Septal Perforation Treatment Specialist
Dr. Jason S. Hamilton, M.D. founded Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, CA to provide skilled compassionate care to a diverse patient population. He is board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology / Head & Neck Surgery. Dr. Hamilton specializes in surgical repair of septal perforations. Dr. Hamilton’s approach has allowed him to consistently achieve superior results for his patients time and time again. Dr. Hamilton has achieved one of the highest success rates at 99% for the closure of large and small septal perforations.
Dr. Hamilton offers Video / Virtual Consultations, Phone Consultations, and In-Office evaluations, allowing patients worldwide to receive guidance and treatment from the comfort of their homes before an in-office evaluation. Virtual / Video Consultations are a particular benefit for those who are out-of-town and need immediate guidance, especially with COVID-19 restrictions in place. Dr. Hamilton performs surgery in Los Angeles, California, USA, and Belgrade, Serbia, Europe. Contact us today for a consultation.
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Before & After Treatment
Dr. Hamilton has developed a method for surgical repair of septal perforations with a success rate over 99% for small and large septum perforations.
Patient Reviews
“I’m so grateful that Dr. Hamilton took the time to speak to me when I was so lost as to what to do with my nose. Dr. Hamilton was patient, kind, well informed, and explained everything well enough to make me feel at ease. I flew from NYC not knowing what to expect but trusting that God was leading me into the right hands.
Today I sit here with splints removed, excited and relieved with my nose. What a miracle to see God use doctors like Dr. Hamilton to bring a smile to peoples faces. Thank you to everyone at Osborne Head & Neck for everything. You guys rock!!!”
J.R.
New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Septal Perforation?
A: A septal perforation is a hole in the nasal septum (mucosal membrane and cartilage). The septum is the central divider in the nasal passage responsible for balancing airflow through the nose. The septum is made up of thin cartilage and bone covered by a delicate mucosal membrane. Septal perforations occur most commonly from an injury to the mucosal membrane that decreases the blood supply of the septum. The underlying cartilage dies and leaves a hole. As the hole increases in size, symptoms increase in severity, such as nosebleeds and crusting. The most common injuries causing septal perforations are nasal fractures, nose picking, nasal surgery (septoplasty), and the abuse of medicated nasal sprays or illicit drug abuse.
Q: How Is A Septal Perforation Diagnosed?
A: Septal perforations are diagnosed by a routine nasal exam, nasal endoscopy, or CT scan. Many patients also make self-diagnoses at home by shining a light in the nose. After the diagnosis, it is essential to determine the health of the remaining septal mucosa and discover the exact cause of the septal perforation. Knowing the exact etiology of the septal perforation helps prevent further recurrence after successful septal perforation repair surgery. This is especially true for patients with undiagnosed autoimmune disorders, HHT, patients with compulsive behavioral habits (i.e., nose picking), and those with a history of medication or illicit drug use or previous surgery.
Q: When Should I Seek Treatment For Septal Perforation?
A: As soon as the patient is aware of a septal perforation being present, they should have a consultation with a septal perforation repair specialist. Timely evaluation is essential because symptoms increase in there severity as the hole in the septum grows bigger. Symptoms include nasal obstruction, crusting, nosebleeds, nasal valve collapse, saddle nose deformity, infection, chronic sinus congestion, and nasal pain. Also, patients may notice cosmetic changes to the shape of their nose if the perforation becomes very large. Learn more
Q: Choosing a Surgeon. How Do I Find A Septal Perforation Specialist?
A: Dr. Hamilton performs septal perforation surgery routinely every week. Generally speaking, septal perforation surgery is a rarely performed procedure, and many surgeons are inexperienced with successfully performing this surgery—for example, the majority of ENTs, plastic surgeons, and cosmetic surgeons do not perform this procedure at all. Furthermore, experience with septoplasty and rhinoplasty does not make a surgeon qualified to repair septal perforations. Septal perforation repair is a much more technically complex procedure to master than rhinoplasty surgery. As such, the only physicians genuinely qualified to perform septal perforation repair are those who have dedicated their practice to the treatment of septal perforations. Dr. Hamilton’s high success rate of 99% is rooted in his dedication to managing this complex condition.
Who is the ideal candidate for an endoscopic septal perforation repair surgery?
What is endoscopic septal
perforation repair?
How is endoscopic repair different here?
Why did you create an endoscopic approach to septal perforation repair?
Research & Publications
Dr. Hamilton has published over 54 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters in the medical literature. Many of his research papers have focused on the diagnosis and management of otolaryngologic disease, including the reconstruction of facial defects caused by head and neck surgical procedures. Dr. Hamilton continues to actively investigate and develop advanced procedures for the treatment of septal perforations. Read More
Septal Perforation Patient Guide
Virtual Consultations
Dr. Hamilton has been at the forefront of virtual / video consultations for many years. All you need to get started is a cell phone, ipad or computer. Please contact our office to schedule a new appointment or convert your scheduled office appointment to a quick and easy video/phone consultation.
dr. hamilton is a volunteer surgeon with osborne head & Neck foundation
Our humanitarian projects stretch across 5 continents, and broadly focus on: improving access to ear, nose and throat health services; head and neck surgical care; mentoring youth leaders; advancing child welfare and development; growing socially and community-conscious businesses.