Revision Rhinoplasty: Q&A

Ask a Question

Septal Perforation Repair Options/Risks?

I am 6 mos PO rhino revision w/ fascia/mucosa graft perf repair. Aesthetically, the revision is excellent. However, the graft failed. My perf is about 5mm, and a turbinate flap repair is indicated. Perf has minimal symptoms, some dryness, whistling, crusting and bleeding- definitely manageable. My biggest concern is undergoing a 3rd nasal procedure. I do NOT want to compromise the cosmetic results and am worried about the long term effects if I leave the perf untreated. What are my options ??

Tags:

6 months post-op repair risk septal perforation

Comment on this

7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jas605

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (0)

Septal peforation can be difficult to rrepair

If a septal perforation is causing no symptoms you may be best to do nothing. The repair of a septal perforation can be performed using various flaps from the nose, but this can sometimes be a difficult procedure.

Robert Mounsey, MD

5 reviews

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon

revesse.ca

When to repair a septal perforation

Thank you for this great question. Generally, septal perforations are repaired when they are leading to significant symptoms or health problems. Examples would be recurrent infections, nasal obstruction/airflow issues, nosebleeds, and abnormal sounds/whistling. For a 5mm perforation, particularly in a revision case, I advise my patients that less is more -- and that the risk of actually making the hole bigger is an important consideration. Keeping the nose clean with nasal irrigation and... more

When to repair a septal perforation?

Dear Jas605 Nasal hygiene with saline irrigations, moisturization, and humidifiers at home These will be needed to find the balance of how much you have to do, to improve your symptoms. When your symptoms of dryness, crusting and whistling are too bothersome for you, you can try a septal button. If you don't like that, then the revision surgery should be chosen only if your symptoms are severe enough to bother you everyday. Best Wishes more

You might also like...

Real Stories

Revision Rhinoplasty. Graft Placement. Could Not Breathe out of Left Nostril After First Operation - Birmingham, GB

I had revision rhinoplasty almost 2 years ago. after first operation i could not breathe...

Before + After Photos

View 497 Revision Rhinoplasty photos

Should You Do Another Revision For an Asymptomatic Septal Perforation?

The primary reason to fix a septal perforation is for symptoms. Your instincts are good- if the symptoms are minimal I probably would not recommend a third surgery at this time. There is no time issue with this as well. Put the third surgery on hold and see what kind of problems the nose gives you over the next 6-48 months. If your symptoms are minimal nothing further may ever need to be done. The key from a medical standpoint is just to keep the inside of your nose moist. Good luck. more

Septal Perforations

Septal perforations are difficult to repair.Secondary attempts to repair a septal perforation are significantly more difficult to complete. I would wait between six to twelve months to contemplate a revision. A revision is not mandatory if the function is adequate in most cases.

There is little downside living with your small nasal-septal perforation.

Septal perforations, as you mentioned, may be associated with whistling, crusting, dryness and bleeding. If I had to guess, your nasal whistling may be most bothersome. In my limited experience, septal perforations are not easy to fix. If you could live with it, that would certainly be your safest choice. Hope this is helpful for you. Dr. Joseph see video

Eric M. Joseph, MD

204 reviews

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

You have multiple options to address a perforation

Your first option is to do nothing and utilize humidification techniques to try to reduce dryness and crusting. Sometimes no matter what you do it doesn't work and those symptoms persist. If there is a small amount of exposed cartilage or bone this may lead to worsening of crusting and sometimes this itself can be trimmed but leaving the perforation open. A septal button, which is a silastic plug, can be placed in the perforation if large enough and sometimes... more

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.