Septoplasty/rhinoplasty

A septoplasty is the surgical straightening of the partition dividing the inside of the nose in half (the Septum) to improve the nasal airway. Rhinoplasty is the surgical alteration the outside shape of the nose. This is intended to improve airflow and cosmetics only (it will not help with snoring or problems with the sense of smell).

There are risks and complications with this procedure. They include but are not limited to the following.

General risks

• Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
• Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room.
• Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
• Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
• Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
• Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
• Death as a result of this procedure is rare but possible.

Specific risks

• Bleeding. This may occur either at the time of surgery or in the first few weeks after surgery. Bleeding after surgery may require packing of the nose under local anaesthesia or may require another operation to stop the bleeding. A blood transfusion may be necessary depending on the amount of blood lost.
• Persistence or recurrence of the original problem with an unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance or lack of satisfaction with the new cosmetic appearance of the nose.
• Abnormal healing of external wounds with abnormal scar formation.
• Impaired or lost sense of smell and taste.
• Adhesions or scar tissue forming inside the nose requiring further surgery.
• Numbness of the top lip and / or upper front teeth
• CSF leaks/Orbital Hematoma (bruising)/Septal Abscess/Hematoma (bruising).
• May cause increase in snoring or sleep disturbance.
• Septal perforation or hole in the partition inside the nose. This is often asymptomatic but may result in whistling crusting or bleeding. Surgery to close the hole will usually not be possible.