Nasal septal deviation is a prevalent issue that may have dramatic quality of life ramifications. Septoplasty is a commonly performed procedure that provides various benefits to those with nasal obstruction owing to septal deviation. Undisputed leader in deviated septum repair in New Jersey, Dr. Monica Tadros clearly realizes that comfortable nasal breathing is directly linked to the quality of life. Hence, she offers the most advanced and effective treatment solutions for patients suffering from this condition.
As a world-class facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Tadros performs deviated septum surgery in NJ with the highest caliber of quality. Thousands of grateful patients have earned Dr. Tadros one of the most respected reputations not only in the U.S. but across the whole world.
What is a Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty)?
A deviated septum can lead to breathing difficulties as well as negatively alter the shape of the nose.
For many individuals, surgery to correct for both functional abnormalities and nasal shape is best indicated. The nasal septum is the most critical part of the support structure that holds up our nose.
The septum is comprised of cartilage and bone that divides the right and left nostrils in the front and extends all the way back to the sinuses to form our foundation. All of the other cartilages and bones that form our tip, nasal bridge and nasal shape attach to this key structure.
Deviated septum surgery doctor, Dr. Tadros accepts most POS and PPO insurances for any medical issues related to the nose as an out of network provider. Please contact us today or call NYC: (212) 532-4590 or NJ: (201) 408-5430.
Deviated Septum In Depth
by Monica Tadros, M.D., F.A.C.S.
What is a Deviated Septum & How It Treated?
A deviated septum simply implies that the septal cartilage component, septal bone component, or both are crooked. When this occurs, the nasal airway is narrowed and can be one reason why breathing is impacted.
The origin of a deviated septum ultimately centers on any insult that may have caused the septal cartilage or bone to grow off course. This health condition may be due to a congenitally inherited predisposition, uterine development, trauma during childbirth. It can also be due to early nasal trauma that leads to a shift off the bony growth plate.
A deviated septum simply implies that the septal cartilage component, septal bone component or both are crooked.
Many times fractures of the septum are overlooked after nasal trauma in children and teens if a CT scan or endoscopic evaluation is not performed because the septum is a deep structure that cannot be well visualized externally. Over time the shape of the deviated septum may worsen the nasal airway and sinuses for many NJ individuals. It can consequently lead to chronic mouth breathing and affect nasal development.
What Are the Common Deviated Septum Symptoms?
Deviated septum recovery can go faster if you make a timely appointment with a doctor. Therefore, you need to be aware of the common symptoms.
Signs of a deviated septum are:
- Blocked nostril(s)
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Facial pain
- Snoring during sleep
- Awareness of the nasal cycle
- Sleeping on a particular side to optimize breathing
Treatment options for fixing your deviated septum
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a nasal operation typically done through the patient’s nostrils without any external incisions. It is aimed to improve breathing and correct a deviated septum. A basic septoplasty, also known as septal reconstruction, corrects the deviated portions of cartilage and bone and realigns these structures in the anatomic midline with no external change in the shape of the nose. When indicated, a nasal septal deviation performed in Dr. Tadros’ center for facial plastic surgery, may be combined with Turbinate Reduction and/or Balloon Sinuplasty or Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. This can be done to fully restore the sinus-nasal airway. If the nose is also very crooked externally, a nasal fracture may have been overlooked and a “Septo-Rhinoplasty” may be indicated to fully correct the condition.
Preparing For a Septoplasty in New Jersey
Your plastic surgeon Dr. Monica Tadros, M.D. may ask you to stop taking certain medications two weeks before surgery. These medications may include aspirin (Bufferin), ibuprofen (Advil), and other blood thinners. This is done to reduce your risk of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure. Be sure to tell your ENT specialist if you’re allergic to certain medications or if you have a history of bleeding problems.
Your ENT specialist will also ask you to stop smoking two weeks before your septoplasty. Your plastic surgeon explains the whole procedure before surgery and answers any questions you may have. You should understand all the risks and benefits before your surgery date.
In some cases, people have a septoplasty under local anesthesia, which numbs the area to prevent pain. However, most people have surgery under general anesthesia, which means they’re asleep during the procedure. Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure if you’re going to be under general anesthesia.
Bring a family member or friend who can drive you home after the septoplasty. General anesthesia may make you drowsy after the procedure. You shouldn’t drive until the effects have fully worn off. Your deviated septum doctor might take pictures of your nose before septoplasty surgery in New Jersey. Comparing photos from before and after the procedure can help you see how your nose has changed.
Septoplasty And Rhinoplasty
If you are very concerned about the way your nose looks, then both rhinoplasty and septoplasty treatment can help you. Adding on a rhinoplasty procedure can help reshape your nose, which at times can actually further help your ability to breathe easily. Some patients have also noted that their snoring can be curbed by this combination, but results always vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Septoplasty Surgery?
