Adequate breathing is vital for our health and a better quality of life. However, many individuals suffer from nasal obstruction secondary to a deviated septum, an anatomical condition that pushes the cartilage and bone that separates the nasal passages out of alignment. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure utilized to correct the condition. Many wrongly label a septoplasty as a cosmetic surgery, when in fact it is a primarily functional surgery with one main goal, which is to improve airflow. In this article, we will discuss what septoplasty surgery is, why someone would need to have the procedure, and whether it is functional, cosmetic, or both.
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to straighten the nasal septum that has been bent or otherwise displaced with unnatural delays due to genetics, injury, or developmental issues. A deviated septum interferes with the airflow that eventually gives rise to obstructions in breathing patterns, snoring, sinus infections, difficulty sleeping, and other more serious health implications. During the nose surgery septoplasty, the ENT surgeon will either reposition or remove some of the cartilage and bone in order to remove the impediments in the nasal cavity to air movement.
Why is Septoplasty Surgery important?
Septoplasty Surgery is mostly done in order to relieve breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum. The potential health benefits of septoplasty include:
- Resolving chronic nasal congestion
- Reducing the frequency of sinus infections
- Increased sleep by reducing snoring and sleep apnea
- Increased airflow and oxygen uptake during sport/exercise
Septoplasty is a highly functional surgery that is used to provide comfortable breathing to the patient, unlike certain other surgeries like rhinoplasty, which are mostly cosmetic.
Is Septoplasty Functional or Cosmetic?
Septoplasty is primarily a functional surgery. It can help with breathing, sinus issues, and general nasal health. In some circumstances, septoplasty can be thought of cosmetically. It can have cosmetic benefits if done with rhinoplasty (or as part of a septorhinoplasty), as it can change the shape of the nose and also repair functional problems.
Who Should Have Septoplasty?
A person may be an appropriate candidate for nasal septoplasty surgery if they have:
- Chronic nasal congestion or blockage to one side or both
- Recurrent sinus infections with facial pressure
- Uncontrolled loud snoring or disrupted sleep due to issues with breathing
- A previous nasal fracture resulted in a crooked septum
An ENT doctor can assess a patient’s symptom severity and determine if septoplasty is a good option for them. Septoplasty is not only a cosmetic surgery. It is primarily a functional surgery directed at restoring normal breathing and a better quality of life. Cosmetic improvements can occasionally come with the procedure; however, septoplasty is primarily performed to fix medical conditions caused by the distortion of the septum. If nasal obstruction or other symptoms of the nose are interfering with a person’s everyday life, they should see an ENT Surgeon to see if septoplasty is the solution.
If you are looking for the Best ENT Surgeon in Mohali or the Best ENT Doctor near me, Sohana Hospital might just be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital, Mohali, is home to the World’s most advanced technology and North India’s most trusted and experienced ENT specialists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all the ENT-related problems of the patients in the region. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a happier and healthier life!