I had septoplasty and coblation of my inferior turbinates one week ago. My nose is whistling and constantly runny/crusty (Photo)

Question

I know it's only been a week, but I took a peak and there's a small hole. I'm seeing my ENT/surgeon this Monday, but I'm terrified is a perforation. In reading up, you need an extremely qualified doctor to do this repair surgery and I'm not finding any local. I don't want a button, I want it fixed. How do I ensure I find someone very good, when I can't find anybody at all!? Maybe I'm jumping the gun, but I am very freaked. Plus, my insurance doesn't appear to cover any plastic surgeons. Help!!

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

It's hard to tell from the photo if that's really a perforation.  Definitely have your surgeon check it out.  I agree that if it is a septal perforation that needs to be fixed at some point that you definitely need an expert. I have transitioned to doing all my septal perforation repairs endonasally (closed),  which is very tricky in some cases. Make sure you see a surgeon who specializes in perforation repair. Don't let a non-expert attempt to close the perforation. It makes it harder to revise it the attempt fails. You are wise to not want a button, by the way.

Philip Michael, MBBCh, FRACS, FRCS(Ed) · Answer

Thank you for your question. I can understand your concern with having the perforation. However, whilst buttons can be used, they are not well tolerated and small perforations can be closed with very good results. As regards the surgery, an ENT surgeon would generally be more experienced in the repair than a plastic surgeon. In particular, seek out a rhinologist (an ENT surgeon that sub-specialises in conditions of the nose and sinuses). Best Wishes. Philip

Frank Scaccia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hard to tell by the pic . But you may have a perforation. If so it appears small and should be relatively easy to fix

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi scaredlady70, While the photo is not clear enough for evaluation, generally, if the hole is only from one side, it is not considered a perforation. A perforation is a through and through hole and this needs immediate attention. A one-sided hole is usually a mucosal defect and will heal spontaneously.The crusting and whistling is normal at 1week post op, including runny nose and nasal blockage. However, whistling is also a sign of septal perforation.

I had septoplasty and coblation of my inferior turbinates one week ago. My nose is whistling and constantly runny/crusty (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Perforation 1 week post-septoplasty

Answer: Perforation 1 week post-septoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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I had septoplasty and coblation of my inferior turbinates one week ago. My nose is whistling and constantly runny/crusty (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Perforation 1 week post-septoplasty

Answer: Perforation 1 week post-septoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.