Question
How is a septal perforation after rhinoplasty fixed?
Answer
Septal perforations are very uncommon and are often not related to previous rhinoplasty surgery. If, however, a perforation does occur, there’s a reasonable opportunity for it to be repaired. Small perforations can be corrected from incisions that are entirely in the nose and no external incisions are needed. However, most perforations that are half an inch in diameter or greater are approached from an open rhinoplasty approach and this involves an incision inside the nostrils and a small incision across the columella between the nostrils. This allows the surgeon to gain access and mobilize the lining tissue to repair the perforation. Our success rate in closing a septal perforation is between 90% and 95% and this can provide relief of problems of crusting, bleeding and nasal obstruction.
