Nasal septum surgery
Septoplasty, also known as nasal septum surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to correct a deviated nasal septum.
The nasal septum is a thin structure of bone and cartilage that separates the nose into two passages. If it is crooked or misaligned, it can cause difficulty breathing and other discomfort. Septoplasty is a common surgery to improve the function of the nose and thus the patient's quality of life.
Symptoms of a deviated nasal septum
A deviated nasal septum can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms that can significantly affect a person's daily life. The main symptoms are:
- Chronic nasal congestion – one or both nostrils may feel constantly blocked;
- Mouth breathing – the movement of air through the nose is obstructed, which makes it necessary to constantly breathe through the mouth;
- Frequent nosebleeds – a deviated nasal septum can cause dryness and fragility of the nasal mucosa;
- Headaches – If the nasal septum is very curved, it can come into contact with the structures of the nasal cavity and cause frequent headaches.
- Snoring and sleep apnea – Impaired airflow can cause snoring and in some cases even sleep apnea.
If the complaints described above are present and the doctor confirms a deviated septum, nasal septum surgery may be necessary.
Septoplasty with rhinoplasty
If a patient wants to change the appearance of their nose, but also has nasal breathing problems caused by a deviated septum, it is not recommended to have a septum surgery previously funded by the Health Insurance Fund. Namely, the cartilaginous part of the septum is also an important support material for the external nasal structures, and a previously performed septoplasty can damage the cartilage. This, in turn, can make future aesthetic rhinoplasty significantly more complicated and expensive.
If you are considering rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, but you also have breathing problems, it is wise to consult a plastic surgeon before undergoing functional surgery and, if necessary, perform these operations together. This usually does not make the paid surgery more expensive for you, quite the opposite.
Preparing for and recovering from septoplasty
Before the surgery, you must undergo a thorough medical examination and necessary tests. The doctor will assess the anatomy of the nose and may perform nasal endoscopy and computed tomography if necessary. During the period before and after the surgery, you must follow the instructions given by the doctor to ensure that the surgery and recovery from it go as smoothly as possible. For example, it is recommended to quit smoking at least two weeks before the surgery.
Initial recovery from septoplasty usually takes 1-2 weeks. During this time, you should avoid physical exertion and saunas. Nasal congestion, pain, and discomfort may occur in the first few days after surgery. Depending on the surgical technique chosen, plastic or silicone plates may be left in the nasal passages to support the septum, which are removed 4-7 days after surgery. Complete stabilization and improvement of nasal function may take 3-6 months.
Septoplasty price
The cost of nasal septum surgery can vary depending on several factors. In Estonia, nasal septum surgery, or septoplasty, is generally covered by the Health Insurance Fund if it is medically indicated. This means that a patient diagnosed with a deviated nasal septum and the resulting health problems do not have to pay for the surgery themselves. In private clinics, septoplasty may be a paid procedure.
If the surgery is performed in a private clinic without Health Insurance funding, the price of nasal septum surgery can range from 1,500 to 3,000 euros. The exact price depends on the specific case and the surgeon chosen.
It is important to remember that septoplasty is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic surgery. It is intended to improve the function of the nose, not to change its appearance.
