Introduction
In New York City, medical expertise in various specialized fields, particularly nasal septum deviation correction surgery and eye plastic surgery, is in high demand. Nasal septum deviation can lead to significant breathing difficulties and other associated health issues, while eye plastic surgery aims to enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the eyes. This article will explore the ranking of experts for nasal septum deviation correction surgery in New York City and also briefly touch on the emergence of eye plastic cases in the area.
Understanding Nasal Septum Deviation
What is Nasal Septum Deviation?
The nasal septum is an osteocartilaginous wall that divides the nose into two nasal cavities. A deviation occurs when this partition is significantly off - center. As reported in "Nasal Septal Deviation: A Comprehensive Narrative Review," asymptomatic minor deviation is considered a normal developmental variation, but more severe deviations can cause problems. A deviated septum can be either developmental, often presenting as a smooth “C - shaped or S - shaped” deformity, or a result of trauma, which is usually more dislocated and irregular.
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, as explained in "Deviated Septum Surgery NYC | Expert Septum Correction."
- 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 and Complications
Patients with a deviated septum may experience a range of symptoms. The most common is difficulty breathing through the nose, which can lead to mouth - breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea. Other symptoms include chronic sinus infections, recurrent nosebleeds, and headaches. According to the same comprehensive review, associated conditions like rhinosinusitis, concha bullosa, and an increased incidence of headaches are also linked to nasal septum deviation. For instance, in a study on the relationship between nsd and rhinosinusitis, 50% of the patients with rhinosinusitis had nsd, and types I, II, and V of septal deviation were more prone to have rhinosinusitis.
Diagnosis of Nasal Septum Deviation
Clinical Evaluation
Clinical assessment is an important first step in diagnosing nasal septum deviation. A doctor will typically start by taking a detailed medical history, including any past facial injuries or a family history of nasal problems. Physical examination of the nose may involve using a nasal speculum to visually inspect the nasal cavity. The presence of headache as a presenting symptom for some patients can be explained by the contact between the convex side of the septum and the mucosa of the peripheral nasal wall of the inferior or middle turbinate, or the lateral nasal wall of the nasal septum, as mentioned in the research.
Imaging Techniques
In addition to clinical evaluation, imaging techniques are often used for a more accurate diagnosis and to assess the severity of the deviation. Radiological imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and cone - beam computed tomography (CBCT) are commonly employed. CBCT is considered a reliable radiological option for the evaluation of nasal obstruction and nsd, as different parameters such as septal deviation angle and septal deviation index can be computed from it, as per studies on nasal septum deviation diagnosis. Nasal endoscopy may also be used to provide a detailed view of the nasal cavity and identify the exact location and extent of the deviation.
Surgical Treatment of Nasal Septum Deviation
Types of Surgeries
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is the most common surgical method used to treat nasal septum deviation in adults. It involves the correction of a deviated septum, expanding the nasal passage and allowing adequate airflow. The procedure can be an open or closed procedure. In an open septoplasty, a small scar may be left at the base of the nostrils, while in a closed procedure, all incisions are made invisibly inside the nose. As described in "Top Septoplasty Surgeon New York City NYC | Deviated Septum Repair Manhattan," during a septoplasty operation, which is generally done under general anesthesia, the surgeon will usually make an incision on the lower portion of the septum, known as the caudal septum, and then work through the nostrils to access the bone and cartilage targeted in the procedure. Most septoplasty procedures are comprised of steps such as the initial incision to expose the deviated septum, identifying and releasing the internal structures that are the cause of angulations, realigning the septum, reimplanting crushed cartilage (when appropriate), and closure of the 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 the nose, septorhinoplasty may be performed. During this procedure, surgeons eliminate the nasal obstruction and use cosmetic techniques that ensure that the nose looks natural. As per NYU Langone Health's information on deviated septum surgery, septorhinoplasty is performed through the nostrils, and surgeons correct the position of the septum and address any other structural problems, such as widening a narrow area inside the nose between the septum and the bridge of the nose to improve airflow.
Submucosal Resection
In submucosal resection, a surgeon removes small sections of the septum, the turbinates, or both to open the nasal passages. The 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 allows the removal of 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 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.
Expertise Required for Nasal Septum Surgery
Nasal septum surgery is a technically demanding procedure that requires a high level of expertise. Surgeons need to have a background in both facial plastic surgery and ear, nose, and throat medicine (otolaryngology). As stated in "Septoplasty NYC | Deviated Septum Surgery NYC," choosing a double - certified specialist such as Dr. Kwak, who has spent thousands of hours in training, residency, and practice focused exclusively on the nose, ensures the most precise and successful outcomes. Before the surgery, a detailed private consultation is essential, during which the surgeon will assess the patient's medical records, prior surgeries, medications, anesthesia preferences, and goals for the procedure.
