What is the difference between septoplasty and submucous resection (SMR) of the septum?

Question

I had revision rhinoplasty with SMR of the septum and not septoplasty. What is the difference between septoplasty and submucous resection (SMR) of the septum? Is there such a thing SMR of the septum and SMR of the turbinate? Please explain to me the difference. My septum was not much deviated and was not the reason for my breathing difficulties. Is SMR more conservative than septoplasty? My breathing difficulties only got worse and my valve collapsed even more. Thanks!

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear mrRhinoplastyWhen the nasal septum is blocking breathing through the nose, it can be partially removed or repositioned. Any of these procedures is a septoplasty. If the obstructive portion of the septum is removed, its a submucous resection. Other maneuver are different types of septoplasty.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello mrhinoplasty,Thanks for your question.In simple terms, septoplasty is any manipulation of the septal structures designed to improve nasal airflow. An SMR is a particular type of septoplasty procedure designed to remove deviated septal cartilage that is blocking airflow in one or both nostrils.  It is designed to straighten the septum up and decrease any sign of external deviation of the bridge.SMR of the turbinates is a soft tissue debulking operation designed to open up the inner walls of each turbinate and open up the airways.I hope this was helpful.Dr. Shah

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are many issues inside the nose that can cause nasal obstruction such as turbinate hypertrophy, valve collapse, allergies, chronic sinusitis, and a deviated septum. Each one of these are treated differently with either medications or surgery. It's important to try medical management first before surgical intervention. A submucous resection of the septum involves removing cartilage and bone that is twisted and  blocking airflow. This is considered a septoplasty.

What is the difference between septoplasty and submucous resection (SMR) of the septum?

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What is the difference between septoplasty and submucous resection (SMR) of the septum?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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