Surgical correction of the cartilage and bone structure (the septum) that divides the nose into two passages. Performed for nasal obstruction, snoring, and recurrent sinusitis.
Indication
- Persistent nasal obstruction caused by septal deviation
- Conditions in which one or both nasal airways are impaired
- Recurrent sinusitis and nosebleeds (epistaxis) due to deviation
- Snoring and mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Septal deformity following trauma
- Chronic nasal obstruction unresponsive to nasal sprays and medical therapy
Preparation
- No food or drink for 6-8 hours before the procedure
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood thinners are stopped one week prior with physician approval
- Stopping smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery supports wound healing
- Surgery is postponed if there is an active upper-respiratory infection
- Pre-operative blood tests and a paranasal sinus CT scan if needed
How it's performed
- The patient is placed under general or regional anesthesia
- The incision is made inside the nose; no external scar is left
- The mucoperichondrium covering the septum is carefully elevated
- Deviated cartilage and bone segments are corrected or removed in small pieces while preserving healthy support
- The mucosa is sutured; soft silicone or dissolvable nasal packs may be placed inside if needed
- The surgery generally lasts 45-90 minutes; the patient is discharged the same day or after one night
Post-procedure
- Rest with the head elevated during the first 24-48 hours; cold compresses help reduce swelling
- If nasal packs or silicone splints were used, the surgeon removes them within 3-7 days
- Saline nasal sprays for nasal cleaning are recommended for 2-4 weeks
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, hot showers, and forceful nose-blowing for 1-2 weeks
- Full healing and noticeable improvement in nasal breathing are evaluated within 4-8 weeks
Risks
- Bleeding (usually mild; controlled with packing, rarely requires reoperation)
- Infection, temporary swelling, and crusting inside the nose
- Septal perforation (a small hole in the septum) — rare
- Temporary reduction in the sense of smell
- Partial recurrence of the deviation and rare need for additional correction
FAQ
Will my external nasal appearance change after septoplasty?
Septoplasty corrects only the inner septum and does not change the external shape. If a change in outer appearance is desired, septorhinoplasty is planned.
When can I return to work after surgery?
Most desk jobs can be resumed within 5-7 days. For strenuous work or heavy sports, waiting 2-3 weeks is recommended.
Will my nasal obstruction resolve immediately after surgery?
Obstruction may persist for 1-2 weeks because of swelling and crusting. Significant relief is felt within 4-8 weeks.
Does septoplasty help snoring and sleep apnea?
It can provide noticeable improvement in snoring caused by nasal obstruction. For moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, it may not be sufficient alone, and a multidisciplinary evaluation is needed.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Nasal Packing
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Nasal packing — emergency treatment that applies pressure to the bleeding source in nosebleeds (epistaxis) that do not stop on their own.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) — minimally invasive endoscopic technique for chronic sinusitis and nasal polyp treatment.
Nasal Polyp Surgery
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Nasal polyp surgery — endoscopic removal of nasal polyps using the FESS technique.
Sleep apnea evaluation and treatment
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Sleep apnea evaluation and treatment — assessment of snoring and breathing pauses during sleep from an ENT perspective.
Nasal Aspiration
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Nasal aspiration — controlled suction clearance of nasal secretions, especially in infants and young children.
Tonsillectomy
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Tonsillectomy (tonsil surgery) — surgical removal of the tonsils.
Adenoidectomy
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Adenoidectomy (adenoid removal surgery) — removal of enlarged adenoid tissue to restore nasal breathing and middle-ear comfort.
Rhinoplasty
Surgical Outpatient Services
Rhinoplasty — surgical correction of functional and structural deformities of the nose.