Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deviated septum?
The septum is a structure that separates the right and left sides of the nose from each other. The septum is made up of cartilage in the front and bony plates in the back. Injuries can cause the septum to bend, buckle, or fracture, leading to a deviated septum that blocks air or causes headaches. The septum can also bend and deviate as the face grows, or from a congenital problem.
What is a septoplasty?
A septoplasty is a brief surgical procedure done under general anesthesia that corrects a bend or deviation in the septum. The surgery corrects specifically the problem with an individual’s septum, and not everyone requires the exact same surgical correction; two people may have “septoplasty” surgery for different reasons. The surgery typically removes or repositions bent cartilage and also addresses bony spurs or blockages in the back of the nose.
What is the recovery time from septoplasty surgery?
One week. After septoplasty surgery, silicone splints are left in the nose on either side to support the septum as it heals. The splints are removed after one week and then individuals may typically return to work. Full activity is typically delayed for three weeks after surgery or longer if more involved nasal surgery or rhinoplasty has been performed.
What are turbinates?
Turbinates are scrolls of bone that are covered in a pink mucous lining and travel from front to back in the nose on either side. You have inferior, middle and superior turbinates. The inferior turbinates are along the floor of the nose and provide air humidification and filtration and can also lead to significant nasal congestion when they enlarge. In some patients, the inferior turbinates may need to be reduced in size to help air pass through the nose.
Can I have a rhinoplasty at the same time as other nose surgery?
If you are already having a surgery to help you breathe better through your nose, it may also be possible to change the appearance of your nose at the same time. Ask Dr. Magill if your nose appearance concerns can be changed at the same time as a functional surgery. It is better to address all of your concerns at once instead of planning a second nose surgery in the future; this is because cartilage grafting and other techniques may be needed and you get “one shot” to use these cartilage grafts in the best way.
What kinds of surgeons do rhinoplasty surgery?
Facial Plastic Surgeons, ENT surgeons, and Plastic Surgeons may offer rhinoplasty surgery. It is essential that you research the surgeon who will be doing your rhinoplasty and make sure that this individual does a high volume of nose surgery with predictable and safe outcomes. Rhinoplasty done by an ill-trained or poorly prepared surgeon can negatively impact nasal function and appearance for a lifetime. Dr. Magill is fellowship trained and board certified in effective and safe rhinoplasty techniques and regularly performs rhinoplasty in her practice.
How old do I have to be for a rhinoplasty surgery?
Children are not candidates for rhinoplasty unless they are undergoing a primary procedure relating to a cleft lip or other congenital deformity. Rhinoplasty is recommended when the face has reached its full growth potential, which falls into the late teen years for boys and girls. Rhinoplasty can be offered to adults that are otherwise healthy.
How long does it take to heal after rhinoplasty surgery?
Initial healing occurs one week after surgery; however, healing from rhinoplasty progresses a great deal over the first year after surgery. Swelling over the nose and nasal tip is normal after rhinoplasty and will start to decrease between 1 to 4 months after surgery. Most initial swelling will be resolved after 1 year. It is normal to expect swelling after rhinoplasty surgery and to know that the appearance of the nose immediately after surgery will not be its final healed appearance.
What is revision rhinoplasty and how is this different than regular rhinoplasty?
“Revision rhinoplasty” is a term used for performing a second nose surgery to change its appearance after an initial surgery has already been performed. Revision rhinoplasty is a procedure that should only be performed by an experienced rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty specialist, as the scar tissue the nose and lack of cartilage or other structural support poses more possible problems with postoperative healing and effective results. Dr. Magill performs revision rhinoplasty in some patients and will consult with you about what is needed to address your nose concerns.
Does sinus surgery hurt?
After sinus surgery, it can be normal to have facial pressure and pain for several days. The discomfort typically subsides and improves after your first visit in the office after sinus surgery.
How do I know if I have sinusitis?
Sinusitis is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, including facial pain, facial pressure, nasal drainage, tooth pain, fever, and cough. A great deal of viral infections cause sinusitis. Viral sinusitis often improves without any prescription treatment in seven to ten days. If sinusitis symptoms persist after this time, it is possible a bacterial sinusitis is present and may need antibiotic therapy. Dr. Magill can work with your primary care provider if you suspect you have a bacterial sinusitis that will not go away, or that keeps returning despite medical treatment.