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What is Rhinoplasty? Rhinoplasty is surgery that fixes the shape and function abnormalities in the nose. Genetic or subsequent deformations can be corrected by rhinoplasty. Breathing problems can also be cured by rhinoplasty. The main aim of rhinoplasty is not creating a beautiful nose, but making a symmetrical and proportional nose with a natural and healthy look. That everybody has a specific face shouldn’t be forgotten and the doctor’s guidance should be taken into consideration. Who can have Rhinoplasty? Rhinoplasty is one of the most frequently used types of surgery. Individuals may prefer to get rhinoplasty if they are complaining about deformities like disfigurement. The individual has a more aesthetic nose and the breathing problem vanishes when the surgery is done considering the proportion and symmetry on the face. In order to have a healthy result from the rhinoplasty surgery, the development of bone and cartilaginous tissue must have finished. The development of this tissue completes at the ages of 17-18 on average. As a result, a person can only have this surgery on condition that the development of bone and cartilaginous tissue has ended. Although there is no drawback of having rhinoplasty at later ages, one should also keep the possibility of anesthesia and post-surgery complications in mind. Rhinoplasty is surgery that people with breathing problems also have. Nasal obstruction due to bone or cartilage deformities, sinusitis, or a nasal polyp may drive someone to get rhinoplasty. After doctor consultation, one can decide to have rhinoplasty surgery and breath more comfortably. What are the Techniques Used in Rhinoplasty? Open (external) or closed (endonasal) techniques can be used in rhinoplasty surgery. The doctor decides on the technique that will be used. The targeted result can be achieved through both of the techniques. Closed (Endonasal) Rhinoplasty It is a more widely preferred technique in rhinoplasty surgery. This technique, also known as technique with no external scar, involves modifications performed inside the nostrils. After the surgery, there is no external visible scar outside the nose. In closed rhinoplasty, correction methods similar to open rhinoplasty are used. The speed of recovery is also quite fast in closed rhinoplasty. Some swellings and bruises may appear around the eyes and on the face after the surgery. The doctor’s job is more difficult in closed rhinoplasty as the inside of the nose and the tissues are not visible as in open rhinoplasty. The experience of the doctor has a significant role in this type of surgery. Open (External) Rhinoplasty Open rhinoplasty is performed by making a small incision on the columella, the soft tissue that separates the nostrils, so that the structure of the nose can easily be seen. There is no significant difference between the technique used in closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty. However, for people with severe deformation in the nose or with a rhinoplasty history, open rhinoplasty surgery can be preferred. The recovery duration is longer than the closed technique. The possibility of water retention and bruises is high as the skin and tissues are damaged during surgery. Open rhinoplasty is more commonly used among surgeons since it is an older technique than closed rhinoplasty and it is easier to find an experienced doctor. During the surgery, the skin of the nose is removed so that the surgeon has a wider sight of the nose. As a result, it is more practical for the doctor. What are Some of the Things That Need to be Taken into Consideration Before Rhinoplasty Surgery? Patient and doctor relationship is quite significant before and after rhinoplasty surgery. Especially before the surgical intervention due to shape deformation, a compromise between the doctor’s decisions and the patient’s demand need to be reached. Your doctor can display the most appropriate and ideal shape of your nose on the computer before the surgery considering your demands. Before the surgery, a detailed examination of the nose is done and any problems regarding the cartilage, bone or flesh is detected. The plan of the surgery is reconsidered if there is a dorsal hump or swelling. The patient cannot undergo surgery with make up, nail polish or jewellery. More comfortable clothes should be chosen in order to feel comfortable at the hospital. Blood thinners like Aspirin should be given up at least 1 week before the surgery. It is preferred to get the surgery when a women is not on period. Since blood tests and anesthesia will be done, the patient must stop eating and drinking at the time the doctor advises. The anesthetist must be informed about the medication used. The patient should be positive before the surgery and not have any worries. During the Surgery Rhinoplasty surgery takes up about 1,5 - 2 hours. This may change according to the number of process and technique used during the surgery. During the surgery, the doctor may solve more than one problem which were detected before the surgery. For instance, sinusitis and dorsal hump problems may be fixed within the same operation at once. With the approval of the anesthetist, who assesses the tests and the story of the patient prior to the operation, the surgery starts. At the last stage of the surgery, silicone