Nose surgery (Septoplasty)
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated nasal septum — the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal passages. When the septum is significantly crooked or displaced, it can restrict airflow through the nose and contribute to breathing difficulties, nasal congestion and recurrent sinus problems.
The aim of septoplasty is to straighten and reposition the septum to improve nasal airflow and restore normal breathing function. Unlike rhinoplasty, septoplasty is primarily a functional procedure rather than a cosmetic one, although it may sometimes be combined with other nasal surgeries where appropriate.
Septoplasty is typically performed under general anaesthesia and may involve reshaping or removing small sections of cartilage and bone to improve airflow through the nasal passages. The procedure is usually carried out entirely through the nostrils without visible external scars.
Recovery is generally straightforward, although temporary swelling, congestion and mild discomfort are common during the early healing period. Many patients experience a significant improvement in breathing and nasal comfort following recovery.
Who is a Candidate?
Patients experiencing nasal obstruction or breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum.
Common indications include:
- Chronic nasal blockage or congestion
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Snoring or sleep disturbance related to nasal obstruction
- Nasal deformity following injury
- Headaches or facial pressure associated with septal deviation
- Persistent symptoms not improved by medication.
Recovery Timeline
This is likely to vary with provider.
- Hospital stay: Usually day surgery or overnight stay
- Initial recovery:
- Nasal splints or packing may remain in place for 1–2 days
- Swelling, congestion and mild discomfort for 1–2 weeks.
- Return to light activities: Usually within 1 week.
- Full recovery:
- Breathing improvement often noticeable within several weeks
- Internal healing continues over several months.
Benefits
- Improves nasal airflow and breathing
- Reduces chronic nasal congestion
- May decrease frequency of sinus infections
- Can improve sleep quality and reduce snoring
- Enhances overall nasal comfort and quality of life.
Risks
- Bleeding or infection
- Temporary swelling and nasal congestion
- Persistence or recurrence of symptoms
- Septal perforation (small hole in the septum)
- Altered nasal sensation or temporary numbness
- Rare changes in nasal shape or appearance.
This is just an outline. Your specialist ENT or plastic surgeon will discuss these issues in more detail, explain the expected outcomes and risks, and ensure that there is fully informed consent before treatment.
Septoplasty is a functional nasal surgery designed to restore normal airflow and improve breathing - successful outcomes depend on accurate diagnosis, careful surgical technique and appropriate healing during recovery.
