The Rhinoplasty Clinic trea
ts children and adolescents with nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum or congenital or post-traumatic nasal deformities.
- A deviated septum, in which the nasal septum is crooked or off-center, can cause difficulty breathing, snoring or sleep disturbance, exercise intolerance as well as nasal congestion.
- Congenital conditions can result in an external nasal deviation (“crooked nose”) and also cause difficulty with nasal breathing.
- Trauma, consisting of breaks or cracks over the bridge of the nose, can cause difficulty breathing and misalignment of the nasal bones and cartilage.
Other symptoms associated with these conditions include headaches and sinus infections.
Rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose, is performed by Shelby Leuin, M.D., to correct these issues. If your child has a deviated septum and is not experiencing any symptoms, a septoplasty may be performed.
What to Expect
During the rhinoplasty, an incision is made across the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. Dr. Leuin then precisely sculpts and grafts the bones and cartilage inside the nose. After the surgery, nasal splints and external sutures, plus a possible cast. A week later at the office, these will be removed, and the child can resume school and light activity. Strenuous activity is prohibited for about a month. Nasal congestion and swelling may last from six weeks to a year, and symptoms may not be completely resolved until the tissues have completely healed.
A septoplasty is performed through the nostrils without any external incisions or cuts. After surgery, only the nasal splints are placed.
Contact Us
The clinic is offered twice a month. To make an appointment, call 858-309-7701.