How long does a septoplasty take? Can I get a septoplasty after a rhinoplasty?

Question

I'm preparing for a revision rhinoplasty and it's been brought to my attention I have a slightly deviated septum. I've already had one part of my septum trimmed for grafts (the right) & continue to have dull throbbing there, 3 months post op, even though the area the grafts were taken from healed-as if there's too much oxygen on that side. I want the rhino first & possibly the revision later. Is this a wise course of action?

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear irsiYou can get a septoplasty independent of a rhinoplasty in most cases. A septoplasty can take from 20 minutes to hours depending on what needs to be done. In a case like yours, when there has been previous septal surgery, it can be a limited short procedure or a complete extracorporeal septoplasty and take hours. only your surgeon can give you that information.The one fact that you have to be aware of is that revision septoplasty has a significantly higher rate of perforation after grafts/SMR. The sensation you describe as too much air is often unrelated to the current septum but rather a complex phenomenon post septoplasty, similar to phantom pain in some ways. Most often, cannot be reversed with surgery.

Donn R. Chatham, MD · Answer

It is confusing at time to understand all of the various nasal surgery procedures. 'Septoplasty' is usually performed for a deviated septum that is creating nasal airway obstruction. 'Rhinoplasty' is a more general term for overall surgery of the nose, possibly including cosmetic changes. "Septorhinoplasty' is a catch-all name of of surgery that may include appearance changes and functional (breathing) improvements. There are other procedures, too, such as grafts designed to help improved structure of the nose, including airway support. Usually these procedures are performed at the same time  but sometimes more than one procedure might be necessary. Your experienced nasal surgeon can explain the best option for you.

Steven J. Smith, MD · Answer

A septoplasty is usually performed for either a deviation that causes airway obstruction or an external appearance issue.  Oftentimes, a septoplasty is performed as part of a rhinoplasty and can be described as a septorhinoplasty.A "slight" deviation of the septum does not necessarily require treatment unless there is thought to be an airway obstruction or an external deviation of the nose related to the septum.

How long does a septoplasty take? Can I get a septoplasty after a rhinoplasty?

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How long does a septoplasty take? Can I get a septoplasty after a rhinoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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