Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction Newport Beach

Many times the external structure of the nose is straight and strong, but there is still a significant functional problem. This is usually due to a deviated septum and/or enlarged turbinates. These issues can only be seen by an intranasal examination.

The septum is the middle-dividing wall between each side of the nasal cavity. When this is bent to one side or the other, it can block airflow. The septum can also be bent in an s-shape and cause obstructive symptoms to both sides of the nose. This is addressed with a Septoplasty.

The procedure is performed entirely within the nose without any external incisions. There is no bruising or change to the outside shape at all. The septum is made up of skin on each side and then supported by cartilage and bone in the middle. An incision is made on one side and then the central cartilage and bone are removed. Since the septum is the supporting structure holding up the tip of the nose, it cannot all be removed. You need to leave approximately one centimeter both at the front and top. The septum Is then sewn back together. There are no splints or packing placed within the nose. Immediately upon waking up from surgery, breathing is improved. There will be swelling inside the nose for the week following surgery and you will feel more congested. There is very little pain. As the swelling inside the nose improves, your breathing will become better and better until about six weeks after surgery when you will feel great.

The turbinates are small bony outgrowths within the nose. There are three on each side but the inferior turbinate causes a majority of the breathing problems. These small bones are covered with a skin lining that enlarges and shrinks with input from the nervous system as well as in response to allergy. When these are repeatedly stimulated, they become enlarged and can block the airflow. They can be addressed in a few different ways but usually are reduced in size from within. A needle like electrode is inserted along the length of the turbinate and heated up. This scars down the inner tissue and prevents them from getting as swollen. This is done in conjunction with a septoplasty to ensure the best breathing outcome.

Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction Results Newport Beach

View Our Gallery

Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction FAQ’s

What is the recovery period for a septoplasty?

The recovery from a septoplasty is generally fairly easy. There are no external incisions and there is no external bruising or swelling. You may have some discomfort inside your nose for a day or so; most patients take pain medication for only one or two days. The operation is performed due to a deviation in the cartilage or bone, which will immediately be relieved when you wake up from surgery. However, there will be a significant amount of swelling inside the nose, which can take time to resolve. You will be using a salt water spray 5-10 times per day for the first few weeks to help rinse out the crusting and swelling. There are no stitches to remove and your breathing will gradually improve over about one months time.

Will a septoplasty change the shape of my nose?

No. When done correctly, a septoplasty can remove all the deviated cartilage and bone within the septum. The surgeon must leave the structural support intact. If the structural support is damaged, then a shape change may occur. With a standard septoplasty, your breathing should improve with no other consequences.

Can I do a septoplasty now, and then have a rhinoplasty later?

Yes. The only caveat to this is that many times during a rhinoplasty, the septal cartilage is used for grafting material. If you had a prior septoplasty, this may not be available and other sources such as ear or rib cartilage may be necessary. I suggest that if you are considering any cosmetic changes to your nose, it is much better to perform both procedures at the same time.

When can I blow my nose?

After any nasal surgery, I suggest waiting at least a week to blow the nose. It will feel congested but the saline sprays will help relieve some of that. At the one-week mark, I tell patients to go in the shower and breathe the steam in, and then you can blow gently. Two week after surgery you can go back to blowing the nose normally.

What nasal sprays are okay to use after a septoplasty?

I recommend people only use saline spray for the first two weeks after surgery. When you are seen for a follow up visit, we may discuss other sprays. I never recommend the decongestant sprays such as afrin because they will affect healing. If you were on a nasal steroid spray (Flonase, Nasonex, etc.) before surgery, you can usually resume them at the three-week mark.

Septoplasty and Turbinate Surgery

The septum is deviated into the left nasal cavity in this case leaving a very narrow air passage.

The incision is made in the skin on the left side of the septum. The skin flap is lifted off the septal cartilage and bone.

The central portion of cartilage and bone are removed. This is the portion that is obstructing the breathing.

Once the cartilage and bone have been removed, there is just skin on either side that will drape back in the midline.

Once the skin is sewn back together, there is a significant improvement in the air passage.

Before
Septoplasty and Turbinate Surgery

After

“

Dr. Reinstadler did an awesome job!

“I just had my septoplasty done on Thursday and it’s Monday now and I can’t believe how good my breathing feels, and my nose is still stuffy!! I could only imagine when I heal completely. I can’t believe I took so long to do this, but I can’t help but be grateful that Dr. Reinstadler did an awesome job! I know this because I see the results and it has not been a week, I mean talk about a great doctor!!!! I would highly recommend him. He was very thorough with the explaining the procedure, any questions I had he was very good at explaining it. He made me feel comfortable the whole time, comfortable and confident is what you want from you doctor and that is exactly what I got!!”

– Anonymous

Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction Cost

Septoplasty Procedure Newport Beach The cost of a septoplasty and turbinate reduction will depend on several factors. The price can be affected by body type, type of technique performed, surgical complications, and even allergies. Find out more by scheduling a consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Interested in learning more about septoplasty and turbinate reduction in Newport Beach? Contact The Ocean Clinic Dermatology & Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to offering compassionate treatment and excellent cosmetic plastic surgery solutions.

Schedule a Consultation

View Our Gallery