About this topic
Septoplasty is done to correct problems of the septum of your nose. A septum is a wall that divides the nostrils. It is made of bone and hard tissue called cartilage. The surgery is done to: ‚
- Fix a septum that is out of place and is blocking your nose
- Straighten your septum
- Repair a crooked, bent, or deformed septum that blocks your ability to breathe
- Repair a hole in your septum
- Control sinus infections
- Control irregular nose bleeding
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Avoid lying face down for the first few days after the surgery.
- Breathe through your mouth for the first few days.
- Place an ice pack wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This will help relieve pain and swelling.
- Do not blow, touch, or rub your nose. This can cause more swelling and bleeding.
- Protect your nose from injury.
- Avoid activities that put pressure on your face, like bending over or holding your breath.
Ask your doctor about: ‚
- When you can start taking a bath or shower.
- Wound care. Ask how and when you need to change the dressings.
- Nose care. Ask your doctor how and what you need to do to clean your nose.
- When you can return to your normal activities or return to work.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your stitches, splints, and nasal packs will be removed at one of these visits.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
- Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Do not lift heavy things for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Do not stay in the sun for more than 15 minutes. This will help to avoid getting sunburn on your nose.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Numbness in the nose
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Lots of bleeding
- Packing comes out before it should
- Upset stomach and throwing up not helped with drugs
- Too much pain
- Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to care for my nose.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have lots of bleeding, my packing comes out, or I have chest pain or feel short of breath.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Hean and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/noseSurgery.cfm ‚
American Rhinological Association ‚
http://care.american-rhinologic.org/septoplasty_turbinates ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