Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Question:
How do you do a septoplasty?

Answer:
A septoplasty is performed through a small incision made on the inside of the nose (no external incisions!). The lining of the septum (the mucous membranes) are lifted off of the cartilage and bone. The cartilage and bone are sculpted, repositioned, and a portion of it may be removed to achieve the desired straightening of the septum. The mucous membrane lining is then sewn back together with absorbable sutures (no stitch removal necessary!)

Dr. Becker does not use nasal packing.  The surgery is performed under sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia, and typically takes 30-45 minutes to perform.

In rhinoplasty, cartilage is sometimes needed for use as grafts.  In this situation a septoplasty  may be performed when cartilage is required for grafting purposes. The operation is then called a septorhinoplasty.