Septoplasty / Turbinoplasty and Nasal Valve Surgery

Blockage of the nasal airway with resultant mouth breathing, dryness of the mouth, nasal stuffiness, shortness of breath during exertion, and nasal or facial pressure are the vexing symptoms of this common disorder. Nasal congestion also significantly contributes to though usually does not cause snoring.  Nasal airway obstruction may be caused by several blockage of the airflow at several sites: 1. Crookedness of the wall (the septum) that separates the nasal cavities into right and left sides known as a septal deviation; 2. Swelling of tissues inside the nose known as turbinate hypertrophy 3. Constriction of the outer nasal wall at the bottom of the nose (nasal sills) known as external nasal valve obstruction; or 4. Collapsibility and constriction of the internal nasal valve that is the region of the airway with the greatest natural resistance to airflow.  Using a careful examination including fiberoptic nasal endoscopy and CT scanning Dr. Zemplenyi uses his expertise and long experience to establish the actual site of the obstruction and then to relieve the problem by addressing it medically or surgically as needed.

Medical treatment of nasal congestion consists of decongestants, anti-inflammatory (prescription) steroid nasal sprays, and a trial of oral or nasal spray antihistamines, especially if allergies are present. Short treatment with oxymetazoline (Afrin) may be tried as a diagnostic measure for turbinate enlargement.  These treatments are attempting to decrease swelling (volume) of the turbinates in order to improve the blocked nasal airway. Environmental allergy work-up may be necessary in some patients.  Problems due to septal deviation or valve blockage may be resolved using non-prescription products such as the  sinus cone inserts or "breathe-right" strips.  If medical treatment fails to resolve the breathing problem caused by turbinate enlargement (hypertrophy) surgical solution may be advisable.

Dr. Zemplenyi frequently performs a variety of surgical treatments of nasal obstruction at the Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery usually resulting in a great deal of patient satisfaction and symptom relief.  Reduction of turbinate volume is known as a turbinoplasty (submucous turbinate surgery) that may be performed using several methods including special radiofrequency electro-cautery, plasma  coblation, micro-debridement and laser instrumentation.  Septoplasty is an operation designed to reposition the septum wall into the midline thus resulting in an improvement of the airway. Septoplasty is performed through the nostrils without any outside incisions. Reconstruction of the nasal valve is indicated especially if a patient experiences a great  deal of relief with the sinus cones or breath rite strip. Dr. Zemplenyi training in otolaryngology and plastic surgery is especially useful for these reconstructive nasal procedures performed including both an inside or an outside (external) approach.  For all of these procedures sedation "twilight sleep" or general anesthesia may be used depending on a variety of factors.

For increased patient comfort Dr. Zemplenyi does not leave nasal packing in place overnight so that patients remain more comfortable even on the day of surgery. Narcotic medications and Tylenol are used for treatment of the mild post-operative discomfort during the first one to three days.  Return to work is common in two to three days following this operation. Nasal procedures are very effective for relief of nasal obstruction. As these surgical procedures are designed to improve a medical condition  they are covered by medical insurance. They can be combined with rhinoplasty  (cosmetic nasal surgery), but such surgery being cosmetic in nature is not covered by medical insurance.

Please also see: Cosmetic Plastic Surgery