supports are placed inside and outside of the nose. The patient who recovers from anesthesia is examined and discharged from the hospital. What Should You Pay Attention to After the Surgery? Post surgery is as important as the surgery itself. The patient should pay extra attention to move slowly and protect themselves against outside impacts. After being discharged from the hospital, you need to arrange your house for the post surgery duration. You need to rest in bed with your head raised higher than your chest. This will help reduce swellings. You need to avoid trauma and any outside impacts to the nose. All the warnings and advice of the doctor after the surgery should be taken into account. For things you are not sure of, you should consult your doctor. You should be careful about the protective splint, silicone, etc. and use them as long as the doctor prescribes. After the surgery, you must avoid doing normal activities for approximately 10 days and sports for 3 weeks. Foods, drinks and medication that thin the blood mustn’t be consumed for a while. After the surgery, you must avoid water splashing on the protective splint. The dressings in your nostrils, drip pads and splints can be removed within a week. After a week, the protective splint can also be removed. Do not blow your nose. In order to reduce swellings, you can apply a cold compress. Bruises and water retention will vanish after some time according to the technique used in the surgery. Don't rest eyeglasses or sunglasses on your nose for at least four weeks after the surgery. If necessary, contact lenses can be used 3 days after the surgery. The recovery of bruises and swellings changes according to the technique used, number and types of procedures and the structure of the bone. After applying a cold compress for a few days, the temporary swelling or black-and-blue discoloration of your eyelids disappear within two to three weeks after nasal surgery. The patient can go back to work and daily life in 2-3 weeks after the surgery. However, the full recovery of the nose takes up about a year. If necessary, a revision rhinoplasty surgery can be done. Frequently Asked Questions In which season should I have the surgery? There is no specific period for rhinoplasty surgery. It can be done at any time when the person can allocate 7-10 days for the recovery. Can I see what my nose might look like after surgery? Before your consultation, your doctor will take standardized photographs of your face from both sides, from the base of your nose and from a 45 degrees angle. Then, your doctor will display the new shape of your nose on the computer. Will I feel anything during the operation? Rhinoplasty surgery is generally done under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything. Is there a lot of bleeding during rhinoplasty surgery? Rhinoplasty surgery does not cause bleeding. Medical examination is conducted before the surgery in order to minimize the risk of bleeding. However, people with high blood pressure may experience nose bleeding more after the surgery. That’s why; blood thinners like Aspirin should be given up at least 1 week before the surgery. Light pinkish discharge is expected after the surgery. Is rhinoplasty a painful surgery? This is a frequently asked question. Rhinoplasty is quite painless surgery when the classical dressing application is not done. The patient experiences a more comfortable process if silicone, which lets breathing more easily, is used. Rhinoplasty patients mention that they suffer from dull ache that can be reduced by painkillers. Rhinoplasty is not surgery that will be frightened due to the ache and pain. Open (external) or closed (endonasal) technique in rhinoplasty? According to the location of incision, the doctor decides if he’s going to perform surgery using an open or a closed technique. Open rhinoplasty is performed by making a small V-shaped incision on the columella, the soft tissue that separates the nostrils. In closed technique, all necessary incisions are completely hidden within the nostrils. There is no significant contribution of the technique used on the result. The surgeon chooses the appropriate technique according to the shape of your nose. What are the things I will go through after rhinoplasty surgery? After a few hours of rest at the hospital, you can go home after rhinoplasty surgery. You need to rest in bed with your head raised higher than your chest for 3-5 days, to reduce swelling. The internal nasal dressings are removed in 2-4 days, and the protective splint is removed in 7-10 days. After that, there is generally no need to put a plaster on the nose. After this stage, people who do not have a heavy workload can go back to work. You mustn’t wear glasses for 4-6 weeks. For the first 2 months, you need to use sunblock. Failure to do so may result in long term reddish discoloration of the skin of the nose. Walking and jogging can be done from the 1st week onwards. How often should I be checked up after the surgery? After the rhinoplasty surgery, on the 2-4th day, 7-10th day and the 1st month, there are controls. And then, according to the recovery, the doctor calls you on the 3rd or 6th month. Later, you will have annual check-ups. When can I travel after rhinoplasty surgery? After removing the protective splint on the 7-10th day, you can travel including plane travel.
