Septal Perforation Consultation and Diagnosis

Outstanding Patient Care

At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, the septal perforation repair consultation will be very thorough and patient-focused. Patients can expect to be with us for about 3 hours. We take great pride in providing every patient the highest level of care throughout the entire process, from consultation through numerous post-operative visits.

Dr. Kridel

About The Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Kridel, he will perform a thorough evaluation. He will look at the shape of the septum for existing deviations. The septum around the perforation will likely be palpated to check for residual cartilage between the mucosal flaps around the perforation sites. We may also perform a rhinometry test to further evaluate the nasal airway. Dr. Kridel will also review the endoscopic results as well and provide a treatment plan to repair your perforation that is specific to your individual needs..

Some patients are also interested in aesthetic improvement of their nose. Known as a rhinoplasty, this procedure can be performed at the same time as the functional septal perforation repair. During the consultation, digital photos for computer imaging will be taken so that you can also discuss and review how your aesthetic goals can also be achieved. Patients will also be able to review additional before and after photos of actual patients that may not be available for view on our website. Dr. Kridel and our staff will discuss the imaged photos and test results, and review the details of the septal perforation repair surgery, and rhinoplasty surgery, if applicable. The consultation fee for septal perforation is $350.00.

Making an Appointment

Before confirming an appointment for a consultation, Dr. Kridel would first like to review a copy of the endoscopic photos taken to confirm your diagnosis of a septal perforation, as well as any CT Scans and/or previous surgery operative reports. He reviews these records so that he can determine whether or not he believes surgical repair is an option for you.

Since, many patients travel some distance for consultation, Dr. Kridel does not want patients to spend time and money needlessly, if he doesn’t think he can help address their concerns. Once Dr. Kridel has determined that you are a good candidate for surgery, our patient coordinator will contact you to finalize a date and time for your consultation.

The Diagnosis

When Symptoms Are Present

When a patient experiences one or a combination of nose related symptoms, they sometimes consult with a board-certified Otolaryngologist, Head and Neck specialist, often referred to as an ENT (ear, nose and throat) physician. These doctors have specialized training focused solely on the neck and up and can determine if a perforation is present, since these symptoms can also be associated with other medical problems. Some patients, will first seek counsel from their family physician or internist and then be referred to an ENT specialist.

On initial examination, the specialist should perform a complete nasal exam consisting of anterior rhinoscopy, and nasal endoscopy. The nasal endoscopy is needed to better evaluate the size and extent of the perforation. The endoscopy is traditionally captured visually so that a copy of the results can be forwarded to Dr. Kridel.

ENT or Plastic Surgeon?

Dr. Kridel is triple board certified in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, facial plastic surgery, and cosmetic surgery. Septal perforation repair is an extremely difficult surgery to perform. As a result, very few surgeons even attempt this surgery and even fewer have significant success. Dr. Kridel’s extensive training, publications, expertise and experience gives patients a level of confidence and comfort knowing they are in the best of hands to address this very complex problem.