Among the top five hospitals for nasal septum deviation correction surgery in New York City!

Introduction

Nasal septum deviation is a common condition that can lead to various breathing difficulties, sinus problems, and other discomforts. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals and medical facilities offering nasal septum deviation correction surgery. However, finding the top - notch ones can be a daunting task for patients. This article aims to introduce some of the top hospitals for this type of surgery in New York City, as well as provide in - depth information about nasal septum deviation, the surgical procedures, and related aspects.

Understanding Nasal Septum Deviation

What is a Deviated Septum?

The septum is a thin strip of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal passage into two cavities. When it is displaced to one side, either from birth or due to an injury, this is called a deviated septum. Having a slightly deviated septum is common and doesn't cause health problems for most people. But a more severe deviation may obstruct airflow, impede breathing through the nose, cause snoring, and block the sinuses from draining (NYU Langone Health).

Causes of Nasal Septum Deviation

• Congenital Development: Some people are born with a deviated septum due to genetic factors or developmental variations. This misalignment may become more noticeable during adolescence as facial features continue to develop, often leading to progressive breathing difficulties (Dr. Rizk).
• Facial Trauma: Physical impacts from sports injuries, accidents, or falls can cause immediate septal deviation. These injuries often require specialized correction to restore both alignment and proper airflow.
• Medical Conditions: Certain conditions can affect septal alignment, such as nasal polyps causing structural changes, inflammatory processes affecting nasal tissues, chronic sinus infections leading to gradual deviation, and rarely, tumors causing septal displacement.

Symptoms of Nasal Septum Deviation

• Breathing Difficulties: One of the most common symptoms is difficulty breathing through the nose, especially on one side. This can lead to mouth - breathing, which may cause dry mouth, sore throat, and other problems.
• Snoring: A deviated septum can disrupt the normal airflow in the nasal passages, leading to snoring during sleep.
• Chronic Sinus Infections: The obstruction of the nasal passages can prevent proper drainage of the sinuses, increasing the risk of sinus infections.
• Nosebleeds: Irritation and pressure on the nasal tissues due to the deviated septum can cause nosebleeds.

Surgical Procedures for Nasal Septum Deviation Correction

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. Also referred to as septal reconstruction or submucous septal resection, this corrective surgery straightens the partition between the two nasal cavities known as the nasal septum so that it runs down the center of the nose in the ideal anatomical formation.

Steps of Septoplasty

1. Preparation: The patient is brought into the operating room and positioned comfortably. The nose area is cleaned and prepped for the septoplasty procedure.
2. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is provided intravenously to put the patient into a pain - free, unconscious state for the duration of the surgery. This allows the surgeon to operate inside the nasal passages without causing discomfort.
3. Incisions: The surgeon makes an incision in the internal lining of the nose. This allows access to manipulate and restructure the nasal septum. The incision is made as small as possible to minimize trauma.
4. Nasal Septum Adjustment: The deviated portions of the septum are repositioned, trimmed, and restructured into midline. This straightens the nasal wall and opens airflow. Any ridges or spurs are corrected. Portions of the septum may be resected (cut out) if needed.
5. Stabilizing the Septum: Small splints are placed inside the nose to support the newly straightened shape during initial healing. Dissolvable internal splints can be used to ensure maximum patient comfort.
6. Closing the Incisions: Once the septum is sufficiently stabilized, the soft lining inside the nose (mucosal flap) is laid back over the septum. Dissolvable sutures close the internal incision.

Septorhinoplasty

If an injury such as a fracture is the cause of a nasal obstruction, or if surgery to reposition the septum changes the appearance of your nose, specialists may perform septorhinoplasty. During this procedure, surgeons eliminate the nasal obstruction and use cosmetic techniques that ensure that the nose looks natural. Surgeons perform septorhinoplasty through the nostrils. They correct the position of the septum and address any other structural problems. For example, if the small area inside the nose between the septum and the bridge of the nose is too narrow, it may restrict airflow. A reconstructive surgeon may widen this area to help the patient breathe more easily.

