Septoplasty rhinoplasty or nose alteration surgery is a procedure to correct displaced bone and cartilage dividing your nostrils or what is known as a deviated septum. Before this procedure is done, your surgeon assesses your facial features as well as any difficulties in breathing.

Under normal circumstances, your septum is on the middle of your face. But with a deviated nasal septum, it is shifted to one side. This can cause sinus infections and occasional difficulty in breathing. With septoplasty, your nasal septum is straightened and repositioned. Sometimes, your surgeon would need to trim your cartilage or place a cartilage graft just to put your septum in the midline section of your face. Under rhinoplasty, the shape of your nose will be modified.

Both of these procedures can pose risks to infection and excessive bleeding. Since it is just like any type of surgery wherein a cut is made, a scar can be seen. It is also possible that there would be changes in the shape of your nose especially when it was trimmed by your surgeon. Your doctor will discuss to you these risks before you undergo the surgery so that you can make your decision if you are still willing to do the operation.

Just like with other surgeries, a physical examination will be done. Photographs will be taken for before and after assessments. You will be recommended to avoid medications such as aspirin and ibrupofen two weeks before and after the surgery. Smoking should be stopped as well because it hinders fast healing. You should also plan for the day of the surgery especially if you are going to this on an out-patient basis. Take note that the operation will be done under anesthesia. You should ask someone to drive for you since sedative effects of the anesthesia are still present 24 hours after the procedure.

If you are going to undergo the procedure on an out-patient basis, your surgeon will probably use a local anesthesia. It will be injected to your nasal tissues. On the other hand, your surgeon can use general anesthesia. When this is used, it is not advisable for you to go home at once after the surgery. Your doctor will discuss to you what anesthesia will be used before you undergo the procedure.

After the surgery, silicone splints are kept inside each of your nostrils. This will serve as a support to your newly aligned septum. Your nose will be packed with cotton to reduce the risk for bleeding. These will be removed by your surgeon about two to five days after surgery.