Nasal surgery

Nasal Surgery

Exposing lower lateral cartilage during rhinoplasty

Nasal surgery encompasses a variety of surgical procedures performed on the nose to address medical conditions, improve function, or alter appearance. These procedures can be broadly categorized into functional and cosmetic surgeries. Functional nasal surgeries aim to correct issues that affect breathing and nasal function, while cosmetic surgeries focus on altering the shape and appearance of the nose.

Types of Nasal Surgery

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a "nose job," is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose. It can be performed for cosmetic reasons, to improve the appearance of the nose, or for functional reasons, such as correcting a deviated septum or other structural issues that impair breathing.

Septoplasty

Deviated nasal septum MRI

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a deviated septum, which is a common cause of nasal obstruction. The septum is the cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. A deviated septum can lead to breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, and recurrent sinusitis.

Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery is performed to treat chronic sinusitis and other sinus-related conditions. One common technique is endoscopic sinus surgery, which uses a small camera and instruments to remove blockages and improve sinus drainage.

Balloon sinuplasty

Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small balloon to dilate the sinus openings, improving drainage and relieving sinus pressure. This technique is often used for patients with chronic sinusitis who do not respond to medical treatment.

Turbinate Reduction

Turbinate reduction is a procedure to reduce the size of the nasal turbinates, which are structures within the nose that help filter and humidify the air we breathe. Enlarged turbinates can cause nasal obstruction and breathing difficulties.

Anatomy of the Nose

Anatomy of the nose

The nose is a complex structure composed of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. It serves several important functions, including filtering, humidifying, and warming the air we breathe. The external nose is supported by the nasal bones and the nasal cartilage, while the internal nasal cavity is divided by the nasal septum.

Postoperative Care

After nasal surgery, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. It is important to follow postoperative care instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the head elevated, and using cold compresses to reduce swelling.

Complications

As with any surgical procedure, nasal surgery carries risks of complications. These may include bleeding, infection, scarring, and changes in nasal sensation. It is important for patients to discuss potential risks and benefits with their surgeon prior to undergoing surgery.

Related Pages

• Rhinoplasty
• Septoplasty
• Sinusitis
• Nasal septum
• Nasal turbinates