Is septoplasty an easy surgery and what could make it difficult?

Question

Compared to other surgeries, I have heard lots of nightmares about this; going blind, a fatter nose, nerve damage, nose running and bleeding, nasal obstruction not cured. It's sad because I've had trouble breathing for a long time but I've had to avoid the surgery because the risk complication seems too high. What makes this surgery so difficult? My ENT said that once septal cartilage is displaced, it's extremely difficult to get back in position.

Ryan Mitchell, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Hello,     Thank you for this question. I am more than happy to answer this question for you with confidence and my true desire to reassure you regarding the safety of a septoplasty surgery. I do not know where you have gotten your information regarding the dangers or difficulty of a septoplasty surgery? Somebody or something has obviously tainted you and caused you grief regarding the possible or theoretical complications of a septoplasty surgery.  By far, the worst complication or side effect you might encounter after undergoing a septoplasty surgery, performed by a reasonable ear, nose and throat surgeon would be continued nasal airflow blockage. Any worse complications are rare and theoretical. I do not even believe there is any case in the literature of a person going blind.  Blindness is not a potential complication from a nasal septoplasty. Nerve damage as well is essentially unheard of.  Maybe if the inferior turbinates are removed, injured or somehow destroyed during a turbinate surgery, a person could experience a chronically runny nose or the feeling of decreased nasal airflow. But that is turbinate surgery and not a septoplasty.   Developing a chronically runny nose after septoplasty surgery is rare. The nasal septum is just bone and cartilage in the midline of your nose. Attending to this cartilage and bone should not create blindness, a fatter nose, or a chronically runny nose by any means. If you were to experience bleeding following septoplasty surgery, it would be self limited and would stop. Nasal obstruction not cured? Now that is a possibility. In general a septoplasty is a very straightforward procedure. A septoplasty typically takes 30 minutes to perform and it is a very effective procedure for improving nasal airflow blockage.      The issues that would make a septoplasty more difficult would include situations such as having a previous history of failed nasal surgery.  If you have already undergone a failed septoplasty  or you had a rhinoplasty that created nasal obstruction, this would make a revision septoplasty more difficult.  Other factors that will make a septoplasty more challenging is the exact anatomical region of the deviation of the nasal septum. Cartilage that is more twisted or crooked closer to the tip of your nose can make obtaining an excellent outcome more difficult. Cartilage that is bent inherently just inside the nostrils requires more skilled maneuvers to effectively straighten this area.       In general a septoplasty is a straightforward, safe and effective procedure to improve nasal airflow. Complications following a septoplasty are few and far between. I hope that I have educated you and reassured you that the information you currently believe regarding the complexity and dangers of a septoplasty surgery are incorrect and certainly exaggerated.     If you have any other questions or concerns regarding this topic, please reach out to me anytime.Best regardsDr. Mitchell

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

While any surgery carries risks, a septoplasty tends to be one of the more routine procedures, especially for those of us who do a lot of nasal surgery, so I'm not sure which other surgeries you're comparing it to. Generally speaking, a septoplasty takes less than an hour to perform and is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient. Complications tend to be rare, in fact, and most ENTs do hundreds of these (if not thousands over a career) with good results.Note that there are other causes of nasal obstruction, too, so make sure your surgeon takes a good look at the rest of the nose (nasal valve area, turbinates, nasopharynx, etc.)All the best,--DCPPearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear roseb22,
every surgery is difficult if you don't do it often or if you didn't have a proper training. Finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. 
You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are many issues in the nose that can cause nasal obstruction, and a deviated nasal septum is only one of them. A septoplasty is a very routine procedure performed by ENT/facial plastic surgeons. A thorough internal examination of the  nose going to be required to make a determination about what is causing  your issues

Is septoplasty an easy surgery and what could make it difficult?

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Is septoplasty an easy surgery and what could make it difficult?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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