Otoplasty, which is also known as cosmetic ear surgery, is a procedure to alter the shape, position or size of the ears. An inborn ear-shape defect or a defect that has become apparent after some time can be corrected by otoplasty. This procedure can also be used in defects resulting from injury. Otoplasty aims to give the face and ears a proportion and for ears to look natural. Correcting even small deformations may lead to self-respect. Otoplasty should be considered if you are uncomfortable with your ears. The Importance of Otoplasty Otoplasty is often done to improve the functional problems or cosmetic appearance of the ears. It can be done at any age after the ears have reached their full size. It is generally done after the age of 5 since the ears continue growing and developing until you are 5 years old. In some cases, the surgery is done as early as age 3. Having the surgery between the ages of 5 and 7 will prevent any teases the child may face at school. In addition, the ears of children are softer and this makes it easier to reshape them. Who Can Have Otoplasty? People who have realistic expectations about the procedure and who don’t have a medical barrier that will prevent them from being cured or a chronical ear infection are suitable for otoplasty. Before the Procedure Before otoplasty, one must stop eating nearly 6 hours ago. If the stomach is not empty, there is a risk of anesthetic complication. Smokers must try hard to quit smoking or at least reduce the number of cigarettes. This will help to decrease coughing and bleeding. During the Procedure The technique that will be used in otoplasty changes according to the type of correction and the condition of the patient. The technique chosen by the surgeon determines the location of the incision. The doctor might make an incision behind the ear or inner fold of the ear. After the incision, if necessary, the extra cartilage inside the ear is removed or the ear can be shaped without removing the cartilage and fixed with stiches inside. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Blood pressure, pulse and cardiac rhythm (EKG) are always monitored. The procedure lasts about one to two hours depending on the case and whether there are any extra processes to be done. The changes in otoplasty are permanent. After Otoplasty After otoplasty, the patient will likely feel some discomfort and itching. It is important to use the painkillers the doctor prescribes. However, if the pain gets worse, you should consult your doctor. After otoplasty, your ears will be covered in bandages for protection and support. You must keep the bandages for a week unless otherwise specified. After the bandages are removed, your ears will likely be swollen and red, but it will get better after a while. You'll need to wear a loose headband that covers your ears at night for two to six weeks. This will help keep you from pulling your ears forward when rolling over in bed. Consider wearing button-down shirts or shirts with loose-fitting collars in order to avoid rubbing. Your doctor will inform you about when — or if — your stitches will be removed. Some stitches dissolve on their own. Others must be removed by the doctor in the weeks after the procedure. Recovery The swelling after otoplasty will vanish after some time. In most of the cases, there will be scars behind the ears that will fade away. The changes in the ears are permanent. Because the ear cartilage is so flexible, there won’t be any mobility problems in the ears. Risks The doctor will check the ears a day after the surgery. If there is pain only in one ear, the doctor should be informed. You should also consult your doctor if your fever is getting higher despite the amount of liquid and the medication taken and if there is bleeding or an increase in swelling or redness. Is There an Alternative of Otoplasty? There is no alternative method that will relocate or reshape ears. People might be worried about themselves or their children. In order to overcome the worries, you should talk to your doctor.
Blepharoplasty is an effective and popular method of treatment which improves the appearance and function of the eyelids. Blepharoplasty is used to fight against the impacts of aging on the skin and is applied to people at the age of 30 and above. Like the other parts of the body, eyelids lose their flexibility gradually as you age and with gravity, excessive skin may gather above your eyelids and droopy eyelids occur. This makes a person look older and more tired and affects a person’s appearance. Sagging skin around your eyelids and bags under your eyes can be improved by blepharoplasty. How Should Your Eyelids Look? Eyelids with abnormal look can affect the health of the eye, facial beauty and even the psychology of people. You should be able to open and close your eyes completely in order to protect them. If your eyelids are droopy and heavy (upper eyelids), they might affect your eyesight and cause chronic red eyes and dryness (lower eyelids). Besides the health effects, the aesthetic apperance of the eyelids might be significant for a person. Apart from oral communication, we contact with people through our eyes. That’s why; sagging eyelids and dark circles under your eyes may affect a person’s psychology in a bad way and prevent them from communicating properly. Before the Procedure The diagnosis of sagging eyelids and eye bags can be done by the doctor easily. The doctor informs the patient about the risks, benefits, and the details of the procedure by assessing the severity of the situation. There are two types of blepharoplasty: upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery. The upper and lower eyelid surgery can be performed independently, or can be performed on the same session together. They can also be done as part of rhytidoplasty procedure. What Does Blepharoplasty Involve? Blepharoplasty is done under local anesthesia on the natural