Submucosal Resection

In submucosal resection, a surgeon removes small sections of the septum, the turbinates, or both to open the nasal passages. A surgeon accesses the septum or turbinates through the nostrils and makes a small incision in the layer of soft tissue lining the nasal passage. This incision allows surgeons to remove portions of the underlying bone structure without disturbing the outer layer of tissue, which plays an important role in keeping the nasal passages hydrated. Surgeons may use a laser or a small device called a microdebrider, a powered instrument that removes bone and soft tissue, to reduce the size of turbinates.

Turbinate Outfracture

In addition to a submucosal resection or laser procedure, surgeons may also permanently reposition the turbinates to provide more space in the nasal passages. This permanent repositioning, called out - fracture, involves breaking the thin bones of the turbinates in order to reposition them.

Top Five Hospitals for Nasal Septum Deviation Correction Surgery in New York City

Although it's difficult to definitively rank the top five hospitals due to different factors such as doctor expertise, patient experience, and available facilities, here are some well - regarded hospitals based on online reviews and doctor ratings:

1. NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone otolaryngologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons can determine the exact degree of septum displacement and if any other factors contribute to an obstructed nasal passage. They offer a variety of minimally invasive outpatient procedures to reposition the septum and address other causes of nasal obstruction. Their surgeons are experienced in performing septoplasty, septorhinoplasty, and other related procedures. They use advanced techniques to ensure that patients can return home on the same day after surgery and focus on creating individualized care plans.

2. NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Many top - rated doctors treating deviated septum are on staff at this hospital, such as Dr. Mukesh Prasad, Dr. Ashutosh Kacker, and Dr. Andrea Wang, who all have high patient ratings. With a large number of experienced medical professionals, the hospital can provide high - quality surgical and post - operative care for nasal septum deviation correction. The hospital also has advanced medical equipment and research facilities, which can support the latest treatment methods.

3. The Klausner Institute

The Klausner Institute proudly offers patients solutions for septoplasty in New York City and Manhattan. Double - board - certified plastic surgeon Lee Ann M. Klausner, M.D. is a top NYC expert in rhinoplasty, including deviated septum repair. She has performed countless successful procedures and develops custom treatment plans for each patient. The institute focuses on both cosmetic and functional improvements, and patients can also have other procedures like cosmetic rhinoplasty during their deviated septum repair surgery.

4. Cangello Plastic Surgery

Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery is an expert in septoplasty. He tailors each septoplasty to the individual patient. His septoplasty procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia, and he will expose the bony and cartilaginous portions of the septum, free the cartilage portion from its attachments to the bone, remove and/or reposition any cartilage or bone causing obstruction, and then realign the remaining portion of the bone and cartilage. He offers different surgical techniques such as closed, open, or via an endoscope depending on the patient's anatomy and needs.

5. Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center

Dr. M. Zakir Sabry at Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center offers septoplasty to correct deviated septums and improve breathing. He expertly manipulates and reconstructs the wall between the nostrils to open airways obstructed by bone and cartilage displacement. The center provides detailed pre - operative consultations and preparations, and offers information about the cost, insurance coverage, and post - operative recovery process. Their commitment to patient satisfaction and experience makes them a popular choice for patients seeking septum correction surgery.

Pre - operative Considerations

Consultation

Before surgery, patients should have a detailed consultation with the surgeon. The surgeon will perform a physical exam of the nasal passages, review the patient's symptoms, medical history, and goals for surgery. They will also explain the surgical procedure in detail, including the type of anesthesia, the expected outcomes, and the potential risks.

