If you have trouble breathing, get frequent nosebleeds, or hear a whistling sound when you breathe, you might have a nasal septum perforation. This means a hole or tear in the wall separates your nostrils. This problem can cause discomfort and lead to more serious issues if not treated. The good news is that nasal septum perforation surgery can fix this problem and help you breathe easier. We’ll explain what you need to know about nasal septum perforation treatment and how it can also improve the look of your nose.
What Is Nasal Septum Perforation?
The nasal septum is the wall inside your nose that divides it into two nostrils. When there’s a hole or tear in this wall, it’s called a nasal septum perforation. This can happen for different reasons, such as:
- Injury or Accident: If you hit your nose hard, it can cause a perforation, especially if it gets broken.
- Past Surgeries: Sometimes, problems from earlier nose surgeries, like rhinoplasty, can lead to a perforation.
- Infections: Repeated infections in the nose can wear down the septum, causing a hole.
- Substance Use: Certain nasal sprays or drugs can damage the inside of your nose.
- Health Conditions: Some diseases, like autoimmune diseases, can affect the nose and cause perforations.
Symptoms of Nasal Septum Perforation
A nasal septum perforation can cause different symptoms. These can be mild or severe, depending on the size and place of the hole. Common symptoms include:
- Breathing Problems: A perforation can block your nasal passages, making breathing harder.
- Frequent Nosebleeds: The hole’s edges can bleed easily, especially in dry air.
- Nasal Crusting: The hole can cause dried mucus to build up inside your nose, which can be uncomfortable.
- Whistling Sound: Some people hear whistling when they breathe, especially when inhaling.
- Nasal Discomfort: The perforation can cause pain or discomfort, especially if the nose irritates.
What Is Nasal Septum Perforation Surgery?
If a nasal septum perforation is causing problems, nasal septum perforation surgery can help. This surgery closes the hole in the septum, allowing you to breathe normally again.
This surgery needs a skilled surgeon who works with the delicate tissue inside your nose. The surgery’s complexity depends on the perforation’s size and location. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation: The first step is a meeting with the surgeon. They will examine your nose, look at the size of the perforation, and check the condition of the surrounding tissue. They will also ask about your medical history and past surgeries.
- Surgical Methods: Surgeons use different techniques to repair a perforation, depending on the case. Common methods include:
- Local Flap Surgery: The surgeon uses nearby tissue inside your nose to cover the hole.
- Graft Surgery: The surgeon uses cartilage or synthetic material to close the perforation.
- Combination Surgery: Sometimes, the surgeon must use local flaps and grafts for the best result.
- Anaesthesia: The surgery usually takes place under general anaesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep. In some cases, local anaesthesia with sedation may be used.
- Post-Surgery Care: After surgery, you’ll get instructions on how to care for your nose while it heals. This includes avoiding activities that might hurt the surgical site by using saline sprays to moisten your nose.
Recovery and Results
Recovery after nasal septum perforation surgery takes time, and patience is important. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Recovery: In the first few days after surgery, you may have swelling, congestion, and mild pain. Your surgeon might prescribe pain medication and suggest using ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Healing Time: Your nose can take several weeks to a few months to heal fully. Following your surgeon’s instructions is key to preventing problems and getting the best results during this time.
- Long-Term Results: Most people find that their symptoms improve after healing. Breathing becomes easier, nosebleeds happen less often, and the overall structure of the nose becomes more stable. In some cases, the surgery can also improve the appearance of your nose, making it part of a larger rhinoplasty transformation.
Thinking About a Rhinoplasty Transformation?
For some people, nasal septum perforation treatment is just one part of a bigger plan to improve their nose’s function and appearance. If you’re already thinking about fixing a perforation, it might be a good time to consider other changes to your nose. Whether you want to make your nose look more balanced, correct unevenness, or improve the overall harmony of your face, combining rhinoplasty with perforation repair can give you the best results.
Make Life Better with Easier Breathing
Living with a nasal septum perforation can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Nasal septum perforation surgery can help you breathe better, reduce symptoms, and even improve the look of your nose. If you have symptoms or are thinking about a rhinoplasty transformation, meeting with an experienced surgeon is the first step to feeling better.
Visit Rhinoplasty LDN to learn more about nasal septum perforation treatment or to book a consultation with our skilled surgeons. Let us help you breathe more easily and feel more confident.