curves of the upper and lower eyelids. The excess fat layer is removed in upper eyelid blepharoplasty and the skin is tightened. After the procedure, the cuts are closed with small stitches which dissolve in time. On the lower lid, the surgeon makes a cut just below the lashes in your eye's natural crease so that the scar will be invisible. In order to have a natural appearance, blepharoplasty should be performed by an experienced doctor who has had an intensive training. Who are the Candidates for Blepharoplasty? Healthy adults with excess fat or sagging skin on their eyelids or with a lower eyelid bag are the candidates for blepharoplasty. Majority of the patients are interested in blepharoplasty for aesthetic purposes, but there are cases in which sagging eyelids obstruct eyesight. Abnormalities in the lower eyelid may cause eyes to dry. People must have realistic expectations about the result of the operation. Recovery After blepharoplasty, patients spend time in a recovery room for 1 or 2 hours. When there is no abnormal bleeding, feeling of nausea and swelling and when the doctor is sure that the effect of anesthesia is over, you can leave the hospital. The results of the surgery will be seen within a few weeks. Even though blepharoplasty cannot stop aging, the results of the surgery may generally last a lifetime. The surgery is rarely repeated. Patients recover within a week or 10 days. The aim is to reach functional and aesthetic results and to have a natural appearance. After the Procedure During or after blepharoplasty, patients do not suffer from any pain and are discharged from the hospital on the same day. You may experience some swellings and bruising around your eyes for one or two weeks. Light sensitivity may be observed. These side effects can be treated by ointments prescribed by your doctor, cool compresses, and eye drops. You can apply cool compresses to reduce swelling. Recovery is quite fast. The side effects will subside in 1 or 2 weeks. Sleep with your head raised higher than your chest for a few days. Avoid strenuous activities for a week. Use your medication regulary. Avoid supplements or activities that may increase your blood pressure and pulse for a few days in order to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling.
Adenoid and tonsils are lymphatic tissue located in upper respiratory tracts. When they get big, they can block the airway and cause some symptoms such as snoring, sleep apnea, obstructed breathing, continuing nasal discharge, sleeping mouth open, night sweat, uncomfortable sleep, lack of appetite, growth failure, and developmental disorders of teeth and jaw. This tissue is active especially during childhood, so the problems are encountered then. When adenoid and tonsils get smaller gradually by themselves, the problems may be temporary for some children. However, if medication does not solve the problem, then an operation is inevitable. What are the Functions of Adenoid and Tonsils? Adenoids sit where the back of the nose meets the throat and produce antibodies that help fight off infections. That’s why; adenoid illnesses may both reduce nasal breathing and cause middle ear infection. The tonsils sit on either side of the back of the throat (pharynx). Their excessive growth may obstruct airway and lead to infections frequently. These illnesses may be treated with various medications. However, when medication treatment is insufficient, they should be removed. Adenoid and tonsils may get smaller by time, but there is no need to wait if the airway is blocked because airway blockage may result in permanent problems in facial growth and development. Their removal will not cause harm to the infection-fighting system. How is Adenotonsillectomy Performed? Adenoid can be easily removed from inside the mouth by special curettes or from the nose by a machine called shaver without making an incision. Adenoid and tonsil operations can be done at the same time. On the other hand, in tonsillectomy, thermal welding – a kind of thermal energy - is utilized to excise the tonsillar tissue. This helps to control bleeding easily and reduces the risk of postsurgical complications. Thermal welding does not damage the recovery period of the tissue. It also reduces the pain considerably in the first 48 hours and shortens the period of going back to usual eating habits. What is the Most Appropriate Age for Adenotonsillectomy? Although tonsillectomy can be done at any age, it is better to wait until the age of 3 unless there is a health risk. If the doctor is sure about the diagnosis, the surgery shouldn’t be postponed. Adenoid and tonsils that cause difficulty in swallowing and breathing must be removed as soon as possible. If they are not treated, they can lead to serious health problems such as rheumatic heart disease, teeth problems, sleep apnea and nephritis. Eating After Adenotonsillectomy After adenotonsillectomy, in order to speed up recovery, prevent dehydration, and minimize the risk of bleeding, it is very important to consume fluids. The patient can eat anything except for acidic and hot foods. Fizzy drinks such as orange juice and alcohol may harm the throat. Softer foods like ice cream and puree can be consumed. Avoid hot drinks or foods like crisps that will irritate the throat or cause coughing. Recovery Children should rest for 7 to 10 days after their operation. They recover completely in 3 weeks. In order to reduce the risk of infection, avoid people with cold. What are the Risks? Adenotonsillectomy is quite a reliable procedure and the possibility of experiencing serious complications is rare. Some symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sore throat, swallowing difficulty, low fever, earache and weakness, which can be easily treated, may occur. The bleeding after the surgery is generally mild. If bleeding does happen, contact your doctor. Children recover faster and easier than adults.
Tympanoplasty is the surgical operation that repairs the eardrum in order to improve hearing. This operation may involve the repair or reconstruction of the bones of the middle ear behind the eardrum. Eardrum is a membrane between the middle ear and external ear, which vibrates in response to sound waves. Chronic ear infections, surgical operations or traumas may damage the eardrum or the bones of the middle ear. This damage leads to hearing loss and increases the risk of middle ear infection. How is an Eardrum Perforated? There are various reasons for eardrum perforations. Eardrum perforation may result from chronic infection or trauma to the eardrum. This might be due to an object that enters the ear canal. Hot liquid may also perforate the eardrum. Before Tympanoplasty Before tympanoplasty, various hearing tests are conducted to document the patient’s hearing loss and information about the structure and condition of the ear is acquired. The more the hearing loss is, the sooner the operation should be performed. The eardrum will be examined before the operation with the help of a surgical microscope. Patients should inform their doctors if they are using blood thinners. They should listen to their doctors’ instructions and suggestions about whether they should stop using them. Tympanoplasty Surgery Tympanoplasty procedure can be applied if the eardrum perforation is big or if the patient has chronic ear infection that cannot be cured. The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear and reaches the eardrum in order to repair it and fixes the eardrum by benefiting from tissue around the ear. If the tympanoplasty procedure is implemented for infection, then the surgeon cleans the infection in the middle ear or the ear bone. If necessary, it is possible to repair or reconstruct the middle ear bones. The operation lasts for 2 to 3 hours. After Tympanoplasty After tympanoplasty, patients are discharged from the hospital on the same day of the surgery. After the procedure, the doctor bandages up the patient’s ear by filling it in with special packing material that will help recover sooner. The bandage should stay there for 5 to 7 days. After tympanoplasty, it is usual to feel dizzy and discomfort, to hear extraordinary voices and have some bleeding. Patients might have earache and feel as if their ears are full of liquid. In addition, they can hear ringing or burst sounds in the ear. These symptoms will disappear in a couple of days. What are the Risks? Tympanoplasty involves some risks. Among these risks are bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia and medication given during the procedure. Complications due to eardrum repair surgery are rare. Damage to the facial nerves, hearing loss due to the damage to the middle ear bones, partial recovery of the eardrum, abnormal enlargement of the skin are some examples of these rare complications. You should consult your doctor if there is blood or fluid draining from the ear and if they smell bad, if you are complaining about severe dizziness, if your pain gets worse, and if your ear is swollen and itchy. What Should the Patient Do After Tympanoplasty? Eardrops might be given to the patient and they should be used properly and regularly. During recovery, it is significant to avoid getting water in the ear canal. The patient should avoid swimming and try to avoid water when taking a shower. Sneeze with mouth open and prevent pressure in the ears. Also, avoid nose- blowing. The patient must stay away from crowd and people with a risk of illness. Any kind of illness might increase the risk of ear infection. Avoid using cotton buds and earphones. Although there might be itchiness, the patient mustn’t touch their ear. After tympanoplasty, avoid vigorous exercise and contact sports. Since each case is different, the surgeon should inform their patient about the specific details of post-surgical care.