Pre - operative Preparations

• Lab Tests: Patients may need to undergo certain lab tests, such as blood tests, to assess their general health condition before surgery.
• Medication Adjustments: Some medications may need to be adjusted or stopped before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding or other complications. For example, patients taking blood - thinning medications may need to stop them under the doctor's guidance.
• Arranging Transportation and Help: Since patients will be under anesthesia during surgery and may feel groggy afterward, they need to arrange for someone to accompany them home. They may also need help with daily activities during the initial recovery period.
• Preparing a Recovery Space: At home, patients should prepare a comfortable recovery space with plenty of pillows to keep their heads elevated, which can help reduce swelling.
• Purchasing Necessary Supplies: Supplies such as saline spray for nasal cleansing, pain medication, and soft - diet foods may be needed during the recovery period.

Post - operative Recovery

Immediate Post - operative Period

After septum deviation correction surgery, gauze packing is placed in each nasal passage to absorb drainage and prevent bleeding. Pain medication is prescribed to manage discomfort. Patients should keep their heads elevated on several pillows when sleeping to reduce swelling. Rest is crucial to restore energy and facilitate proper healing. Cool compresses may also provide some relief.

First Week

The nose packing is usually removed within several days after surgery. Discomfort and nasal congestion are still common during the first week, but pain medication can help manage unpleasant symptoms. To allow proper healing, no heavy lifting, bending over, straining, or strenuous activity should be done. Patients should clean and care for the nasal and sinus areas as directed by the doctor. A follow - up appointment will be scheduled to monitor recovery by the end of the first week.

Weeks 2 - 4

Most of the discomfort should subside within 14 days after surgery. Drainage, congestion, and minor bleeding may still occur as the nasal passages heal. Saline spray can help cleanse the nose. Splints are usually removed at the beginning of the second week. Regular activity may gradually resume, but strenuous exercise should still be avoided for at least a month. Healing and adjustment to new nasal airflow continue during this time.

Long - term Recovery

It can take up to a year for the nose to stabilize and adjust completely after septoplasty procedures. Even if the skin looks healed, the tissues, membranes, blood vessels, and nerves inside the nasal passages continue to recuperate for several months.

Benefits of Nasal Septum Deviation Correction Surgery

• Improved Breathing: By straightening the septum, the surgery allows for better airflow through the nasal passages, significantly improving the patient's quality of life and reducing the discomfort and stress associated with nasal congestion.
• Reduced Sinus Infections: A deviated septum may obstruct the sinus drainage pathways, leading to more frequent sinus infections. During the surgery, the crooked portions are repositioned, allowing proper mucus removal and preventing mucus buildup and sinus infections.
• Better Sleep Quality: Difficulty breathing through a blocked nasal airway can disrupt sleep and cause chronic fatigue. After surgery, improved airflow capacity at night allows patients to enjoy deeper, more restorative rest.
• Cosmetic Improvements: In some cases, such as with septorhinoplasty, the surgery can also improve the appearance of the nose, enhancing the patient's facial aesthetics.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Cost

The cost of septum deviation correction surgery in NYC ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. The wide range in price depends on factors like the surgeon's fees, hospital or facility charges, and anesthesia expenses. On average, most people can expect to pay nearly $10,000 for septoplasty when performed by an experienced ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon.

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance providers will cover the cost of deviated septum repair surgery as it serves a necessary and functional purpose: improving the patient's ability to breathe better. However, different insurance plans have different coverage policies. Some hospitals, like Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center, are out - of - network providers for most insurance plans, but their knowledgeable staff can help patients navigate their benefits and see what portion of the septoplasty costs their plan will cover.

Conclusion

Nasal septum deviation correction surgery can be a life - changing procedure for patients suffering from breathing difficulties, sinus problems, and other related issues. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and medical centers offering high - quality surgical services. Understanding the condition, the surgical procedures, pre - and post - operative care, and the cost and insurance aspects is crucial for patients considering this surgery. By choosing a reputable hospital and an experienced surgeon, patients can increase the chances of a successful outcome and a smooth recovery.

If you or someone you know is suffering from nasal septum deviation, don't hesitate to seek professional medical advice. Consult with a qualified doctor at one of the top hospitals in New York City to learn more about your treatment options and take the first step towards a better quality of life. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information, and feel free to explore more about nasal health and related surgical procedures.