Nose / Sinus Surgery
Septoplasty
The nasal septum is the wall between the two nasal cavities. Ideally, the septum should run down the centre of the nose. When it deviates into one of the cavities, it narrows that cavity and impedes airflow. Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure done to straighten a deviated nasal septum. Put it simply, septoplasty is a surgery that helps repair the passageways in the nose making it easier to breathe. The procedure is done under general anaesthetic and can be completed in 60-90 minutes. Patient can go home at the same day but the recovery time could be up to 2-3 weeks.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure to change the shape or size of the nose. People choose rhinoplasty for various reasons, such as improving the appearance of their nose, correcting breathing problems, or fixing deformities caused by injury or birth defects. The surgery can involve reshaping the bone, cartilage, and skin of the nose to achieve the desired look or function. Whether the goal is cosmetic or medical, rhinoplasty can help create a nose that is more balanced with the rest of the face or that functions better.
The procedure is typically done under general anaesthesia, so the patient is asleep and won’t feel any pain during the surgery. The surgeon makes small incisions, often inside the nostrils, to access the underlying structures of the nose. After reshaping or removing parts of the bone and cartilage, the surgeon closes the incisions and places a splint on the nose to support it as it heals. Recovery from rhinoplasty usually takes a few weeks, with some swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes that gradually fades. Most people can return to normal activities within a week or two, although it may take several months for the final results to become fully visible.
Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinus problems, such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, tumours, or blocked sinuses. The surgery is done using an endoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light at the end. This allows the surgeon to see inside the nasal passages and sinuses without making large incisions. During the surgery, the surgeon can remove blockages, polyps, tumours, clear out infected tissue, or widen the sinus openings to improve airflow and drainage.
This type of surgery is usually recommended when other treatments, like medication, haven’t been effective in relieving symptoms. Endoscopic sinus surgery is often performed under general anaesthesia, so the patient is asleep during the procedure. Because it’s minimally invasive, recovery time is typically shorter, with less pain and swelling compared to traditional surgery. Most people can go home the same day and return to normal activities within a week. The surgery can greatly improve breathing, reduce sinus infections, and help with overall sinus health.
Nose / Sinus Tumours
Surgery for the excision of small nasal tumours involves removing abnormal growths from the inside of the nose. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and might cause symptoms like nasal blockage, nosebleeds, or changes in smell. The surgery is performed to ensure that the tumour is completely removed and to prevent any potential problems it might cause. Depending on the type of tumour, a small piece might also be sent to a lab to check whether it’s benign or malignant. The procedure is typically done under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the size and location of the tumour. During the surgery, the doctor carefully removes the tumour through the nostrils, often using special instruments that allow for precision without the need for external cuts. Because this approach is minimally invasive, recovery is usually quick, with most people able to go home the same day. After the surgery, there may be some mild discomfort or congestion as the nose heals, but these symptoms typically resolve within a few days. Regular follow-up appointments may be needed to ensure that the tumour does not return.
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure used to treat a blocked tear (Lachrymal) duct, which can cause watery eyes, recurrent eye infections, or swelling near the inner corner of the eye. The tear ducts are small channels that normally drain tears from the eyes into the nose. When these ducts become blocked, tears can’t drain properly, leading to discomfort and frequent infections. Endoscopic DCR is a minimally invasive surgery that creates a new pathway for tears to drain directly into the nose, bypassing the blockage. During the procedure, a tiny camera called an endoscope is inserted through the nostril, allowing the surgeon to see inside the nasal passages without making any external cuts. The surgeon then creates a small opening between the tear sac and the nasal cavity to restore proper drainage. This approach is less invasive than traditional surgery, meaning there are no visible scars, and recovery is usually quicker. Most patients experience relief from their symptoms and can return to normal activities within a few days, with minimal discomfort.