Septoplasty & Septum Surgery Sydney
- Do you have trouble breathing properly?
- Do you suffer from a deviated septum?
- Do you suffer from sleep apnea?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that can help straighten the nasal septum (bone and cartilage dividing the space between your two nostrils) to help you breathe more easily and comfortably.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan is an experienced septoplasty surgeon in Sydney and performs the procedure in Sydney Southwest Suburbs and the Southern Highlands NSW.
Download Dr Michael Kernohan Rhinoplasty Guide
What is the Septum and Septoplasty?
The septum refers to the bone and cartilage that divides your nose into two nostrils. In some cases, you may be dealing with a deviated septum which essentially means that your septum shifts to one side of your nose.
Some people are born with a deviated septum but it can also be caused by a nose injury. As a result, it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe and can lead to other problems such as nose bleeds or facial pain.
The surgical procedure used to correct a deviated septum is called septoplasty and it aims to increase airflow through the nose.
Benefits of Septoplasty Surgery
Here are some of the potential benefits of septoplasty:
- Breathing Ability – The surgery can increase the overall breathing function by opening up the nasal passages
- Sleep Quality – Reduced airflow leads to problems like snoring and sleep apnea that can disrupt the quality of sleep. Septoplasty can help alleviate these issues leading to better sleep
- Fewer Infections – More open airways can help allow the mucus to drain as it should, leading to fewer sinus infections
- Sense of smell and taste – Septoplasty can increase your sense of smell and taste if they have been previously impacted by a deviated septum
Why Get Septoplasty Surgery?
If you have always found it difficult to breathe, a septoplasty may help.
A crooked or a deviated septum is fairly common. In severe cases, it blocks one side of your nose, reduces airflow, and leads to difficulty breathing on one or both sides of your nose.
Septoplasty can help straighten the nasal septum by trimming, repositioning and replacing the cartilage or bone and in some cases, both.
If you are experiencing such nasal symptoms and it has started to impact your day-to-day life, it is probably time to look at your options to alleviate the symptoms of your deviated septum via surgery.
Preparing for a Septum Surgery
Dr Kernohan will ask you to avoid certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood-thinning medications two weeks prior to the surgery. This step helps reduces the risk of excessive bleeding and bruising after the procedure.
If you are allergic to certain medications or have a history of bleeding issues, inform your surgeon or anaesthetist in advance.
The surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia. Therefore, it is important to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 8 hours before the surgery as this also helps avoid complications.
You will need to ask a family member or a friend to drive you home after the surgery as you will still be under the effects of the anaesthesia.
Dr Kernohan will also take pictures of your nose before and after the procedure so you can see how your nose has changed after the intervention.
Septoplasty Procedure
The septoplasty surgery generally takes around 30 to 90 minutes to complete. You will be under general anaesthesia.
To access the septum, Dr Kernohan will create an incision on one side of your nose. Then, he will lift up the mucous membrane (the protective covering of the septum). After that, the deviated septum will be shifted into its new position.
Dr Kernohan will also remove extra pieces of bone and cartilage. The surgery will be concluded by repositioning the mucous membrane and using stitches to hold the septum and membrane in place.
Recovering After Nose Surgery
Septoplasty is typically performed on a day surgery basis but can involve an overnight stay in some cases, your surgeon will discuss this with you prior to surgery. You will be typically allowed to go home on the same day once your anaesthesia wears off. Immediately post-surgery, your nose will be swollen, painful and stuffed with cotton to control bleeding.
You will be prescribed pain killers to help alleviate the discomfort. The nose stuffing will be removed in a day or two. Make sure to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medications for a week or two.
Limit all strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 4 to 5 weeks post-surgery. That includes all intense exercises, sports, and lifting heavyweights. These activities can increase your blood pressure and lead to heavy bleeding.
Follow these tips to help your recovery:
- Keep your head in an elevated position while lying down and always sleep on your back
- Try not to blow your nose for at least 7 to 10 days after the surgery
- Take all your medications as directed by your surgeon
- Wear button-up shirts and avoid any clothing items that pull over your head
Here are a few things to avoid after nose surgery:
- Do not take a shower for the first 24 hours after getting the surgery
- Stay away from dusty, smoky places
- Take all the precautions to avoid catching a cold
- Sleep on your back and avoid putting pressure on your face
- If you wear glasses do not have them sitting on your nose until cleared by your surgeon
Potential Risks and Complications of Septum Surgery
Every surgery comes with a certain degree of risk and potential complications. Septoplasty surgery risks include; Infection, bleeding, septal perforation, change in nose shape, poor scarring, hematoma, Nasal blockage, reactions to anaesthesia, pain, asymmetry.
For more details about the risks and complications of surgery, check out Dr Kernohan’s risks of surgery page.
Septoplasty Cost Sydney – How much is a Septoplasty in Sydney?
Septoplasty Prices in Sydney vary from around $10,000 to $25,000. The price can vary based on the experience and qualifications of the surgeon, surgical facility, and location, but also your personal characteristics and the complexity of the procedure that needs to be performed.
Visit Dr Kernohan’s pricing page for more information.
Contact Dr Kernohan’s team for a cost estimate or to schedule an appointment.
Will Medicare cover the cost of Septoplasty Surgery?
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if your surgery is being performed for medical reasons. Your Health Insurance companies may also contribute if you have the right health cover. Find out more about the Medicare item number.
Even if you are eligible for cover you will still have out of pocket costs, check out septoplasty payment plan options.
Results of Septum Surgery
After three to six months, your nasal tissues will become relatively stable. The results of septoplasty can last a long time. In some cases, certain changes can occur up to a year or more after the surgery. If you notice any unwanted changes, get in touch with Dr Kernohan.
How to Find the Right Septoplasty Surgeon
Finding the right surgeon for your septoplasty is important. These tips can help:
- Look for Credentials and Experience – Always start your research by looking at the credentials and experience of the surgeon.
- Make sure that the surgeon has extensive experience in performing septoplasty surgery
Septoplasty FAQs
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about septoplasty in Sydney:
