A deviated septum is something that can happen to anyone, and it doesn’t always have to be due to a fight. Sometimes, it can be caused by a birth defect, an errant football to the face, or even a car accident. These accidents happen frequently, and they can happen to even the most careful of people.
Deviated septums can cause infections, breathing problems, and even difficulty looking your best in photos. Though you may have a slightly asymmetrical face right now, that doesn’t have to be the case for the rest of your life. Multiple treatment options do exist, and New Jersey patients can have their pick thanks to the advancement of medical technology in the state.
Here are three of the most common options available for fixing a deviated septum:
Symptom Management
If you don’t like surgery and just can’t bring yourself to deal with the idea of going under the knife, the best you can typically do is manage your symptoms. This can mean taking over-the-counter medicines to reduce stuffiness, such as steroid nasal sprays, and antihistamines.
The problem with this is that it can become pricey to keep medicating yourself over time. Additionally, these medications may have side effects you don’t want to deal with over a long period of time. Sometimes, over-the-counter medicines may not even be effective. It’s worth noting that these medicines won’t fix the septum; all they’ll do is hide the symptoms they give.
Septoplasty
A better option for most people is septoplasty – also known as surgical intervention. With septoplasty, the patient will be operated on via general anesthesia. The procedure straightens out your nasal passages and fixes all the crooked parts on the inside. Your nose will be repositioned to its proper place, and you won’t deal with stuffiness due to a deviated septum anymore. Some patients have also noted that their snoring can be curbed by this procedure, but results always vary.
For people who had serious disfigurement in their septums, this is often the best option and will provide the most drastic, top-quality results. Additionally, this surgery will also “even out” your face if the septum has deviated to the point that it’s very noticeable.
Septoplasty And Rhinoplasty
If you are very concerned about the way your nose looks, then this would be a good time to consider getting both rhinoplasty and septoplasty. Adding on a rhinoplasty procedure can help reshape your nose, which at times can actually further help your ability to breathe easily.
People who are considering getting rhinoplasty are strongly encouraged to have both operations at the same time. This allows the surgeon to tackle both problems with ease minimizing the potential for scar tissue and cartilage loss seen with separating the surgeries.
Having both surgeries done by the same doctor optimizes results and helps you to deal with after care more efficiently.
What New Jersey Patients Should Know
Fixing a deviated septum is not easy, and choosing the wrong doctor can actually cause serious complications. There have been cases in which poorly trained doctors caused more harm than good, and in some cases, a botched septoplasty procedure can also cause permanent disfigurement and breathing problems. Considering the risks involved with going under the knife, patients should consider seeking a double board certified physician specializing in septoplasty and rhinoplasty.
The best way to find the right facial plastic surgeon 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 complete evaluation. Book your appointment today by calling NYC: (201) 408-5430 or NJ: (201) 408-5430 or simply click here.