ENT Or Cosmetic Surgeon: Comparing Septoplasty Options

Dec 7
11:52

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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Both an ENT and a cosmetic surgeon are trained to correct a deviated septum, but there are reasons to choose one over the other. If you're having breathing difficulties, read on to discover the differences between these two types of doctors.

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Patients suffering from a deviated septum can receive treatment from either an ENT or a cosmetic surgeon. There are benefits and disadvantages to both,ENT Or Cosmetic Surgeon: Comparing Septoplasty Options Articles and today there are even many doctors who have training in both fields in order to offer their clients more comprehensive surgical options. When choosing a doctor, it is important to consider your ultimate goals, long-term expectations, and budget.

A deviated septum is a general term that refers to a nasal cavity that is not aligned properly. Deviations can vary from minor to severe twisting. Those with mild cases may have no visible signs of septum deformity and have no physical side effects. Individuals with moderate to severe deviations may be more prone to experience breathing difficulties, sleep apnea, snoring, headaches, chronic congestion, and numerous bloody noses. Many people are born with some natural deviation, but more extreme cases are more likely due to congenital defects or trauma to the nose. Sporting accidents, such as a ball hitting the face, are common causes.

Deviation that is caused by trauma more often than not results in physical deformities as well (although these can be present if the crooked septum was present since birth). From the front view, the bridge of the nose may appear slanted off towards one direction, wavy, or flattened. The nostrils may appear uneven or off center, especially when viewed from below. Large dorsal humps on the bridge are also common in patients with septum problems.

Patients who desire no outward changes to their nose should seek an experienced ENT to perform a septoplasty. The specialist works from the interior of the cavity, removing any cartilage that is obstructing the narrowed nasal passage. No incisions are generally required, so there will be no exterior scarring. In many cases, the surgeon will then place internal splints or tubes into the passage in order to maintain its shape during the first few days of healing. He will remove these in office, and while uncomfortable, there is generally little pain. Many insurance plans will cover this surgery if significant breathing impairment can be proved.

Individuals who have suffered a considerable trauma that has changed the shape of their nose outwardly in addition to causing breathing troubles may wish to see a plastic surgeon or a combination ENT and cosmetic specialist. While many cosmetic surgeons perform rhinoplasty (nose jobs) in addition to other face and body procedures, it is probably better to seek out a surgeon who is highly experienced in this particular area. They will be essentially performing several different surgeries at once including the septoplasty. Recovery will be longer as there will be more traumas to the tissues. Swelling alone will take several months to initially dissipate and will not completely subside for up to a year.

Some insurance companies may cover the septoplasty portion of a rhinoplasty, but anything else will have to be out of your own pocket. Since most patients with deviated septums have visible crookedness or imbalanced noses, having additional cosmetic alterations performed simultaneously can be beneficial to overall confidence and self-image.

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