Septoplasty surgery

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct a deviated nasal septum — the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates your nostrils. When the septum is crooked or displaced, it can block airflow and cause breathing difficulties, frequent sinus infections, or nasal congestion. 

Septoplasty straightens the septum to improve airflow through the nose, helping you breathe more easily and comfortably.

Signs of needing septoplasty 

Signs you may need septoplasty include persistent nasal blockage, difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, facial pain or pressure, and noisy breathing during sleep. You might also notice that symptoms worsen when you have a cold or if you have allergies. 

If these issues affect your daily life or sleep quality, septoplasty could be an effective solution.

Is septoplasty right for you? 

Septoplasty may be right for you if you’ve been diagnosed with a deviated septum and are experiencing ongoing nasal obstruction, breathing difficulties, or recurrent sinus issues that haven't improved with medication. 

It may also be suitable if your symptoms affect your ability to sleep, exercise, or your overall quality of life. 

A specialist can assess your symptoms, examine your nose, and discuss whether surgery is the most appropriate option. 

Alternative treatments to septoplasty 

Non-surgical treatments may help to manage the symptoms of a deviated septum. These include nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation, decongestants to ease breathing, and antihistamines if allergies are contributing to your symptoms.

While these options can provide temporary relief, they do not correct the underlying structural issue. If symptoms persist, septoplasty may be recommended.

Septoplasty surgery involves straightening the nasal septum by repositioning and/or reshaping the cartilage and bone causing the blockage. By preserving as much of your cartilage and bone as possible, the risk of complications is reduced.

In many cases, septoplasty is carried out alongside surgery to reduce the size of the inferior turbinates. These are small structures inside the nose that warm the air you breathe in and add moisture to it. However, infections and allergies can cause these structures to enlarge and reduce airflow through your nose.

This combined approach of operating on the septum and inferior turbinates improves breathing and nasal function more effectively.

Before your surgery, you will be given a general anaesthetic via a very small tube inserted into one of your veins (intravenous line). You may also be given an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection and a blood-thinning medication to reduce the risk of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis).

Both procedures are performed through your nostrils, so there are no external scars. However, cuts will be made on the inside of your nose, which will be closed with dissolvable stitches. A small dressing will be placed over the wound sites in your nose and will be removed before you go home.

Septoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be asleep and won’t feel anything. Most patients go home the same day.

To help prepare for your surgery, try to stop smoking, follow a balanced diet, and stay active. This can speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

If your septoplasty is under general anaesthetic, you’ll need to fast ie stop eating and drinking for the length of time specified in your admissions letter.

When you arrive at the hospital, you’ll be given a hospital gown and disposable underwear to change into. 

Who will be involved? 

Your septoplasty will be carried out by a specialist surgeon. Your care team will also include an anaesthetist and nurses.

How long does septoplasty take? 

Every procedure is different, but on average it takes around 40 minutes. 

Anaesthetic choices 

The surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, but local anaesthetic is also used to reduce bleeding and help with pain after surgery. 

Pain during and after septoplasty surgery 

You may experience some discomfort and light bleeding after the procedure. The anaesthetic will wear off after 6–8 hours and you should be able to manage your pain with over-the-counter painkillers. 

What to expect after septoplasty surgery 

You’ll be taken to a recovery room and monitored as you come around from the anaesthetic. Some people feel sick or drowsy for up to 24 hours, but this should pass.

A light dressing may be placed over your nose to control bleeding and will usually be removed before you go home. 

You will be allowed home when you’ve had something to eat and drink, walked around, and been to the toilet. This is usually the same day as your procedure.

It’s normal to feel tired and have a blocked or sore nose for a few days after surgery. This will improve as the swelling goes down, and most people are back to normal activities within 2 weeks.

You may notice crusting inside the nose — your surgeon will advise on when to start saline rinses. A nasal cream may also be provided to aid healing.

For the first few nights after surgery, you may be more comfortable sleeping with your head raised on 2–3 pillows or sleeping in a recliner.

Avoid strenuous activity, sports, and smoky or dusty environments for at least 2 weeks. Most people can return to work after this time. 

Diet 

Avoid hot (ie temperature) and spicy foods for 24–48 hours, as they may trigger a nosebleed. After this you can return to your usual diet. Avoid alcohol while taking painkillers. 

Smoking 

Stopping smoking helps reduce your risk of infection and speeds up healing. If you’d like help to quit, speak to your doctor. 

Driving 

Avoid driving for 24 hours after general anaesthetic and while taking strong painkillers. Ask for a lift home from hospital and only resume driving when it’s safe to do so. 

Nose blowing 

Try not to blow your nose for the first 3 days, as it may cause bleeding. You can sniff vigorously if needed, but note that the swelling inside your nose may make it feel blocked for at least a week. 

Bending, lifting, straining 

Avoid bending over, straining, or lifting anything weighing more than  10lbs for one week, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.

Septoplasty is a common procedure with a high success rate, and complications are rare. However, like all surgeries, there are some risks you should be aware of. 

Common and minor risks 

• Light bleeding or blood spotting from the nose for several days to a couple of weeks
• Mild swelling around the tip of the nose (usually settles in 10–14 days)
• Minor risk of infection, usually treated easily with antibiotics
• Soreness in the nose for a few weeks after surgery
• Temporary nasal congestion or blocked feeling due to swelling 

Rare risks 

• Adhesions — internal scar tissue causing nasal blockage
• Facial pain — rare, long-term discomfort due to nerve irritation
• Loss of smell — uncommon and usually temporary, but may impact certain jobs
• Saddle nose deformity — collapse of nasal support, flattening the profile
• Septal perforation — small hole between nostrils causing dryness, crusting, or mild bleeding
• Persistent nasal blockage — may result from allergies, cartilage shifting, or valve issues 

Complications can be treated or managed with medication or further surgery. In extremely rare cases, a fluid leak or air entry can cause a brain injury that may need further treatment.