Septorhinoplasty
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What do I need to know about septorhinoplasty?
Septorhinoplasty is surgery to repair or straighten a deviated septum, or change the appearance of the nose. The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone that forms a wall to separate your nostrils. Septorhinoplasty may relieve symptoms such as trouble breathing, dry mouth, or frequent nasal congestion.
How do I prepare for septorhinoplasty?
- Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
- Your surgeon will tell you if you need any tests before your surgery, and when to have them.
What will happen during septorhinoplasty?
- You will receive general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain free during surgery. Your surgeon will cut and reattach your septum to straighten it. Swollen tissues may also be trimmed or partially removed.
- If you have a bump on your nose, your surgeon may file or shave this down. Your surgeon may need to break and reset your nose bones to reshape your nose. Your surgeon may use your tissues or a graft to rebuild your nose. The incisions will be closed with stitches. You may have a temporary splint or gauze packing placed inside your nose. You may also have a splint put on the outside of your nose.
What will happen after septorhinoplasty?
Gauze may be placed below your nose to catch any blood or fluid that comes out. You may have an ice pack on your nose to help decrease swelling. Your nose may be covered with a bandage, surgical tape, or support device to prevent swelling and infection. The inside of your nose may be packed with gauze to decrease bleeding. This will be removed 1 to 3 days after your surgery.
What are the risks of septorhinoplasty?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your symptoms may not go away. Your nose, voice, or sense of taste or smell may change. Your nose may not look the way you expected. You may have swelling or bruising around your eyes. You may have numbness in your nose, upper teeth, or gums. Blood may build up on your septum, or it may tear. The fluid around your brain may drain from your nose.
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