Does Septoplasty work?

Question

Is there a natural or alternative to this surgery in order to open the nose for better breathing?

Thank You

Answer 1

It depends on what symptoms you're trying to get rid of. If it's to breath easier due to the shape of your septum, then it'll work. But if it's for post nasal drip, chronic sinus infections or swollen turbinates....the answer is NO.

I had the surgery 3 years ago to clear up post nasal drip I've had all my life. The surgery improved my breathing on the side where the septum was most deviated. I also had a reduction of my turbinates. They tend to swell up as well if you have a deviated septum. After surgery, I no longer got colds 4 or more times a year, and when I did get colds, I didn't have severe congestion like I had before. Unfortunately, it didn't help with my other problems.

Recently, I started seeing a new doctor who told me that septoplasty rarely works and in fact can sometimes make the problem worse. I've heard this from others as well.

As for natural alternatives for opening nasal passages, I know of none. I don't know of any natural remedy that can shift the cartilage of the septum. If sinuses were your problem, I know of a technique chiropractors use to open them up, by putting a small balloon in the sinus cavities and blowing it up. This shifts the small bones around as the balloon expands. If sinus infections or post nasal drip were your problem, I know that the only thing which works for me is a product I found recently called, Grapefruit Seed Extract. It's kind of a little miracle drug. It's great at killing off infections and fungus. From what I've seen on the internet, this is one of the few things that clears up sinus infections for most people. You can get this in a nasal spray at most healthy food or vitamin stores. The nasal sprays usually come diluted. The brand I use is Xlear. Or you can get the actual Grapefruit Seed Extract and dilute it with water to use as a nasal spray.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure done to straighten the nasal septum - the partition between the two nasal cavities. Ideally, the septum should run down the center of the nose. When it deviates into one of the cavities, it narrows that cavity and impedes airflow. Nasal obstructions caused by serious deviations frequently lead to chronic sinus problems. Turbinate reduction may also be advised to further enlarge the nasal cavities. Most surgeries are completed in 90 minutes or less, not including recovery time.

Typical flexible splints that may be used in septoplasty. They are held in place in the nose with a stitch through the hole.
Because the deviation is a result of a cartilage surplus, the procedure usually involves an excision of a portion of that tissue. Under general or local anesthesia, the surgeon works through the nostrils, making an incision in the lining of the septum to reach the cartilage targeted in the operation. Before the crooked portions of the cartilage can be excised, the cartilage must first be separated from the bony structures beneath it. After excess cartilage has been taken out, the septum may then be secured to the bone with small plastic elements, splints, or sutures.

So you can see it is not a major surgery. As far as a alternative goes, I don't think so.

Answer 3

Please take my word for it and forget this surgery. I had the same done to me and it was great to finally breathe through both nostrils, however over time the cartilage grew back and back to square 1, also I know of others who had the same procedure and with the same results. It may not be major surgery but I guarentee you your face will become unreconisable for about 2 weeks,black and blue and very swollen. all for not. Hope this helps you make a decision.

Answer 4

I don't know but you can probably get something to open up your nasil passages.