Septoplasty

SEPTOPLASTY

A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum (the thin wall dividing the nostrils) is displaced to one side. Although nasal septal deviations are common and often do not cause any health complications, a severe deviated septum can create a nasal obstruction that reduces the airflow through the nose, impairing one’s ability to breathe and potentially triggering chronic congestion, sinus infections, sleep disturbances (i.e. snoring), and frequent nose bleeds.

At The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts, located in Chantilly, Virginia, esteemed facial plastic surgeon Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is pleased to offer septoplasty surgery as an effective treatment option for patients seeking to correct a deviated nasal septum. This procedure involves surgically straightening the crooked septum cartilage and bone in order to improve breathing ability through the nose, and alleviate symptoms of sinus congestion (i.e. nasal discharge, post-nasal drip).

SEPTOPLASTY PROCEDURE

Septoplasty surgery takes place on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, and is performed entirely through the nostrils (as opposed to cutting through the skin). During your septoplasty procedure, Dr. V will make an incision inside the nostril in order to remove or reshape the deviated portions of the nasal cartilage and bone, leaving behind a sufficient amount of non-deviated cartilage/bone to maintain the proper nasal structure. After closing the incision with absorbable stitches, Dr. V will place splints or soft plastic sheets inside the nose to facilitate proper healing and minimize the risk of scar tissue formation.

Septoplasty surgery typically lasts 1-3 hours, and patients may return home the same day to continue their recovery. For the first several weeks following your surgery, you will be advised to avoid strenuous activities, refrain from blowing your nose, and to elevate your head while resting or sleeping in order to facilitate the healing process. Your septoplasty results should be relatively stable within three to six months after surgery; however, some patients continue to experience slight changes in the shape of their nasal cartilage up to a year after the procedure.

For patients whose deviated septum is compounded by the effects of turbinate hypertrophy (enlargement of the turbinates—the sponge-like tissue responsible for properly conditioning the air prior to introduction to the respiratory tract) turbinate reduction may be performed in conjunction with the septoplasty procedure.

CONTACT THE VIRGINIA INSTITUTE FOR SURGICAL ARTS

In order to ensure that you receive optimally effective treatment for your deviated septum, it is important that you select a physician with in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and the delicate nasal structures, such as Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V). Dr. V has the background, experience, and clinical skill-set to create customized treatment plans that are designed to safely and effectively correct your deviated septum with septoplasty surgery.

Dr. V is double board certified in the field of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and through her extensive training, experience, and achievements, she has built a reputation as one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the nation.  If you are interested in learning more about septoplasty surgery to correct your deviated septum, please contact The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. V.

Please call 703-327-8200 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.