There are various types of nasal or nose surgery, which are performed depending on the specific condition that is being treated. Nose surgery may be necessary for functional or cosmetic reasons to improve breathing or correct a deformity. Functional nose surgery is typically performed to correct a defect that is causing difficulty breathing. Cosmetic nose surgery is performed to change the appearance of the nose. In some cases, both functional and cosmetic changes can be made with a single surgery.

Types of nasal surgery

There are several different types of nose surgery that can be performed by ENT doctors, depending on your individual goals and needs. These include:

• Septoplasty: This procedure is performed to correct a deviated septum, which is a common cause of difficulty breathing. The septum is the bone and cartilage separating the two sides of your nose, and a deviated septum can cause difficulty breathing. Septoplasty involves straightening the septum to improve airflow through the nose.
• Nasal valve surgery: This surgery is performed to correct a narrowing of the nasal valves, which can also cause difficulty breathing. It involves widening the nasal valves to improve airflow through the nose.
• Sinus surgery: Also known as sinusotomy or sinus adenoidectomy. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that’s performed under general anesthesia. During sinus surgery, the sinus surgeon will make small incisions in the sinuses to improve drainage. They may also remove sinus tissue or polyps (non-cancerous growths) if they’re present.
• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: This is a minimally invasive technique that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light attached (an endoscope) to visualize the sinuses and remove any blockages.
• Turbinoplasty: This surgery is performed to reduce the size of the turbinates, which are structures in the nose that can become enlarged and block airflow. It involves removing the excess tissue from the turbinates to improve airflow through the nose.
• Nasal Polyp Removal: This surgery is performed to remove nasal polyps, which are growths that can block the nasal passages and cause difficulty breathing. It involves removing the polyps from the nose to improve airflow.
• Nasal Fracture Surgical Repair: A nasal fracture is a break in the bone and cartilage of the nose. It can occur due to trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the face. Nasal fractures can often be treated without surgery. However, if the fracture is severe, it may require surgical repair which typically involves resetting the bones and stabilizing them with screws or wires.
• Sleep apnea surgery: This surgery is performed to treat sleep apnea, which is a condition that causes disruptions in breathing during sleep. It can involve various procedures, such as removing the tonsils or enlarging the airway.
• Rhinoplasty: This is the most common type of nose surgery, and it can be performed for both cosmetic and functional purposes. It involves reshaping the nose to achieve the desired look, and it can also be used to improve breathing by correcting structural defects. Types of rhinoplasty procedures include:
  1. Augmentation rhinoplasty: This procedure is performed to increase the size of the nose. It can be done with implants or by using the patient’s own cartilage.
  2. Reduction rhinoplasty: This procedure is performed to reduce the size of the nose. It involves removing excess bone and cartilage from the nose.
  3. Reshaping rhinoplasty: This procedure is performed to change the shape of the nose. It can involve changing the shape of the bridge, tip, or nostrils.

Risks and complications

As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with nose surgery. These include:

– Bleeding: Nosebleeds are common after nose surgery, and they can sometimes be severe. You may need to pack your nose with gauze to control the bleeding.

– Infection: Infection is a risk with any surgery, but it is particularly important to watch for after nose surgery because of the close proximity of the brain. Signs of infection include fever, chills, and increased pain or swelling.

– Scarring: Scarring is a risk with any surgery, but it is usually minimal after nose surgery.

– Breathing difficulties: You may experience temporary difficulty breathing through your nose after surgery. This is usually due to swelling and will resolve as the swelling goes down. In some cases, however, breathing difficulties can be permanent.

– Numbness: You may experience numbness in your nose after surgery. This is usually due to nerve damage and will resolve over time. In some cases, however, numbness can be permanent.

– Unsatisfactory results: You may not be satisfied with the results of your surgery. In some cases, revision surgery may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

It is important to speak with your doctor about all of the risks and complications before having surgery. Nose surgery is a very personal decision, and you should only proceed if you are fully comfortable with the risks involved. For more information, visit the Rhinoplasty Singapore website to read more about nose job surgery.