Deviated Septum/Nasal Airway Obstruction and Rhinoplasty

    NEW YORK, NY, August 01, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Rhinoplasty, often referred to as a "nose job," is a type of surgery that can be used to improve the appearance of a person's nose and facial features. Rhinoplasty is most often considered plastic surgery and is generally performed for aesthetic reasons.

However, rhinoplasty can also be an effective treatment to improve the functionality of your nose by addressing nasal airway obstructions. Removing those obstructions and nose irregularities can make it easier for you to breathe.

One of the most common functional problems corrected with nose surgery is a deviated septum.

What is a Deviated Septum?

The nasal septum is the stiff, cartilage-and-bone "wall" that divides the two sides of your nose. A deviated septum is a medical condition where that wall is dislocated or bent in some way, blocking the nasal passage.

The disorder can be caused by injury or a birth defect. A deviated septum can be a significant health factor, leading to excessive snoring, trouble breathing while exercising, and even the dangerous condition of sleep apnea.

Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

Some patients with a mildly deviated septum have no symptoms. But in general, the symptoms related to a deviated septum include:

• Difficulty breathing, especially when a cold or allergies cause swelling in your nasal passages
• Post-nasal drip
• Frequent sinus infections, including the associated sinus headaches
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Loud snoring and breathing through the mouth during sleep

Deviated Septum Repair

To correct a deviated septum, a surgeon can repair, reposition, or remove the bent cartilage without damage to the lining membrane in the septum. The division between the nasal passages remains, but the problematic blockage is removed, allowing for the return of full airflow on both sides of the nose.

The surgery can typically be completed in less than an hour, and there are no visible incision scars from the procedure. Complications from the surgery are rare.

Unlike many other types of nose surgery, the procedure to correct a deviated septum is usually covered by medical insurance because of the health issues associated with nasal airway blockage.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of a deviated septum, relief could be possible with nose surgery. Your first step is to visit an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

If you live in the New York City area and suffer from a deviated septum, please contact the New York City nose surgery office of Dr. Howard Bellin at CosMedica, the Plastic Surgery Center of New York to schedule a consultation.

Website: http://www.cosmedica.com

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