Septoplasty

 

More than for aesthetic value, the structure of the nose also plays a very important role in terms of functionality.  We all know that our nose is the primary gateway for air to enter our lungs and though it is common knowledge that we can also breathe through our mouth, the mechanism of air exchange is more effective through the nose.  And now that we are becoming more aware of our body and all the information we need is just one click away on the internet, more and more of us are becoming aware that the conditions that didn’t bother us before, like the feeling that our nose is blocked or that our nose looks crooked, is now a major issue.

Yearly, we see a lot of patients seeking cosmetic surgery in Thailand to improve their nose shape without knowing that nose surgery is not just as simple as augmenting the bridge or trimming the alar flares.  Also, what most of us are unaware of is the fact that changing the shape of our nose may actually affect the functionality of the nose especially if the septum is altered during the surgery.

Prof. Kunachak, one of the best nose surgeons not only in Bangkok, but in whole of Thailand, a Quadruple-board Certified in ENT, Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, and Anti-Aging,  and the founder of our center, noted that deviated septum (the thin bone dividing the 2 nostrils) is one of the most common cause of breathing problems due to nasal obstruction. Septum deviation may be in-born, it may be cause by nose trauma, or a previous nose surgery but most of the time, it can be corrected with the proper surgical technique. Patients all over the world flock our center for a combination of septoplasty and nose enhancement surgery as only a few surgeon are able to perform this procedure. 

WHAT IS SEPTOPLASTY in Thailand?

Septoplasty in Thailand or the surgical correction or manipulation of the septum, can be done both as a cosmetic procedure and as a functional surgery in our plastic/cosmetic surgery center. In most centers that offers nose surgery in Thailand, only the cosmetic aspect of the nose is taken into consideration. There is only but a handful of cosmetic surgeons who are also ENT specialists who understands the importance of every aspect of the nose structure and can therefore correct structural abnormalities (deviation) of the nose and not just address the physical issues.

Septoplasty is usually recommended for patients with deviated septum and septum deviation can only be confirmed with personal evaluation. Physical manifestation of septum deviation includes the deviation of the bridge, but on on some cases, the deviation is not visible physically, but upon internal assessment, the septum is structurally crooked.

Septoplasty in Thailand can be combined with other nose procedures or it can be done alone. If you are looking into having cosmetic rhinoplasty however, it will be best to have them done together as repeated surgery on the nose (or in any area of the body) is not advisable as each surgery  poses higher risk for compromised blood supply which can lead to several other healing complications.

Depending on the degree of deviation, the procedure can be done using open or closed technique but it is always best done under general anesthesia.

 

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES FOR SEPTOPLASTY in Thailand?

Based on online consultation alone, our surgeon can not exactly tell if there is a need for septoplasty, though a clear deviation of the bridge of the nose is a very positive indication of septal deviation.

For our patients who are looking into having nose surgery in Thailand for cosmetic reasons, our surgeon always mention the possibility of performing septoplasty if necessary in addition to cosmetic nose surgery so patients can consider the procedure well and prepare the budget. 

For others who are not concerned about the cosmetic side, frequent nasal blockage or obstruction is also an indicator of septal deviation, but for this concern, our surgeon will have to do a personal assessment before recommendation. Though nasal obstruction is most commonly caused by a deviated septum, other factors should also be considered such as congestion or enlargement of the turbinates, collapse of nasal valve, presence of tumor or polyp, and congenital narrowing of the nose (which we all have solutions for).

All these problems should be addressed accordingly to obtain a successful outcome. 

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED IN HAVING SEPTOPLASTY in Thailand?

Like all other surgical procedures, septoplasty carries risks, such as bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. Other possible risks specific to septoplasty are persistence of previous symptoms, such as nasal obstruction, despite surgery.

However, these risks rarely happen with a very experienced surgeon such as Prof. Kunachak. These risks are also mostly preventable with the proper technique and proper pre-operative preparation and peri-operative management.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT AFTER SEPTOPLASTY in Thailand?

Immediately after septoplasty in Thailand, your nose may feel congested for a few days due to swelling and bleeding (which is normal). This will greatly improve after the first week of the surgery but it may take a month or two for full resolution.

If the procedure involves septoplasty alone, the swelling will not be as apparent physically as it will be for other nose surgery procedures. In 2 – 4 weeks, noticeable improvement on the airway can be expected. By this period, the swelling will have significantly subsided. Though it will take about 6 months (like in all other nose procedures) to fully see the result. Improvements should be expected in 2 weeks to 2 months however.