Generally, septoplasty recovery time varies between one to two months depending on the complexity of the procedure. However, you should be able to return to work and resume your regular activities in about 3 weeks after surgery. Due to the fact that the procedure is done on an outpatient basis, you will be able to go home on the same day as surgery. Your nose will be packed with cotton to control bleeding. You can remove the packing a day or two after surgery.
Are There Any Deviated Septum Surgery Recovery Tips?
Once the procedure is performed, your doctor will ask you to avoid medications that thin the blood. This will help you lower the risk of bleeding issues after the procedure. As part of your recovery, it is recommended to limit physical activity for several weeks to avoid swelling and promote healing. Therefore, running, lifting heavy weights, and playing contact sports should be avoided. All the aforementioned activities can increase blood pressure and cause heavy bleeding.
Other tips that can boost your recovery are:
- Avoid blowing your nose for three days after the procedure
- Elevate your head at night to limit swelling
- Wear shirts that do no make you pull clothing over your head
What Are the Risks of Septoplasty Surgery?
Complications and risks are extremely rare but still possible. These include:
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Altered shape of the nose
- Discoloration of the nose
- Decreased sense of smell
You should keep in mind that any type of surgical intervention carries a risk of excessive bleeding and infection and septoplasty surgery is not an exclusion. Although, based on experience and historical data, the risks are very rare.
How Long Does Septoplasty Take?
Depending on the severity of the condition, the procedure can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. During surgery, you will be under local or general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has worn off, you will be able to leave the clinic.
Is Deviated Septum Treatment Without Surgery Possible?
If you have a deviated nasal septum, surgery gives the most lasting and effective solution. However, many people try other treatments and get sufficient relief without surgery. As part of a non-surgical deviated septum treatment you can use nasal steroids or allergy medications. Be mindful that it’s not safe to take any medication without a doctor’s prescription.
If you decide not to opt for medications, you may try some of the deviated septum home remedies:
- Nasal strips. They contain spring-like bands that help open your nasal passages
- Nasal irrigation. Rinsing with salt water will help alleviate congestion
- A Vaporizer or Humidifier. They add moisture to the air which helps relieve nasal congestion
- A Hot shower. A hot shower produces steam that has a similar effect to a vaporizer or humidifier
Is Deviated Septum Surgery Painful?
Local anesthesia is used to prevent any discomfort or pain during the procedure. You should expect some swelling around the nose for two or three days following the procedure. To accelerate and improve healing you should take a few days off. Treatment by professional septoplasty doctors normally brings little pain after surgery.
How Much Does a Deviated Septum Surgery Cost?
The cost of septoplasty New Jersey treatment depends on a variety of factors. According to several studies, the average cost of the procedure is between $3,500 to $5,500. However, this amount does not include the cost of the operating room, anesthesia, and the medication required once the procedure is complete.
Does Insurance Cover Septoplasty?
Most medical insurance providers cover this procedure when performed for purely medical reasons. Septoplasty is one of the most common procedures covered by insurance plans. This is explained by the fact that a nasal septum deviation can lead to serious health issues including, but not limited to sleep apnea and sinusitis.
Septoplasty is deemed a medical necessity and, hence, often covered by insurance plans. To determine whether you qualify for deviated septum repair in NJ with insurance, it is recommended to contact your insurance provider.
ABOUT DR. MONICA TADROS
The best doctor for deviated septum surgery Dr. Monica Tadros, M.D., F.A.C.S., is known as the leading ENT Doctor in the New Jersey area.
She offers her patients compassionate care and cutting-edge research in the field of nasal and deviated septum surgery.
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the prestigious Columbia University in 2006, where she taught many generations of residents and medical students, the art and science of Form and Function.
Dr. Tadros treats a wide range of problems of the nose for her patients in Bergen County and Englewood, NJ area.
The best way to find the right plastic surgeon in NYC & NJ for your deviated septum is to go out and ask for a consultation with them. A good surgeon will be able to tell you what to expect, how the procedure is done, and also offer up documentation that stands as a testament to their skill. The sooner you call, the sooner you can get your septum fixed properly.
Consultation
To schedule your no-obligation deviated septum surgery consultation with Dr. Monica Tadros, please use the contact form to request additional information or call NYC: (212) 532-4590 or NJ: (201) 408-5430 to speak to one of our Patient Advisors. Our offices are conveniently located near 300 Grand Ave, Englewood, NJ 07631 and 911 Park Ave., New York, NY 10075.
Monica Tadros, MD, FACS
911 PARK AVE.,
NEW YORK, NY 10075
(212) 532-4590
Monica Tadros, MD, FACS
300 GRAND AVE.
ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631
(201) 408-5430