Ranking of Experts for Nasal Septum Deviation Correction Surgery in New York City
Healthgrades Ranking
Healthgrades is a well - known platform that provides rankings of doctors based on patient ratings and other factors. According to Healthgrades, there are 970 doctors who perform nasal septum surgery in New York, and doctors in this region have an average rating of 4.3 stars. Some of the top - rated doctors include Dr. Ashutosh Kacker, MD, and Dr. Mukesh Prasad, MD, both rated 4.90 out of 5 stars and located at 1305 York Avenue 5th Floor, New York, NY 10021. Dr. Calvin Wei, MD, is rated 4.70 out of 5 stars and is located at 425 W 59th St Fl 10, New York, NY 10019. The providers listed on Healthgrades have at least 3 or more past patient ratings, which gives patients confidence in their experience.
When looking for the best deviated septum doctors in New York, Healthgrades also lists 13899 doctors who treat deviated septum in the area, with an average rating of 4 stars. Some of the highly - rated doctors in this category are Dr. Mukesh Prasad, MD, Dr. Ashutosh Kacker, MD, Dr. Andrea Wang, MD, and Dr. George Alexiades, MD, all with a rating of 4.90 out of 5 stars and located at 1305 York Avenue 5th Floor, New York, NY 10021.
Other Indicators of Expertise
Besides patient ratings, other indicators of a doctor's expertise in nasal septum deviation correction surgery include their certifications, years of experience, and the number of successful surgeries they have performed. Doctors who are certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHN) are often highly regarded. For example, Dr. Sam S. Rizk, as described in "Deviated Septum Surgery NYC | Expert Septum Correction," is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the ABOHN. He uses advanced septoplasty techniques and technologies to ensure optimal, natural - looking results and has an extensive background in rhinoplasty, facial surgery, and reconstructive surgery. His expertise has attracted patients globally seeking relief from chronic breathing difficulties.
Recovery and Complications after Nasal Septum Surgery
Recovery Process
The recovery process after nasal septum surgery varies from patient to patient. Generally, patients can expect some degree of swelling and congestion inside the nose, which may last between two and three days. Nasal drainage of blood and mucous is also common and may continue for up to five days. As mentioned in "Top Septoplasty Surgeon New York City NYC | Deviated Septum Repair Manhattan," over - the - counter (OTC) medications usually suffice for pain, but the surgeon may prescribe a pain reliever for the first day following surgery and a saline spray or irrigation treatment several times per day for the week following surgery to clear any nasal congestion. Most patients return to work within 7 - 10 days, but complete recovery generally takes one to two months as internal healing continues. During the recovery period, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and vigorous nose - blowing for 10 - 14 days and sleep with their head in an elevated position for a few weeks to reduce swelling.
Complications
Although septoplasty is a common surgical procedure with a very low risk of complications when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, rare complications can occur. As reported in various studies, these include bleeding, septal hematoma, septal perforation, and hyposmia (decreased sense of smell). Excessive bleeding was found to be one of the most common consequences in some studies, while deformities, infections, and perforations are also among the frequent side effects. Post - operative infection (3.3%) and intervention - required epistaxis (4.5%) were reported as short - term problems, and 2.8% of patients experienced long - term problems, including hyposmia and subsequent septoplasty.
The Emergence of Eye Plastic Cases in New York City
Factors Contributing to the Emergence
In New York City, the emergence of eye plastic cases can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the city's high - profile and fashion - conscious population often has a greater interest in aesthetic improvements, including eye plastic surgery. The entertainment industry and social media also play a role, as people are more exposed to idealized beauty standards and may seek eye plastic procedures to enhance their appearance. Additionally, advancements in eye plastic surgery techniques and technologies have made the procedures safer and more effective, increasing their appeal.
Types of Eye Plastic Surgeries
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a common eye plastic surgery that involves removing excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. This surgery can improve the appearance of droopy or puffy eyelids and may also enhance vision in cases where the excess eyelid skin is obstructing the field of view.
Epicanthoplasty
Epicanthoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the appearance of the inner corner of the eye by removing or reshaping the epicanthal fold. This procedure is often performed to create a more almond - shaped eye or to correct congenital abnormalities of the epicanthal fold.
Canthoplasty
Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure that tightens the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus). It can be used to correct a droopy or lax lateral canthus, giving the eyes a more youthful and alert appearance.
Finding Experts in Eye Plastic Surgery
Similar to nasal septum deviation correction surgery, finding the right expert in eye plastic surgery is crucial. Patients should look for surgeons who are board - certified in plastic surgery and have extensive experience in performing eye plastic procedures. Reading patient reviews, viewing before - and - after photos, and scheduling consultations with multiple surgeons can help patients make an informed decision. Some well - known plastic surgery clinics in New York City may have a team of experienced eye plastic surgeons who can provide high - quality care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nasal septum deviation correction surgery and eye plastic surgery are two important areas of medical expertise in New York City. Nasal septum deviation can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, and finding a top - rated expert for the surgery is essential for a successful outcome. Healthgrades and other indicators of expertise can help patients identify the best doctors in the area. Meanwhile, the emergence of eye plastic cases in New York City is driven by various factors, and patients have a range of surgical options available to them. Whether it's breathing better after nasal septum surgery or enhancing their appearance through eye plastic surgery, patients in New York City have access to a wealth of medical expertise.
If you are experiencing symptoms of nasal septum deviation or are considering an eye plastic procedure, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with qualified experts, and make an informed decision about your healthcare. Share this article with others who may benefit from the information, and explore related topics on our website to learn more about medical advancements in these fields.
