Doctor examining patient for a deviated septum

Septoplasty – Surgery for a Deviated Septum

Does it seem like you are constantly getting sinusitis or other nasal blockages? Suffering from nasal polyps or chronic nosebleeds? If you have a deviated septum or other nasal blockages you may need surgery.

What Is Septoplasty Surgery?

A septoplasty is an operation that removes nasal blockages by straightening a deviated septum, which is the bone and cartilage that separates your nostrils. These blockages often cause problems like chronic sinusitis and can also severely limit your ability to breathe properly through your nose.

Septoplasty does not require any incisions on visible parts of the nose; instead, the surgical instruments are put into the nostrils and will not leave any visible scarring. The operation requires anesthesia, though your ENT may decide that it is not necessary to go completely under.

During the procedure, the ENT will remove the lining that covers the septum, then either reshape or remove the affected portions, depending on the severity of the deviation.

Recovery from Deviated Septum Surgery

Recovery from a septoplasty is typically pretty easy, relatively speaking. Patients are put under general anesthesia for the procedure, so you should expect the side effects that come with that, including drowsiness and nausea. Slight pain can also be expected, though this is usually relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin.

Since a deviated septum surgery involves cutting and removing pieces of cartilage from the nasal cavity, doctors and nurses may pack the nose with gauze to help stop the bleeding immediately following the surgery. This packing is usually removed while you are still at the hospital and is not something you need to worry about. The stitches that are used typically dissolve after a couple of days, and you should be able to return to work or school after a couple of days.

Is a Septoplasty Worth it?

Approximately 85% of the people who have a septoplasty experience improved breathing and health outcomes after the surgery, though immediately after the procedure they will be in a bit of pain. We will place packing in one or both nostrils to stop the bleeding, though this packing will be removed as soon as you are ready to be discharged. Any ill effects from the surgery should go away within two weeks.

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