Other Nasal Procedures
Septoplasty: Correcting a Deviated Septum
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct a deviated nasal septum. The septum is the structure made of cartilage and bone that separates the two sides of the nose. It may be out of position from birth or become displaced following an injury.
A deviated septum can contribute to breathing difficulties, nosebleeds and discomfort. The aim of septoplasty is to improve the alignment of the septum and allow air to pass more freely through the nose.
Tip-plasty: Reshaping the Tip of the Nose
Tip-plasty is a procedure that reshapes or refines the nasal tip. Possible changes may include altering its projection or angle, reducing fullness, or refining its width so that it is more balanced with the nasal bridge, nostrils and other facial features.
The procedure may be suitable when the nasal tip appears out of proportion with the rest of the nose or face. The appropriate changes will depend on the patient’s individual anatomy and desired outcome.
Perforated Septum Repair
The nasal septum separates the two nasal passages and is formed from cartilage and thin bone. A hole in the septum, known as a septal perforation, may develop following previous nasal surgery, trauma, cocaine use, persistent irritation or certain medical conditions.
A septal perforation may cause bleeding, discomfort, crusting, a whistling sound when breathing or difficulty breathing through the nose. The symptoms and appropriate treatment depend partly on the size and location of the perforation.
Several surgical techniques may be considered for repairing a larger perforation. A large septal perforation can result in collapse of the nasal bridge and a severe deformity of the nose. Techniques can include using tissue from inside the nose, tissue taken from another part of the body, or a flap of nearby tissue to cover and close the opening. Sometimes prosthetics, such as a silastic sheet, can be used to close a septal perforation. The most appropriate approach will depend on the individual case.
Titanium Breathe Implant
A Titanium Breathe implant is a thin titanium implant designed to support the side wall of the nose and improve airflow in patients with a narrow nasal valve or nasal valve collapse.
The nasal valve is located a short distance inside the entrance to the nose and is normally the narrowest part of the nasal airway. Even relatively small changes in this area can have a significant effect on airflow.
The size of the nasal valve varies between individuals and is not necessarily related to the overall size of the nose. A person may have a normally proportioned nose but a pinched or narrow lower section that restricts airflow through the valve area.
In other cases, the nasal valve may be of adequate size, but the side wall of the nose may be too weak to remain open during breathing. This weakness can develop through ageing, injury or previous nasal surgery and may become more noticeable during exercise or other exertion.
A blocked nose can have many possible causes, including allergies, a deviated septum, sinusitis and nasal polyps. An ENT assessment is therefore needed to establish whether narrowing or collapse of the nasal valve is contributing to the problem.
Where nasal valve weakness or narrowing is identified, a Titanium Breathe implant may help by supporting the side wall of the nose and reducing its tendency to collapse inwards. The implant is designed to be thin so that its external visibility is minimised.
Nasal Endoscopy
During a nasal endoscopy, I examine the inside of the nose and the area behind it using a thin, flexible instrument called an endoscope. The examination may also allow me to view the throat and voice box where necessary.
Nasal endoscopy may be used to investigate symptoms such as nasal blockage, sinus problems, polyps, nosebleeds or suspected abnormalities within the nose and sinuses. It allows me to look for swelling, discharge, enlargement of the nasal turbinates, deviation of the nasal septum, polyps and possible sites of bleeding. Where discharge or pus is present, a small sample may be taken for laboratory testing.