Sinus surgery is a procedure that is performed when sinuses cannot be treated with medication and there are tumors and polyps. Sinuses are spaces in the skull full of air. The inflammation and blockage of them can prevent breathing and lead to symptoms such as headache, jaw ache and insomnia. In the treatment of the majority of the patients with chronic sinusitis, there is no need for surgery. Medical treatment and changes in the life style generally relieve the person and control the symptoms. When the other treatments do not work, sinus surgery can be a good alternative. People who need surgery suffer from symptoms like inflammation, mucus, pus and fluid that block respiration. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Endoscopic sinus surgery is one of the most common surgical methods to cure chronic rhinosinusitis. With the help of telescopic cameras and surgical instruments, the sinuses are opened, the problems are solved and airway flow is provided. The purpose is to open the natural drainage passages during sinus surgery. During the procedure, tiny bones or other substances that block the sinus openings are removed. In some cases, laser can be used to remove the diseased tissue. Micro telescopes and surgical instruments reach the problematic area using nasal endoscopy without making any facial incisions. Recovery After endoscopic sinus surgery, each patient tolerates the pain in a different way. Painkillers are generally sufficient to relieve. There might be swelling inside the nose and it makes nasal breathing difficult for nearly two weeks. Nasal breathing is forbidden until one week after the surgery. Balloon Sinuplasty Balloon sinuplasty procedure could be done during endoscopic sinus surgery or as an alternative. During the process, a small balloon is used in order to clean the obstructed passages we need to breathe and to dilate the sinus openings. The map of sinus anatomy is visualized and the balloon is directed towards the area where sinuses are obstructed. When the balloon reaches the right place, it is inflated to dilate the obstructed sinus passages. The mucus and pus are flushed out using a saline solution. And the balloon is removed after the process is completed. Balloon sinuplasty generally allows the doctors to treat the sinus passages without an incision and removing tissue or bone. When the sinus passage dilates, the pressure on it decreases. During and after the balloon sinuplasty procedure, most of the patients do not feel pain but a feeling of pressure and numbness. The procedure takes about 1 hour. The Advantages of Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure It is a quite reliable and preferable procedure due to the low risk of bleeding, infection and tissue damage and less necessity of using painkillers after the surgery. Because it is done under local anesthesia, there is no risk of complications that might occur under general anesthesia. What are the Risks of Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure? As in all other surgery, balloon sinuplasty also involves some risks. A few days after the surgery, bleeding, tenderness in cheeks, nose and forehead, and swellings and obstruction in and around the nasal cavity are among the side effects. There might rarely be an infection from a failure to properly cleanse the sinuses after surgery. However, the side effects generally disappear short while after the surgery and the infection can be cured with antibiotics easily. After Balloon Sinuplasty After balloon sinuplasty, the patient might experience bleeding and congestion. This is quite usual and there is nothing to worry about. The symptoms generally disappear between 5 to 7 days. You should avoid strenuous activities for at least a week after sinuplasty. It is better to sleep with your head and neck in an elevated position to promote drainage. After the surgery, the doctor prescribes painkillers, antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection and saline solution to cleanse nasal passages.
Ventilation tube and balloon tuboplasty are procedures that are done when the eustachian tube cannot function and in order to drain accumulated fluid behind the eardrum. The eustachian tube helps the fluid in the middle ear flow behind the throat. When the eustachian tube is clogged, the fluid will be trapped in the space in the middle ear. Ear infection, cold, allergy and inflammation may lead to this blockage. Malfunction of the eustachian tube is a common thing and may cause ear problems in both children and adults. When it is not treated, it leads to serious complications such as permanent hearing loss, eardrum damage or a middle ear cyst that needs to be operated. What are the Symptoms? Ear ache, feeling of fullness in the affected ear, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness and loss of balance can be counted as the symptoms of fluid in the middle ear. The symptoms may also change from one person to another. Small children may not be able to express the problem. It is difficult to observe the symptoms in children as long as there is no serious pain in the ear. What is Ventilation Tube? Ventilation tubes are tiny tubes that are inserted into the eardrum by surgery to help the fluid drain into the ear canal and decrease the risk of ear infection. When the ear is infected, there is fluid retention in the middle ear and it affects the sense of hearing. Sometimes even after the infection is treated, there might be some fluid left in the ear. The inserted tubes prevent the accumulation of fluids and create a way for the fluid to escape. Who Needs Ventilation Tubes? Ventilation tubes or balloon tuboplasty is recommended when there is persistent fluid buildup following an ear infection lasting for more than 3 or 4 months, hearing loss for more than 3 months, delay in speech development, and when there are changes in the structure of the eardrum resulting from ear infections. Fluid retention in the middle ear can be seen at any age but because of the anatomy of the eustachian tube, it is more common among children. The eustachian tube in children is smaller than the one in adults. The problems in the eustachian tube are widely seen in children between the ages of 1 and 3. When children reach