Snoring, Difficulty Breathing

Breathing or snoring problems might be a sign that you are a candidate for nasal surgery or septoplasty. A nasal deformity may be a sign of a more serious medical condition and may be covered by your health insurance. The septum, which is the dividing wall between the air passages, may be deviated or crooked, causing nasal obstruction. To improve the nasal airway, the shape or position of the septum may be corrected with surgery. Incisions are made inside the nostrils.

Nasal packs or soft plastic splints may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum after surgery. The surgery can be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. For the first day following surgery, patients should plan on staying in bed with the head elevated. After your procedure the physicians at The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery may offer a visit to your home by a plastic surgery nurse, trained to assist in your recovery. Most patients can return to work or school within 7-10 days following surgery.

Exercise and other strenuous activities may be resumed in about two to 4 weeks. It is important to avoid hitting or rubbing the nose for approximately eight weeks. Exposure to the sun should be limited for the two months following surgery.