WHAT IS A NASAL SEPTUM?
The nasal septum is the wall that divides your nose into left and right nasal airway passages. The nasal septum is made up of cartilage and thin bone which is covered on both sides by a thin layer of soft tissue. You can feel the nasal septum as the middle structure when you pinch the tip of your nose. A nasal septal perforation is a hole through the nasal septum, allowing communication between the right and left nasal cavities. The hole may range in size depending on the cause of the perforation. The following illustrates the causes, symptoms, and ultimate treatments for a nasal septal perforation repair when necessary.
CAN A SEPTAL PERFORATION HEAL ON ITS OWN?
Sometimes, depending on the size of the septal perforation, it may heal on its own. However, as the size increases, the likelihood of spontaneous resolution decreases. A proper nasal septal perforation repair is important because of the delicate nature of the tissue.
Early consultation with a nose specialist is crucial for diagnosing the underlying cause of nasal septal issues, preventing complications, and exploring appropriate treatment options, including surgical repair if necessary.
DR. MOURAD IS A FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON OFFERING SEPTAL PERFORATION REPAIR IN NYC
MANAGING NASAL SEPTAL PERFORATIONS
The goals of managing septal perforations are to reduce the bothersome symptoms that result from nasal dryness. Therefore management involves measures that are designed to increase humidification of the passing nasal air, to prevent nasal crusting, bleeding, scabbing, and airway obstruction.
- Nasal creams such as vaseline ointment or antibacterial ointment applied to the nostrils are designed to prevent drying of the tissue.
- Nighttime dryness may be an issue, particularly while you sleep. Therefore, oftentimes we may recommend the use of a bedside humidifier.
- Use of nasal saline irrigation can also help wash away crusting, and prevent the build-up of scabs while maintaining a moist environment.
However, such measures are limited as they are designed to only address symptoms and not to correct the perforation itself. For persistently bothersome perforations, there are surgical options.
TECHNIQUES USED FOR SEPTAL PERFORATION SURGICAL REPAIR?
Depending on the size of the perforation, and its exact location in the nose, there are various surgical techniques for repair:
SEPTAL BUTTON
This type of repair involves the placement of a prosthetic to plug the whole. Such a repair may be bothersome as a foreign object is placed in the nose. This may also cause infections, and require frequent visits to the doctor for a replacement. These have fallen out of favor by most doctors and patients.
LOCAL FLAP
For small perforations (less than 2.5 cm) local flaps may be used to repair the perforation. This type of repair uses neighboring tissue in the region of the perforation to seal the hole and cover it. This procedure usually involves the same day surgery at an ambulatory surgery center. Post-operatively you may experience some discomfort during the healing process. As the size of the perforation increases, the success rate of a local flap decreases. However, this type of repair is less symptomatic for patients than using a septal button as no foreign material is placed in the nose that needs to be replaced, or that can become infected.
REGIONAL FLAP
For perforations (2.5 – 3.5cm), tissue in the region may not be enough to close the perforation. Other options include using tissue from the face or mouth to cover and seal the hole.
FREE FLAP
For larger perforation (>3.5 cm), a free flap may be performed that uses transplanted tissue from the scalp and is used to reconstruct the missing tissue.
PREPARATION FOR PERFORATED SEPTUM SURGERY
Perforations that have the symptoms including bleeding, crusting, obstruction whistling or nasal collapse should be evaluated for surgical intervention when symptoms become burdensome. The success of repairs depends on maintaining good blood flow in the postoperative period. Patients are encouraged to discontinue smoking for a minimum of 6 weeks before and then 2 weeks after surgery. Also, patients may need to discontinue supplements or over the counter medications that may impair healing.
ASSOCIATED RISK
- Anesthesia: Depending on the type of anesthesia administered, patients may have a reaction. This is exceedingly rare, and it is important to discuss your personal risk with your anesthesiologist.
- Infection: In rare circumstances patients may develop an infection following septal perforation procedures. These are usually managed with intraoperative and postoperative antibiotics.
- Bleeding: Although rare, patients may have bleeding episodes following nasal surgery. Your surgeon will likely order blood work to make sure you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Your surgeon should also go over all medications and supplements that you take to minimizing bleeding risk.
- Need for secondary and revision surgeries: Depending on the complexity of the surgery and size of the perforation, sometimes multiple surgeries are required to ensure the best outcomes.
- Scarring (Synechia) and Poor wound healing: Some patients with underlying medical conditions or more prone to poor wound healing and scarring. It is important to understand these risks prior to embarking on a treatment strategy.
- Local Reactions: Sometimes you may experience local reactions to the ointments, sutures, taping material, and nasal packing used during surgery and postoperatively. This is rarely seen, but may occur. If you have any allergies to certain materials or adhesives you should discuss with your surgeon.
- Changes in nasal sensation: Patients may experience altered sensations in their nose (pain or numbness). This is exceedingly rare, and if it occurs it is most often temporary.
- Persistent or Recurrent Septal Perforation: Although the goal of surgery is to repair the septal perforation, sometimes the perforation may persist after surgery or be made worse. This may be related to underlying medical issues (e.g. asthma, or nasal polyps). The larger the initial perforation, the higher the likelihood of a persistent or recurrent septal perforation.
- Persistent, New, or Recurrent Nasal Airway Obstruction: Altering the nose may result in changes to breathing. Sometimes patients may develop new, persistent or recurrent airway problems. This is rare, but oftentimes is due to poor wound healing or scarring (see above). This may require secondary surgeries to optimize outcomes.
