Septoplasty And Turbinoplasty Recovery
What is Septoplasty?
The nasal septum is a wall that runs down the middle of the nose, dividing the nose into left and right sides. The septum runs from the tip of the nose almost to the very back of the throat. A bent septum (septal deviation) can cause blocked nose. Straightening the septum can improve blocked nose. This is called septoplasty.
What is Turbinoplasty?
The turbinates are bones on the side wall of the nose, about 10cm long. They are covered by the lining of the nose (mucosa). The turbinates swell due to rhinitis, causing congestion, blocked nose and runny nose. Rhinitis can be caused by a virus (a cold), allergy, hay fever or irritation, for example from dust, smoke, perfume, cleaning products, alcohol.
The turbinates shrink when you are exercising and with medications, like steroid nasal sprays or anti-histamines. Medication is very effective in treating rhinitis. If the turbinates have been swollen for a long time, they may not shrink back to a normal size with medication. Surgery may be needed to reduce the size of the turbinates and relieve blocked nose. This is called turbinoplasty.
Recovery After Septoplasty and Turbinoplasty
How long will I need off work/study/sport?
You need two weeks of off work, study/school and sport after surgery. You should not drive for at least 24 hours after a general anesthetic. Do not drive on any day when you are taking strong pain reliever or if you don’t feel at your best, as there is an increased risk of having an accident. Your car insurance may not be valid if you are impaired when driving after surgery.
What do I need to recover well?
. Rest sitting upright or reclining at 45 degrees for 7 days to relieve swelling, blocked nose and pressure/pain.
. The better you eat, the better you heal, especially fruit and vegetables.
. Avoid medications like Aspirin and Nurofen, to reduce the risk of bleeding.
. Stay within one hour of a hospital for 2 weeks after surgery in case bleeding occurs.
. Walk at least 10 minutes three times a day. Avoid vigorous exercise for 2 weeks.
. Don’t blow, pick or rub the nose (this can cause bleeding or infection).
Use the following medications:
. Flo saline rinses: half a bottle squirted into each nostril four times a day.
. Paracetamol 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed for pain, no more than 8 tablets per day.
. Celecoxib 1 capsule, every 12 hours, as needed, for strong pain not relieved by Paracetamol.
. To relieve congestion, you can use your steroid nasal spray twice a day. You can use a decongestant spray twice a day but not for more than 7 days.
If you use CPAP for sleep apnoea, continue to use it as normal.
What is Normal and How will I feel after surgery?
Initially you may feel less blocked in the nose, then post-operative swelling will start and you will feel very blocked for two weeks. Pain is mild and often feels like having a cold. Some patients have nausea or vomiting within the first 24 hours. There will be mild blood-stained discharge from the nostrils for up to seven days.
After septoplasty, there may be numbness in the top lip and front teeth for a few weeks and tenderness on the tip of the nose.
You have dissolvable sponges in the nose that are rinsed away gradually with saline rinses.
What is not normal?
Contact your surgeon or attend the nearest emergency department if you have:
. severe bright bleeding from the nose not stopping within 5 minutes.
. severe pain not relieved by paracetamol and Endone.
. fever >38 degrees for more than 24 hours.
. vomiting for more than a few hours.
. headache, neck stiffness, eye swelling or eye pain on looking at light or when moving the eyes.
About Iranian Surgery
Iranian surgery is an online medical tourism platform where you can find the best ENT specialist in Iran. The price of Septoplasty and Turbinoplasty in Iran can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined by an in-person assessment with the doctor.
For more information about the cost of Septoplasty and Turbinoplasty in Iran and to schedule an appointment in advance, you can contact Iranian Surgery consultants via WhatsApp number 0098 901 929 0946. This service is completely free.
Source:
https://clancy-ent.com.au/procedures/septoplasty-and-turbinoplasty/