Septoplasty

Harmonizing Form and Function in Nasal Aesthetics

A septoplasty is a transformative procedure that harmonizes form and function in nasal aesthetics. At Your Cosmetic Office in Encinitas, California, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Mario Yco recognizes the pivotal role that nasal structure plays in both appearance and respiratory well-being.

Whether you are seeking relief from breathing difficulties or looking to enhance the symmetry of your nose, Dr. Yco offers septoplasty procedures tailored to each patient’s unique needs and desires.

What Is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses any issues regarding the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage, bone, and tissue that separates your two nostrils. When this structure is malformed or damaged, it can lead to breathing troubles and an increased risk of sinus infections, not to mention it can cause the nose to look crooked or asymmetrical. During this procedure, Dr. Yco repositions the nasal septum to improve the quality of airflow through each nostril and correct the appearance of a crooked nose.

Who Is a Candidate for Septoplasty?

In order to have a septoplasty, you must be in good overall health and be a non-smoker. If you experience trouble breathing through your nose, have frequent sinus infections, or have trouble sleeping from excessive snoring due to a deviated septum, then a septoplasty may be a great procedure for you. The best way to determine whether or not you are a candidate for septoplasty is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Yco at Your Cosmetic Office.

Septoplasty Procedure

A septoplasty can be done using either local or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used will be determined by you and your surgeon during your consultation. In any case, you will not be able to feel anything during the procedure. To begin, Dr. Yco will make small incisions inside the nostrils to access the cartilage and bone of the septum. He will then trim, reposition, and replace the cartilage and bone of the septum according to what specific issue needs to be corrected. In some cases, spreader grafts will be used to correct a deviated septum that occurs along the bridge of the nose. The incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures that will be absorbed gradually by the body.

Post-Op Care

Silicone splints will sometimes be positioned inside the nostrils to support your newly straightened septum along with packing gauze. This is an outpatient procedure that requires you to have someone drive you home afterward. Once home, you will be advised to keep your head elevated and refrain from blowing your nose or pulling clothes over your head. The swelling and bruising will go away after about a week, but the final results can take up to a full year. Any pain or discomfort can be managed with prescribed medication or a cool compress. To optimize your recovery, Dr. Yco may refer you to have hyperbaric Co2 treatments or red light therapy. 

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