A Septoplasty is the correction of a deviated septum. The septum is the name for cartilage that runs vertically down the center-line of your nasal cavity. A deviated septum can cause irregular and/or complete blockage of the effected side of the nasal cavity. This can lead to diminished breathing abilities, cause snoring and sleep apnea, as well as contributing to nasal and sinus infections. Though many infections may be treated medically with antibiotics, the only permanent correction of a deviated septum is through surgery. This surgery is called a "Septoplasty" This entails, (as shown in the adjacent animation) the removal of the defective area of the septum. Once removed, a splint containing breathing tubes is then inserted on either side of the remaining septal cartilage and supplies support and protection while the surgical area heals for 5 -7 days. The splint is then removed by the surgeon or a qualified medical professional. A Septoplasty may provide permanent relief of symptoms and sometimes done in conjunction along with a Rhinoplasty procedure, (nose job).
Nasal Valve Repair (NVR) is a procedure performed on patients that have experience the partial or complete collapse of a nasal wall. The Nasal Valve is a flap of cartilage that supports the outer area of your nasal opening. An easy way to simulate this would be by pressing down on the outside of your nostril with your finger. This would represent the effects of a nasal valve collapse, which causes the blockage of the ability to breath on the effected side of your nose. This collapse also creates an unattractive distortion of the effected nostril. The best way to correct this defect is trough surgery. This surgery is minimally invasive, with a 3 - 5 day recover time. A small incision is made on the inside of the nostril, just over the "Lateral Cus" (cartilage that creates the outer fold of the nostril.) A small piece of donor cartilage is then inserted, creating a supporting structure. The donor cartilage is then sutured into place and nasal packing used as an internal bandage. The patient should refrain from blowing their nose or any unnecessary contact during the 3 - 5 day healing time.
