The nasal septum plays an essential role in proper breathing and nasal comfort. When the septum becomes compromised or damaged, a person can develop a number of disruptive and even painful symptoms. A common form of septal compromise is a septal perforation or a hole in the nasal septum. At Lee Ann M. Klausner, M.D., PLLC in New York, NY, double board-certified female facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lee Ann Klausner performs advanced septal perforation repair to restore the function and appearance of the nose and improve the patient’s overall comfort and quality of life. Review the information below to better understand if your nasal problems may be associated with a septal perforation, and learn more about how septal perforation repair works.
What is a septal perforation?
A septal perforation is a tear or hole in the nasal septum, which is the wall of mucosal membrane, bony material, and cartilage that divides the nose into two cavities.
What causes septal perforation?
There are several potential causes of septal perforation, some of the most common of which include:
- Drug use (cocaine)
- Chronic decongestant use
- Chronic Afrin use
- Trauma
- Surgical complication
- Deformity
- Underlying medical condition
- Chronic nose picking
Do I have a septal perforation?
The only way to find out with certainty if you may have a nasal septal perforation is to be evaluated by a medical professional, though there are certain signs and symptoms that are often indicative of the condition. Common symptoms of septal perforation that warrant further attention include:
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Crusting inside the nose
- Foul smell in/from the nose
- Pain
- Nasal discharge
- Stuffy nose/obstructed breathing
- Whistling noise while breathing through the nose
Will a septal perforation fix itself?
Most cases of septal perforation require intervention to restore proper function and comfort. In fact, septal perforations often become worse when left untreated, and repair may be more difficult as the condition progresses. If you suspect that you may have a septal perforation, Dr. Klausner can perform a thorough examination to confirm the presence of the hole, assess the severity of the problem, and recommend the most appropriate course of action for septal perforation repair.
How is a septal perforation repair performed?
Each septal perforation repair is customized based on the specifics of the patient’s anatomy, condition, and symptoms. In general, septal perforation is most efficient and successful when performed as an open procedure. During septal perforation repair, Dr. Klausner will meticulously close the perforated mucosal lining on both sides of the septum. Additionally, Dr. Klausner will use an Alloderm graft and possible cartilage grafts for reconstruction of the septum and support of the repaired membranes during the healing process. Following septal perforation surgery, patients should adhere to their aftercare instructions diligently to ensure healing and a positive outcome. This includes:
- Discontinue drug use
- Discontinue nasal spray (Afrin) use
- Do not pick at your nose
- Do not blow your nose
- Avoid second-hand smoke exposure
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated
- Restrict physical activity
While adherence to septal perforation recovery instructions is essential, choosing a highly qualified plastic surgeon is arguably the most important aspect of a successful procedure, as septal perforation repair is extremely complex in nature. With extensive training and experience in septal perforation repair, Dr. Klausner has helped many men and women regain the nasal function and comfort they deserve.
Breathe freely once again with a septal perforation repair in Manhattan, NY
Whatever the cause of your septal perforation, you deserve to find relief from your symptoms. If you live near Carnegie Hill, Lenox Hill, or Yorkville, take the first step toward breathing comfortably once again by calling Lee Ann M. Klausner, M.D., PLLC to schedule your private consultation for septal perforation repair in NYC with double board-certified female facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lee Ann Klausner today.
