Dr. Zoumalan has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. A good portion of this is dedicated to nasal surgery. He has published the only article which looks at the effect of Septoplasty on nasal projection (length of nose). In addition, he has published a highly-cited research work on how Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty in combination affect nasal breathing.

Septoplasty

The septum is the thin wall that separates the right and left side of the nose. It also acts as the structure that gives strength to the nose. Septoplasty is a surgery whereby the septum is straightened. Often the septum is crooked due to trauma from sports or another form of injury. The septum can also be crooked naturally, due to abnormal growth or development. If the septum is crooked, one or both sides of the nose may have blockage that makes it difficult to pass air. As a result, sleep and exercise are affected. Some people also have noisy breathing that can affect their partner’s sleep. Septoplasty can also help straighten a crooked nose. This is because the septum supports the bottom two thirds of the nose.

Septoplasty is a short procedure with almost no downtime and almost no pain. Dr. Zoumalan is an expert in this procedure. He will have to examine you and determine whether surgery can help you. Of course, the first step to make sure that surgery is the best option. Often, medications such as nasal steroid sprays can help improve things without surgery. Dr. Zoumalan can help determine this.

Turbinate Reduction

Turbinates are small mounds of tissue and bone on the lateral nasal wall that help humidify the air entering the nose. However, if they are too big, they can actually obstruct breathing. Turbinate reduction is a process whereby these mounds are decreased in size. This is a short procedure with no downtime and almost no discomfort. This procedure can even be done in the office with local anesthesia.

Sinus Surgery

The sinuses are small cavities in the cheeks, forehead, and back of the nose. If there is blockage of flow out of the sinuses, or if there are polyps in the area, the sinuses get backed up. This causes infection and pain. If you have repeated infections and pain, and medical therapy is not working well enough, you may benefit from sinus surgery. Dr. Zoumalan performs this procedure with the latest technology. He is able to use CT-guidance to accurately tell exactly which areas to clean up in real-time. Dr. Zoumalan also performs balloon sinus surgery (balloon Sinuplasty) to help improve sinus pain, pressure, or infection.

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