A septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct a deviated nasal septum, the wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. This procedure aims to straighten the septum, thereby improving airflow through the nasal passages. The goal of this surgery is to enhance a patient’s ability to breathe through their nose and address related issues.
What Septoplasty Addresses
The nasal septum can be crooked or off-center, a condition known as a deviated septum. This deviation can occur at birth or result from an injury or trauma to the nose. When the septum is significantly misaligned, it can block one or both nostrils, reducing airflow and making nasal breathing challenging.
A deviated septum often leads to symptoms including difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, chronic nasal stuffiness, and frequent nosebleeds. Individuals may also experience noisy breathing during sleep, snoring, and recurring sinus infections due to impaired drainage. Septoplasty corrects the septum by trimming, repositioning, or removing portions of the cartilage and bone that are causing the obstruction.
What to Expect During and After Septoplasty
Septoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon usually makes incisions inside the nostril to access the septum, avoiding external scars.
The procedure involves lifting the mucosal lining covering the septum, then reshaping or removing the deviated bone and cartilage. After the septum is straightened, the lining is repositioned, and dissolvable stitches may be used to secure it. Sometimes, small splints or soft packing are placed inside the nose to support the septum during initial healing and prevent bleeding.
Immediately after surgery, patients can expect mild to moderate discomfort, along with nasal congestion, swelling, and possibly some bloody drainage. A mild headache and ear fullness are also common.
Initial recovery typically takes a few days to a week, during which rest and keeping the head elevated are important to reduce swelling. Patients should avoid blowing their nose forcefully for at least a week and sneeze with their mouth open to minimize pressure.
Strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks, though light activities can often be resumed in about a week. Post-operative care often includes saline nasal rinses and pain medication to manage discomfort.
Potential Outcomes and Patient Experience
The primary objective of septoplasty is to improve nasal breathing and airflow. This enhanced airflow allows for better oxygen intake. Patients often notice a reduction in chronic nasal congestion.
Beyond breathing, other positive changes frequently occur, such as a decrease in snoring and an improvement in overall sleep quality. Fewer nosebleeds and a reduction in the frequency of sinus infections are also commonly experienced, as improved nasal drainage helps prevent mucus and bacteria from accumulating. While individual results can vary depending on the severity of the original deviation and any other co-existing conditions, general patient satisfaction rates are high, with some studies reporting success rates up to 85%. Full results may become apparent over several months as swelling completely subsides, particularly at the tip of the nose. Temporary side effects, such as temporary numbness or mild bleeding, are generally managed during the healing process.
Deciding if Septoplasty is Right for You
Considering septoplasty involves a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and how they impact your quality of life. Consulting with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist is an important first step. The specialist will conduct a physical examination, potentially using an endoscope, to assess the extent of the septal deviation and determine if it is indeed the cause of your symptoms.
During this consultation, it is helpful to discuss the severity of your breathing difficulties, how they affect your daily activities, and your overall health. Sometimes, septoplasty is combined with other procedures, such as turbinate reduction, to optimize airflow if enlarged turbinates also contribute to nasal obstruction. While non-surgical options like nasal steroid sprays, decongestants, or antihistamines can manage mild symptoms temporarily, they do not correct the underlying structural issue. Surgery is generally considered when these less invasive treatments do not provide sufficient relief, or when symptoms are severe enough to affect quality of life.