADHD, stroke and even cause poor performance in daily life and even affect the children.

Septoplasty

If you have difficulty in breathing or have had a recent trauma to the nose that has changed your breathing pattern then it is time to talk to your surgeon about septoplasty. The surgeon makes an incision to divide the nasal mucosa from bone and cartilage. Then the cartilage is straightened. Also if the problem is the bone then then the surgeon will have to trim the bone or add a graft to help correct the deviation. Spreader grafts are small reinforcing strips that correct the deviated septum that is causing the problem along the bridge of the nose. Then the mucosa back over the bone and cartilage and the nose shape returned to normal. Septoplasty is a medical treatment is covered by insurance.

When Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty overlap

Sometimes the deviated septum can cause off balance in the facial appearance too and hence septoplasty can be combined with rhinoplasty and it is called Septorhinoplasty. This not only corrects the breathing problem but also improve facial aesthetics. Every nose job needs to consider function and appearance. Septoplasty is careful about not disrupting the aesthetics of the nose and rhinoplasty is done carefully to preserve the nasal passageways. Deviated septum and rhinoplasty are commonly preformed surgeries which are very safe and effective.

You can get a rhinoplasty and septoplasty at the same time and it has a lot of benefits in terms of

  • Cost
  • Safely
  • Recovery
  • Convenience

Cost of septoplasty and rhinoplasty

Septorhinoplasty is done in one go but the cost of septoplasty and rhinoplasty with insurance is different. Because the functional rhinoplasty is covered by insurance and rhinoplasty is not therefore you must talk to your provider before confirming for the surgery. when done together septoplasty and rhinoplasty cost is very economical i.e., Cost effective one because

  • The anaesthesiologist fees comes onto play only once.
  • You need to pay the surgeon’s feel only once
  • Better results without need of revision rhinoplasty
  • Fewer consultation.

About Dr. Debraj Shome

Dr. Debraj Shome- Facial Plastic Surgeon in Mumbai, India

Dr. Debraj Shome – Founder, The Esthetic Clinics, is a top facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Shome is currently a Consultant at the best Mumbai hospitals like Saifee Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, Nanavati Hospital & Apollo Spectra Hospital in Mumbai, India. He has 40+ research papers in the best international journals, numerous presentations at conferences & many awards such as “Best Plastic Surgeon in Mumbai”, “Best Plastic Surgeon in India”, Best Cosmetic Surgeon in India”, “Best Cosmetic Surgeon in Mumbai”, “Breakthrough Innovator in Facial Plastic Surgery” etc. A celebrity plastic surgeon, Dr. Shome believes plastic, reconstructive & cosmetic face surgery can allow you to lead a more fulfilled life….Read more

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