Looking for relief from chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, or snoring? Septoplasty, a common surgical procedure, is a surgery that can efficiently address a deviated septum and improve your quality of life.
Dr. Moustafa Mourad is one of the best septoplasty surgeons in NYC, with years of experience and a reputation for excellence. Whether you’re struggling with a deviated septum or other nasal issues, Dr. Mourad can help you breathe easier and feel better.
Schedule a consultation for a septoplasty in New York!
What is a septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that is performed to correct a deviated or crooked septum, which is the cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils in the nose. The procedure involves straightening and repositioning the septum to improve airflow and alleviate breathing difficulties.
It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia and involves minimal incisions and a short recovery period. Septoplasty can be done alone or in combination with other nasal procedures such as rhinoplasty or turbinate reduction.
What are the issues caused by a deviated septum?
A deviated septum can cause several issues, including the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose;
- Frequent sinus infections;
- Frequent nosebleeds;
- Facial pain and headaches;
- Snoring.
In some cases, a deviated septum may also lead to sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. Additionally, a deviated septum can affect the cosmetic appearance of the nose, causing it to appear crooked or misshapen.
How can I straighten a deviated nasal septum?
The only way to physically make the septum more even inside your nose is with a surgical procedure called a septoplasty. The surgery you have will depend on where you have a deviation and where you have your obstruction.
- If your septum deviates deeper inside of your nose then all otolaryngologists are trained to remove the deviated portion and give you a straighter septum.
- If you have a very anterior septal deviation, near your nostrils or even extending into your nostrils, you may want to have a facial plastic surgeon correct your septum. Facial plastic surgeons have extensive training in the cosmetic and functional front of your nose.
Who is a good candidate for a NYC septoplasty?
A good candidate for septoplasty is someone who has a deviated septum that is causing nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, snoring, or chronic sinus infections that have not responded to other treatments. Other symptoms that may indicate a need for septoplasty include frequent nosebleeds, headaches, facial pain, and postnasal drip.
Candidates for septoplasty should be in good overall health and not have any medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery. Septoplasty may be considered for children or adults who have completed facial growth, typically around age 16 or older. It is important to consult with an experienced ENT surgeon to determine if septoplasty is a good option for a particular patient’s needs.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mourad to know if you’re a good candidate for septoplasty in NYC!
How is the recovery from a septoplasty?
The recovery is not fun at all although it is generally not very painful. Most patients do have obstruction of both sides of the nose that lasts for most of the week or even until you see your doctor. Dr. Mourad provides pain medication if you need it but most of the time Tylenol or no medication is used. You return to our office one week after your procedure and your nose is decongested with any crusts removed from inside of the nose. Most patients are breathing better within a couple of weeks as the swelling inside of the nose improves.
What are the associated risks of a septoplasty?
As with any surgeries or medical procedures, a septoplasty may present some risks to the patient. You can rest assured that Dr. Moustafa Mourad and his team of experts will let you know of the associated risks well in advance. Here are the most notable associated risks when it comes to a septoplasty.
- 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 septoplasty 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 minimize bleeding risk.
- Need for secondary and revision surgeries: Depending on the complexity of the surgery, sometimes multiple surgeries are required to ensure the best aesthetic and functional outcomes.
- Scarring 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 Nasal Airway Obstruction: Although the goal of surgery is to enhance breathing, sometimes patients may develop 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.
- Continued need for medical therapies: If you have breathing complaints related to medical causes (e.g. allergies), then you may continue to require medical nasal therapies (e.g. nasal steroids and sprays).
- Nasal Septal Perforation: A hole in the septum may develop. Oftentimes these do not cause any problems. Other times however, they may cause crusting, bleeding, and breathing difficulties. These require secondary surgeries for repair.
Septoplasty cost NYC
How much does a septoplasty cost in New York City?
The cost of a septoplasty in New York City can vary depending on several factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the facility where the procedure is performed, and the extent of the surgery needed. The cost may also be influenced by the patient’s insurance coverage and the deductible and copay amounts. On average, the cost of a septoplasty in New York City can range from $5,000 to $15,000. It is important to discuss the cost of the procedure with the surgeon’s office and the patient’s insurance provider to obtain an accurate estimate of the expected costs.
Does insurance pay for a septoplasty in New York?
Most insurances will pay for functional surgery of the nose, that is, surgery that improves the ability of your nose to work well. Our office will check your benefits for you and let you know what your responsibility will be. We don’t believe in patient surprises and will keep you informed throughout the process. You may have co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance which we will tell you about. We try to keep our services affordable as we all have financial responsibilities. Of course, cosmetic surgery is never covered by insurance.