the age of 5, they have a longer and wider eustachian tube. That’s why, fluid retention is less common. What are the Benefits of Ventilation Tubes? When ear infection is not treated, behavior, sleeping habits and communication of children are negatively affected. The insertion of ventilation tube into the eardrum not only solves these problems but also helps some children hear better and prevents their speech development from being harmed. The ventilation tube also helps the eustachian tube work more efficiently. When children age, the eustachian tube widens and gets longer. As a result, the problem is solved permanently. What are the Risks? Even with ear tubes, your child may still get an occasional ear infection. The tubes fall out on their own within a year. If ear infection continues, the tubes need to be replaced with the new ones or if a tube doesn't fall out, it needs to be surgically removed. Very rarely, after the ventilation tube falls out, there might be a slight scar or space in the eardrum and it needs to be fixed. Sometimes your child may still get an occasional ear infection after the tubes are inserted. In order to prevent a possible infection, after the tube is inserted, antibiotic ear drops should be used. How is it Inserted? The doctor makes a tiny incision in the eardrum to reduce the pressure and create a way for the fluid to escape. A tube is inserted in the hole in the eardrum for ventilation and to stop fluid retention. The surgeon suctions out the fluid from the middle ear. The tubes generally fall out in about 6 to 12 months. Ventilation tubes are generally inserted in an outpatient procedure, so the patient is discharged from the hospital within a few hours. Balloon Tuboplasty Balloon tuboplasty procedure is done as an alternative to ventilation tube or for patients who couldn’t benefit from ventilation tube treatment. It aims to expand the width of the eustachian tube. In this procedure endoscopic method is used to go into the auditory canal through the nose. The balloon is placed into the nasal opening of the eustachian tube and then briefly inflated.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects the deviated septum which affects breathing. When the septum is moved to one side of your nose and narrows the airway, a deviated septum occurs. This situation makes breathing difficult. During septoplasty, the nose septum is straightened and repositioned. A crooked septum is common. However, when it's severe, a deviated septum can block one side of your nose and reduce airflow. This causes difficulty breathing through one or both sides of your nose. Septoplasty repositions the cartilage, bone or both and puts them into a form. Septoplasty may be necessary in the treatment of problems like sinus infection or tumor. In addition, it can be used when non-surgical methods cannot solve the problems of sleep apnea or snoring. What is Septum? The septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nose into two separate nostrils. Mucous membrane covers the septum. At the same time it helps to protect the moistness within the nose. In people with a deviated septum, the air that goes through the nose causes dryness and therefore may lead to bleeding and encrustation. The septum may be deviated during childhood naturally toward one side, but it is generally straight in most people. Septum deviation is the displacement of septum between the nostrils and cause nasal obstruction. What are Conchae? Nasal conchae are the network of bone, vein and tissue within the nasal cavities. They are responsible for heating, moisturizing and filtering the air we breathe. The mucous that covers the conchae restrains and filters the particles in the air. As a result, conchae are an important part of the immune system that fights against illnesses. If the bone structure is different from normal, it may cause nasal obstruction. Why is Septoplasty Necessary? Septoplasty surgery can be performed when difficulty in breathing affects your quality of life or when the other treatments fail. Its purpose is to correct the nasal septum that obstructs breathing. It can also be performed to treat long-term sinusitis, remove nasal polyps, and treat other conditions that block the nasal airway. How is it Done? Septoplasty corrects a deviated septum by trimming the bone or the cartilage, repositioning, or changing them. Most of the time, it is performed by making incisions inside the nose, but if there are fractures as a result of a trauma or if the curvature is close to the nasal tip, open method is used in the surgery. In that case, the surgeon makes a small incision in the nose tip. Septoplasty is generally done under general anesthesia. It takes from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the condition. After the Procedure Septoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure unless major complications arise.This means that the patient can go home a few hours after the procedure. There may rarely be some swelling and bruising after the procedure. The day after the procedure, there might be a slight pain that can be kept under control with painkillers. People can go back to their daily lives after a day of rest. If it is not necessary, you won’t have splints or packing inside your nose. Packing that allows you to breathe will be sufficient. The packing will be removed in 3 or 4 days after the surgery. You should also limit your physical activity for several weeks after surgery to minimize swelling and promote healing. These activities involve running, weight lifting and playing contact sports. They can increase your blood pressure and lead to bleeding. Septoplasty and rhinoplasty If a person is unhappy about the appearance of their nose, they should consult their doctor. In a septoplasty procedure the main purpose is to straighten the nasal septum and regain the functions of the nose without touching its appearance. In a septoplasty procedure which involves rhinoplasty, the person can fix both the functional and aesthetic concerns. Moreover, doing rhinoplasty surgery as a separate procedure from septoplasty may lead to experiencing similar problems twice and having difficulty in the rhinoplasty surgery since reshaping had already been done before.
