Generally speaking, we always dream of being in the best appearance as we can be. But what if are in the condition that needs medical attention? What if we need to undergo cosmetic surgery– for example, deviated septum surgery? If you are lined up for surgery, click here to consult a top surgeon.
What is a deviated septum?
Initially, let us define what a septum is. It is the cartilage dividing the nose into two nostrils. You can tell the septum is deviated if your septum moved to one side of your nose.
Some people may have this as a congenital disability, while others had this from an injury in the nose. Often, people with deviated septum happened to have one nasal passage that is smaller than the other. This condition results in the difficulty of breathing. Other symptoms that can show a deviated septum are nosebleeds and facial pain.
Under these circumstances, they need to undergo septum surgery.
What is septum surgery?
They refer to this surgery as septoplasty. It is a surgical procedure to fix the deviated septum. Surgeons carry out this procedure by straightening the septum. In effect, it allows better airflow through the nose.
This procedure normally takes 30 to 90 minutes before completion. However, it still depends on the complexity of the patient’s condition. The surgeon will either use local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on what is best for the patient.
The procedure takes place when the surgeon makes an incision on one side of the nose. They cut this portion of the nose to access the septum. Next is they will lift the mucous membrane and move the deviated septum to its correct position. In case there are barriers, such as extra pieces of bones or cartilage, the surgeon will remove them. Lastly, they will reposition the mucous membrane. Sometimes, the surgeon put stitches to keep the septum and membrane in their positions.
How much does deviated septum surgery cost?
In average, the cost of this surgery is $6550. However, this price varies widely among regions, as well as the surgical providers within the regions. The factors that can affect the variation of the cost are the surgeon’s fee, the anesthesia to be used by the surgeon, and the facility as well.
In case there will be a need for other procedure for your condition, it is also a factor that will make your expenses increase. This procedure is the rhinoplasty which is a type of cosmetic surgery while septoplasty is a functional surgery. In the advanced education of the surgeons, they can combine functional and cosmetic surgery. This way, they can address both the structural issues and appearance issues as well.
Additionally, there are expenses you need to consider after the procedure, such as the medications you need to take during your recovery. You might need to take antibiotics during your recovery period to avoid infections.
Granted that you have insurance, they will only cover the expenses under the functional surgery. But, as for the cosmetic surgery, you have to shoulder the expense on your own. Given these points, you have to confirm it very well so that you could prepare yourself for the expenses associated with this procedure. You may ask an estimation from your surgeon for your idea.
What are the potential risks you may encounter in this surgery?
Sometimes, there are uncontrollable situations that can make you shift from what you have expected. It is possible that you can be unsatisfied with the results of the surgery. In the worst-case scenario, you will need to undergo another surgery.
We have listed down other potential risks associated with septoplasty or the surgery for a deviated septum.
You can experience bleeding.- It may develop a scar after complete healing.
- Perforation of the septum can occur. It happens when a hole is formed in your septum.
- There is an alteration with the shape of your nose.
- You might notice a discoloration of your nose.
- Your sense of smell might also be affected, and it can decrease its function of smell.
- It can lead to tooth and nose numbness. This occurs if the procedure injured the nerves connecting the two. It may take months before it returns to its normal state.
- Though extremely rare, septoplasty can injure the brain. It can cause a leak of fluid that nourishes the brain and the spinal cord. This may lead to further infection.
- Even though this happens very rarely, septoplasty can cause a life-threatening infection that needs immediate medical attention.
- Other risks are continual pain in the face, change of vocals, visual defects or swelling and bruising around the eyes.
You can experience bleeding.
Final thoughts
It is necessary to have complete preparation before doing any surgery. You must be knowledgeable about it by discussing it with a surgeon. Ask for the pros and cons, as well as the expenses you’ll have to face afterwards.