CONSULT DR. MOURAD ABOUT PERFORATED SEPTUM SURGERY
HOW CAN DR. MOURAD HELP WITH SEPTAL PERFORATIONS?
Dr. Mourad is an Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in all sizes of septal perforation repair. After a thorough history and examination, you will learn how big your perforation is and what options for closure exist. We will check your medical benefits to let you know what to expect so there are no surprises. If you think we can help please give our office a call.
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A NASAL SEPTAL PERFORATION REPAIR SPECIALIST?
Specific surgeons are more equipped to handle and treat septal perforations. Typically, Otolaryngologists (or ENT surgeons) have the skills needed to repair such perforations of the septum. More complex and large perforations may require specialists such as Facial Plastic surgeons in order to repair the defect. Wherever the nasal septal perforation repair is done make sure you feel comfortable and confident in the specialist you are working with.
REPAIR YOUR SEPTAL CARTILAGE FOR IMPROVED NOSE FUNCTION WITH DR. MOURAD IN NYC
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WHAT ARE CAUSES OF NASAL SEPTUM PERFORATION?
- Chronic nasal spray overuse, especially with decongestants, leading to mucosal damage.
- Traumatic injury to the nose, such as fractures or impacts from accidents or sports.
- Cocaine use, which can erode the nasal mucosa and cartilage over time.
- Chronic nose picking, leading to mechanical damage and eventual perforation
- Surgical complications from nasal surgeries like septoplasty or rhinoplasty.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as Wegener’s granulomatosis, that cause inflammation and erosion of nasal tissues.
- Infections, including bacterial, fungal, or viral, that can lead to ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum.
WHAT ARE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A HOLE IN YOU NASAL PASSAGES?
A hole in the nasal passages can lead to a variety of symptoms, which may vary in severity depending on the size and location of the perforation. Common symptoms include:
- Nasal Whistling: One of the most distinctive signs of a septal perforation is a whistling sound that occurs during breathing, especially when inhaling through the nose.
- Nasal Congestion or Obstruction: Despite the presence of a hole, many patients experience a sensation of blockage or congestion on one or both sides of the nose.
- Nosebleeds (Epistaxis): Increased frequency of nosebleeds is common due to the disrupted blood flow and drying of the nasal mucosa around the perforation.
- Crusting and Dryness: The loss of normal nasal physiology can lead to dryness and the formation of crusts, which can be uncomfortable and may lead to infections.
- Alteration in Nasal Voice: A perforation can affect the normal resonance of the voice, leading to a noticeable change in how the voice sounds, often described as more nasal.
DOES A SEPTUM PERFORATION AFFECT BREATHING?
Yes, perforated septum not only disrupts the natural humidifying process of the nose but also affects breathing comfort. By altering normal airflow, it can cause air to swirl abnormally, leading to excessive dryness, crusting, and potential infections. This condition can obstruct nasal passages, making breathing through the nose difficult and forcing reliance on mouth breathing, which lacks the nose’s ability to warm and humidify air. If left untreated, the perforation may enlarge, further compromising nasal structure and breathing efficiency.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT A NOSE SPECIALIST FOR NASAL SEPTAL ISSUES?
It’s advisable to consult an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or a facial plastic surgeon specializing in nasal conditions if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent Symptoms: If you notice persistent nasal symptoms such as congestion, nosebleeds, or unusual nasal sounds that do not resolve with basic care or over-the-counter treatments.
- Visible Hole or Perforation: If you can see or feel a gap or hole in the septum, especially if it’s associated with symptoms like crusting, bleeding, or pain.
- Change in Breathing Patterns: Any significant change in your ability to breathe through your nose, especially if it affects your sleep or daily activities.
- Impact on Quality of Life: Symptoms that interfere with your daily life, cause discomfort, pain, or social embarrassment, warrant professional evaluation.
- After Nasal Trauma or Surgery: If you’ve recently experienced a nasal injury or had nasal surgery and are experiencing symptoms suggestive of a septal perforation.
- Signs of Infection: Symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, pus formation, or fever can indicate an infection, necessitating prompt medical attention.
AFTER SURGERY AND RECOVERY FOLLOWING PERFORATED SEPTUM SURGERY
Depending on the type of surgery you have, you will likely have nasal packing/splints in your nose. These are placed by Dr. Mourad to allow for proper healing of the internal nasal structures, like an “internal cast” for the nose. These typically are removed at your first postoperative visit, one week later. You will also likely have a nasal cast on the outside of the nose. This also helps reduce swelling and keep everything in place. This remains on the nose also for 1 week following surgery. Depending on your work, Dr. Mourad typically recommends taking a minimum of 3 days off before returning to work. He also discourages his patients from any heavy lifting as this can alter the structure of the nose through straining. If you wear glasses, you may require some alterations as to not provide pressure on the nasal bones. Dr. Mourad will provide you with pain medications, ointments, nasal sprays, all to help maximize your results.
You will see Dr. Mourad one week after surgery where he will remove all casting materials and splints. Your nose may be swollen for a temporary period of time, so don’t stress! The nose is a small area, and all that surgery causes swelling that eventually is reduced with time. Depending on the patient this swelling typically lasts for 2-3 weeks but can last up to two months in rare circumstances. To help reduce the swelling Dr. Mourad will re-apply tape to the nose that will be there until your second post-operative visit. This pressure dressing reduces the amount of swelling. The second postoperative visit will involve removing all the tape. Dr. Mourad will then see you in visitations two weeks later, and then one month after that. Dr. Mourad enjoys the continued visitation of his patients and will see them in follow up for many years thereafter.
