If you are considering rhinoplasty, you will no doubt have come across two different terms…
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Living a busy life can take a serious toll on the nose and sinuses. It is these areas of the body which provide much of the sensory data that our brain uses to make sense of the world around us, which facilitate the flow of air into and out of the lungs, and which protect our internal organs against infection.
Simply put, the nasal passages and sinuses – as well as other connected structures of the ears, nose, and throat – work hard to keep us safe on a day to day basis. What’s more, while the ears, nose and throat protect themselves against damage and disease in a variety of ways – for example, with cartilaginous structures to prevent breakage, and with mucus production to protect against infection – this is not always enough.
This is why ENT – or ear, nose and throat – surgery is such a big part of what Dr Shahidi and his team provide to patients in Sydney. ENT surgical services include a variety of different disciplines and support a broad range of different outcomes, from correcting medical conditions such as balance disorders, to plastic and reconstructive procedures.
In this article, we will explore these surgical treatments in greater detail.
There are many different factors which might drive a patient to seek out ENT surgery. Perhaps the patient is suffering self-confidence issues due to the size or shape of their nose or ears. Maybe they are experiencing airway problems, thyroid, and parathyroid issues, or another related complaint. Or it could be a case of damage to any of the structures of the head, or of the ear, nose, and throat.
This diverse set of factors is representative of the nature of surgery on ENT problems. While often discussed as a unified, single concept, ENT is, in fact, a broad term for a number of different surgical concepts and disciplines. Skilled ENT surgeons bring these concepts together in harmony, securing the right outcomes for patients.
ENT procedures may require just one surgical treatment. For example, if a patient requests an otoplasty or ear-pinning procedure, the surgeon will be able to accomplish this with just a single, outpatient procedure lasting less than one hour. However, if a patient is experiencing discomfort with a range of different symptoms, including allergies, loss of hearing, or impaired balance, then a series of different ENT procedures may be required to put this right.
This is why the consultation phase of the surgery process is so vital. Whether you are in search of head and neck surgery to correct a medical condition, or facial plastic surgery to achieve cosmetic results, your surgeon will conduct an in-depth consultation with you beforehand. At this point, the team will assess your needs and your desired outcomes, before deciding the ideal procedure or combination of procedures for you.
Below are some of the types of ENT surgery that Dr Shahidi carries out at his practice in Sydney.
Otoplasty is a plastic or reconstructive surgery designed to reduce the prominence of the ear. This is also referred to as ear-pinning.
Grommets
Excess fluid within the ear can cause numerous problems, including pain or pressure symptoms, loss of hearing or balance, or damage to the middle ear. Grommets are small implants within the ear which are connected to tubes to drain this excess fluid.
Cochlear Implants
Patients who are hard of hearing can benefit greatly from cochlear implants. These are hearing aids which are surgically implanted, greatly increasing the patient’s auditory function.
A rhinoplasty or nose job procedure involves the restructuring of the nose to create a more aesthetic look. The procedure may also be used to correct airway problems and other medical issues.
The septum is the bridge of tissue and cartilage which separates the two nostrils. Septoplasty can be used to restructure and straighten this area, providing better airflow and respiration, as well as an improved aesthetic.
Turbinoplasty or Turbinate Surgery
An enlarged turbinate may be caused by several different factors, including allergies and other reactions. Turbinoplasty works to reverse this and to prevent nasal congestion.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
ENT surgeons can use an endoscope to manually manipulate sinus air cells and sinus openings. This makes the patient’s sinuses function in a more effective manner.
Nasal Reconstruction
In the event of damage or trauma to the nasal area, surgeons can use facial plastic procedures to reconstruct the nose to restore function and appearance.
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
Tonsils and adenoids can cause severe pain and discomfort if they become infected. These throat surgery procedures eliminate this by removing the affected glands.
Damage or deformity to the palate can make breathing, eating and speaking difficult. ENT surgeons can correct this via a palate surgery procedure.
Surgery to Correct Snoring and Sleep Disorders
Snoring and other sleep disorders can be caused by abnormalities in the throat area. The surgical team can put this right using one of several simple surgical procedures, depending on the nature of the specific complaint.
ENT surgeons can also provide a range of paediatric services for children who are experiencing issues of the head and neck area. These include adenotonsillectomies for children who are suffering from repeated bouts of painful tonsillitis, and grommet implants for minors with pain or discomfort in the inner ear.
In addition to this, Dr Shahidi and his team can carry out surgical procedures on the throat to reduce snoring or to correct another sleeping disorder. The surgical team can also use otoplasty to reduce the prominence of the ear structure. At a younger age, the ear is not yet fully formed and is more malleable and responsive to treatment of this kind.
For more information on what Dr Shahidi can provide to you or to a member of your family, get in touch today and book a consultation session with the team.
06/06/15
Dr Shahidi is an Australian trained and qualified Specialist Surgeon in Facial Plastic and Ear, Nose & Throat surgery.
or call 02 8080 0190