Radiofrequency turbinate reduction and turbinoplasty are procedures performed when the enlargement in the turbinates blocks the airway and leads to problems like sleep apnea, nasal obstruction, nasal drainage and difficulty in breathing. Turbinates can be reduced in size and the surgery can be accompanied by septoplasty procedure. Turbinates are the parts of the nose that work to warm and moisturize the air breathed. They are generally known as concha bullosa. They are covered with warm blood vessels that prevent cold air reach our lungs and help moisturize the air. However, they can cause difficulty in breathing when they get bigger or are dislocated. When to Have Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction and Turbinoplasty Radiofrequency turbinate reduction and turbinoplasty can be done when other treatments do not work in order to reduce the size of the turbinates. Among the common causes of concha bullosa are severe allergy, chronic infection, weather changes, stress, medication, hormonal changes and anatomical deviation. Procedures that involve turbinate reduction are often recommended for people who will have septoplasty surgery. Nasal deviation may lead to pressure on turbinate and nasal obstruction. Reducing the size of turbinates during septoplasty helps open the airway. Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction Procedure During radiofrequency turbinate reduction, turbinate reduction is aimed without removing a bone or tissue inside the nose. A needle-like instrument is inserted into the turbinate and energy is transmitted to the tissue to cause a controlled damage. This causes scar tissue to form, reducing the turbinates’ size. It allows improved airflow through the nose. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 10 minutes. There's usually no pain on the recovery process, no change on the physical aspect and no long-term side effects such as loss on olfactory perception. Crusting on the nose may occur after the procedure for approximately 3 weeks. Turbinoplasty When radiofrequency is not sufficient, surgical procedures that remove a portion of turbinate might be necessary. During the procedure, the turbinates are reduced in size by cutting them. The surgeon will insert a specialized tool into the patient’s nose and some of the tissues in the turbinates will be shaved off to open up the nasal passages. Surgically removing the tissue or the bone that surrounds the turbinates can be done in more serious enlarged turbinate conditions. It is done together with septoplasty. These procedures are done under general anesthesia. After Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction and Turbinoplasty Recovery is generally shorter after radiofrequency turbinate reduction procedure. It doesn’t involve incision on the skin or packing. There is an 80-85% success rate in one session. 2nd or 3rd sessions might sometimes be necessary after 1 or 2 months. In about 3 weeks, the scar tissue will get better. In turbinoplasty that needs an incision; full recovery takes 3 to 6 months. For up to a week after surgery, you may need to pack your nostrils with gauze to keep tissues in place. In order to avoid possible bleeding and swelling, avoid strenuous activities and blowing your nose for several weeks after both of the procedures. In addition, elevate your head while sleeping and wear clothing that fastens in front to avoid irritating your nose. What are the Side Effects? Side effects of radiofrequency turbinate reduction procedure are less likely and less severe. After the procedure, for about three weeks, you may experience crusting or nose dryness. Using nasal saline irrigation and antibiotic ointment during this time can help control these side effects. Side effects of procedures involving removal of bone or tissue are more likely. Pain, bleeding, swelling, irritation, dryness of the nasal cavities and infection are among these side effects. Radiofrequency turbinate reduction and turbinoplasty may not be a permanent solution. There’s also a possibility that turbinate tissue may regrow after surgery, making it necessary to undergo further turbinate reduction treatment.
Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck Surgeries Specialist
I was born in Adana in 1971. After I completed my primary and secondary education in Adana, I continued my studies at 9 Eylul University Faculty of Medicine. After a year of mandatory service, I finished my expertise at 9 Eylul University Faculty of Medicine Department of Ear Nose and Throat (ENT). I worked at Universal Hospital Group for a year, and then at Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Hospital for 3 years as an ENT specialist. Between 2007 and 2016, I worked at Private Ekol ENT Hospital.Between 2017 and 2020 I worked at Private Ege Sante ENT and AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER. I've been admitting my patients at my own clinic in Alsancak since 2020.
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Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct the shape of the nose, address breathing problems, or for aesthetic purposes.
You can usually return to daily life within 1–2 weeks. However, full recovery may take several months.
Since the incisions are made behind the ears, the scars are not visible from the outside.
Yes, mild bruising and swelling may occur after the surgery, but they usually subside within a few days.
They are performed due to frequent infections, snoring, breathing problems, or difficulty swallowing.
It is recommended for patients with chronic sinusitis or nasal congestion.
It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon to widen the sinus passages.
Yes, most patients regain their hearing ability after the surgery.
