Septoplasty is the surgery that can straighten a crooked nose. The results of a septoplasty can only be experienced only after a few months. Therefore, don’t get worked up if you don’t see enough results after the recovery. Apart from this, here are 5 most important things you should know before septoplasty surgery.
1. Candidates for the Septoplasty Surgery
The ideal candidates for septoplasty are the following.
- Suffering from sinusitis problem due to a deviated septum.
- Unable to breathe properly or sleep properly due to sinusitis symptoms.
- Do not smoke nor suffer from any underlying health condition.
This necessarily doesn’t mean other people cannot undergo the surgery. The ENT doctor can confirm whether the patient can undergo the surgery or not.
2. Preparation for the Septoplasty Surgery
Prior to the surgery, make sure you are equipped with all the necessary information both about the procedure and the recovery period. While consulting with the doctor, get the necessary information about the following.
Qus. How to take care of the wound on the nose post-surgery?
Qus. How much amount of work is permitted?
Qus. What are the warning signs to look out for so that the patient gets immediate medical attention?
Qus. What are the specific exercises that can be performed?
Qus. Which medicines are needed to be stopped and which can be continued?
Qus. How to manage pain after the surgery?
Qus. How long there is going to be restrictions on driving?
Qus. When will be there a follow-up?
3. Risk and Complications During the Septoplasty Surgery
Septoplasty is a safe procedure. There are some mild side effects that can occur during the recovery period. With proper care, these side effects can be curbed easily.
Bleeding – After the nasal surgery, there can be a risk of nose bleeding. This is very common side effects.
Infection – Infection in the sinuses due to poor hygiene.
Numbness of the tooth and nose.
Toxic shock syndrome – This is the worst complication that can occur. The symptoms occur are elevated heart rate, fever, skin discoloration or other changes.
Hole in the septum – In the nasal septum, there can be some perforation accidentally. However, this occurs in very rare instances.
Leakage of the spinal fluid – In rare cases, the doctor can injure the brain and spinal cord that can lead to leakage of spinal fluid.
Others – Apart from the above, there is a risk that the patient may experience loss of tense of smell or taste, changes in the voice, problems with the vision, chronic facial pain and bruising around the eye.
4. Recovery of the Septoplasty Surgery
The doctor tightly packs both the sides of the surgery or places a splint on the nose after the surgery to reduce any chances of bleeding and restrict movement. Sometimes, the doctor also places a nasal sling on the nose that requires changing a couple of times. While going back home, the exertion can cause nose bleeding. Hence, as soon as you reach home, apply an ice pack near the nose.
The nasal packing will be removed the next day or within 36 hours. During the follow-up visit which can be around 3 to 7 days after the surgery, the doctor removes the splints. Along with some nose bleeding, there can be instances of thick yellow-green drainage from the nose that lasts for several risks.
Reducing Nasal Blockage
Post septoplasty surgery, the nose swell and can block the nasal passages. The symptoms resemble a bad cold and headache. Eventually, this subsides within 2 weeks after the surgery. To help relieve out pressure, sleep with 2 or 3 pillows under the head at an angle of 45 degrees. Also, rinse the sinuses properly with saline solution. To avoid drying of the mouth, place a humidifier to inhale moist air.
Taking Care of the Wound
Here is a list of precautionary measures that the patient needs to follow before cleaning and dressing the incision.
- Before touching the incision site, wash your hands properly with soap. Even after cleaning the wounds, wash the hands again. Try to avoid touching your nose or the place of injury.
- While washing the face, remember not to wet the nasal packing. For the duration of 2 weeks use a soft cotton and a pot of little warm water to clear your face.
- It is normal if you have some bleeding from the nose while irrigating the sinuses. Actually, this is good which means the sinuses and nasal passages are clean.
- When stepping out of the house, be extra careful that you don’t damage the nose. Use nose mask it possible.
Diet to Eat after Septoplasty
- Doctors prescribe drinking lots of cool liquids such as soft drinks, popsicles, apple juice or jello. In place of normal apply juice its much better if you are taking apple shake with raw milk.
- Avoid consuming hot foods or hot beverages like Coffee or Tea as these can cause mouth and nose to heat up and cause excessive nosebleeding.
- On the initial days of the recovery, eat light and soft foods such as warm soup, pasta, mashed potatoes, noodles, pasta, etc.
- Once the patient feels normal, resume taking the normal diets.
Activities to Avoid after Septoplasty
During the recovery period, make sure that you don’t put any strain or pressure on the nose. Or else, there will be a high risk of pain along with excessive nose bleeding. Hence, try to avoid the following activities as much as possible.
Consult with your family doctor first before going for high-intensity exercises. During the days of Surgery you are not allowed to do exercises. For at least 2 weeks after the surgery, do not exercise overexert yourself in any way.
There should be no bending, lifting or excessive straining in any way whatsoever.
It is better if you plan to take a one week leave from work for complete rest. In case you don’t, make sure that you take the necessary precautions while resuming your work. After septoplasty surgery avoid to rotate in dust areas or hard sun rays.
Do not go to places where there is excessive dust or smoke as these can irritate the noses. Dust can create infection over the surgery areas.
Don’t make any long trips or plans to stay for at least 2 weeks after surgery. Until your injury recovered stay at your home.
Avoid blowing nose as much as possible.
Avoid any sexual activity for the initial 72 hours of the surgery.
If you are suffering from chronic constipation, don’t overstrain.
5. Duration of the Recovery
After complete rest for 24-48 hours, the anesthesia effects wear off. The patient can start with their daily activities after this time. Although they can resume work, it is of utmost importance that they start with light work. The complete recovery from septoplasty takes almost one week. In some cases, this might take some extra time.
Conclusion
If you have decided to undergo a septoplasty, then the above information can help you prepare better. In case you have any more questions, make sure that you enquire about them to the doctor properly. This will help in ensuring that there are minimal pain and risk during the recovery.
