Deviated septum surgery

[mrbigstuff]

Had it? What are the downsides?

[NewtonMP2100]

....on tv shows....basically a nose job....they probably use a 'nose brace' afterwards.....bandages....and you have to be careful [ no sneezing ].....guessing mild discomfort for week or so...

[macphanatic]

Had it done close to 10 years ago next week. Also had a displaced fracture fixed and removal of bone spur. Worst part was the first 24 hours with my sinuses being packed. Think of a tampon that's at least 12 inches long. Not painful just felt like the worst head cold ever. It was removed the next day. Note that the deviation may return but probably won't be as bad.

The only reason I had a sticky cast was due to the displaced fracture. Had to have it on for a week. That was really uncomfortable. It really started to itch.

The first few days of blowing your nose afterwards can be really gross. Large blood clots and clumps of mucus. No other downsides other than the first time swimming and water shot up both nostrils. Upsides are that it helped with snoring to an extent, I could breathe through my nose for the first time since a teenager and my allergies seems to decrease significantly.

[Thrift Store Scott]

I knew someone who had that surgery and his experience was exactly as Macphanatic described, both the good and the bad.

The only difference is not only was his septum deviated, his whole nose was crooked like Stephen Fry's, and the doctor straightened that out as well. Whether that was included or billed separately I don't know.

[Racer X]

A drinking buddy had it done. Same basic experience. Made very little difference though. I need it done, but I have 6 surgeries that take priority over it, so likely won't happen.

[Cary]

I had it done. When they removed the packing, it felt like it was 36" long.

Worked great for a couple of years, then became partially clogged again.

[RAMd®d]

Unlike the above situations, I knew someone who screened requests for medical procedures for Blue Cross.

She said 'deviated septum' was code for rhinoplasty.

Not that there was no such thing as necessary surgery for deviated septum, just that a lot of people took advantage were possible, for cosmetic improvement.

Probably at least some of it was part and parcel.

[Racer X]

Jennifer Grey had a nose job because of an obviously defective nose. The doc just built it back better. I see no issue with that, for example.

[NewtonMP2100]

....but it ruined her career.....


....on the plus side, the Ladies will Love the new nose....