If you have a deviated septum, the thin piece of cartilage that separates your nasal passageways (the septum) is abnormally bent. This can cause severe breathing problems, which your doctor can address through a surgical procedure called a septoplasty. This type of surgery involves the removal of excess bone and cartilage from the nasal passageways and re-formation of the nasal wall. Deviated septum surgery can lead to complications, which should be discussed with your doctor prior to having this procedure performed.
Septal Perforation
During this surgical procedure, your surgeon can accidentally perforate your septum. If this occurs, you can develop a small hole within the cartilage that separates the nasal passages. Symptoms associated with a septal perforation primarily include an abnormal whistling sound, nasal crusting or bleeding. If the hole in the septum is large, the external appearance of your nose can be altered.
Numbness
After undergoing a septoplasty, the American Rhinologic Society warns that some patients can develop numbness at the tip of the nose, cheeks, upper lip or along the upper front teeth. As you heal from surgery, these symptoms typically subside. If numbness persists, speak with your doctor for further care.
Septal Hematoma
If the skin beneath the septum continues to bleed after surgery, you can develop a septal hematoma. This condition can cause fluid to build up within the nose. The fluid must be drained to prevent damage to the nasal structures.
Bruising and Swelling
After surgery, you will likely develop bruising and swelling across the nose, upper lip and eyelids. These complications are common and can cause severe discoloration of the skin. As your body begins to heal, swelling and bruising should resolve a few weeks following surgery.
Scarring
After surgery, you can develop scar tissue within your nose. If this occurs, the nasal blockage your surgeon attempted to fix during surgery may return. The scar tissue can interfere with the ability to breathe through your nose and may require additional surgery to repair.
Infection
Nasal infection can occur after this surgical procedure. Symptoms of infection include skin rash and fever and must be immediately reported to your physician.
Loss of Smell
Though rare, this surgical procedure can cause the loss of smell to occur in certain people. Speak with your doctor immediately if this occurs.
