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Septal buttons are prosthetics used for closing a septal hole or perforation without the need for surgery
A septal button is inserted to close a hole or perforation in the nasal septum, which is the thin wall that separates the left and right sides of the nasal passages.
Septal buttons are prosthetics used for closing a septal hole or perforation without the need for surgery and are made of acrylic, plastic, or silicone.
What is a septal perforation?
Nasal septal perforation is a defect of the nasal septum in which there is a hole that can cause symptoms such as:
- Nosebleeds
- Trouble breathing
- Whistling sound while breathing
- Scabs or crusting
- Runny nose
- Headache
In some cases, the condition may not cause any symptoms and treatment is not necessary.
However, if symptoms do occur, treatment may include prosthesis placement or surgery. Septal buttons can be somewhat effective in relieving symptoms, but they should not be placed if there is a deviation in the septum.
How are septal buttons placed?
A septal button is a device that is usually made of soft silicone and needs to be trimmed at the time of placement. The prosthetics are made up of two circular-shaped flanges joined by a tube in the center.
The goal of the procedure is to insert the septal buttons into the perforation so that the flanges can close the hole. To place a septal button, the following steps may be done:
- Before the procedure, the nasal cavity is cleaned to remove any obstructions such as mucus or crusting.
- Local anesthesia may be administered so that the patient does not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
- The size of the perforation is measured to select the correct-sized septal button. Using a wrong-sized septal button can cause the procedure to fail.
- The flanges are rolled into a tube shape and inserted into the narrower nostril.
- One of the flanges is put into the septal hole so that it can be moved into the wider nostril.
- Finally, the doctor will put the rest of the flange through the hole and adjust the button a bit so as to cover the hole entirely and stay there without causing much discomfort.
What is the aftercare for nasal septal button placement?
After placing the septal button, your physician may ask you to follow these instructions for best results:
- Clean your nasal cavity at least 3 times a day using saline solution.
- After cleaning the area, apply a nasal cream to prevent dryness.
- Do steam inhalation for about 2 weeks.
- Follow regular nasal hygiene.
While your nose is healing, you should avoid the following activities:
- Lifting heavy things
- Bending over
- Picking your nose
- Blowing your nose hard
- Sneezing with your mouth closed
- Engaging in contact sports
Septal buttons can be changed frequently or used for a lifetime, depending on your preference.
What are possible complications of septal buttons?
Septal buttons may not be the first choice of treatment for septal perforations due to the following complications caused by their placement:
- Pain and discomfort in the nasal cavity
- Increased risk of nose bleeding
- Displacement of buttons
- Increased formation of scabs inside the nose
If you have questions about your condition and treatment options available, consult your doctor.
