A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of cartilage and bone separating your nostrils is displaced. This can obstruct nasal passages, leading to difficulty breathing, chronic congestion, or frequent nosebleeds. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum, aiming to improve airflow and alleviate symptoms. This article outlines the typical recovery process after septoplasty.
The First Few Days After Surgery
Immediately following septoplasty, you may experience mild discomfort and grogginess as anesthesia subsides. Patients often wake with soft splints or packing inside the nose, which supports the septum and absorbs drainage. These internal dressings create a sensation of nasal congestion, making nose breathing temporarily difficult.
Blood-tinged drainage is normal for the first 24 to 48 hours; a drip pad can manage this. Pain is typically manageable with prescribed medication, though facial swelling around the nose and eyes, along with minor bruising, may occur. Rest with your head elevated, even while sleeping, to minimize swelling and promote healing. Staying hydrated with cool liquids and consuming light, soft foods aids recovery.
Navigating the First Week
Three to seven days after surgery, your surgeon will remove internal splints or packing. While this often provides immediate pressure relief, your nose will still feel congested due to internal swelling and crusts. Saline nasal rinses are important at this stage to gently clear nasal passages and promote healing. These rinses moisturize the nasal lining and wash away dried blood and mucus.
Light bleeding can persist for up to a week, especially after packing removal or during nasal rinses. Avoid blowing your nose forcefully to prevent dislodging clots or causing further bleeding. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over should also be avoided to minimize pressure on healing nasal tissues. Keep your head elevated while resting and sleeping to reduce swelling.
Resuming Normal Activities
From the second week, you can gradually return to usual activities. Light activities can be resumed within two weeks. More strenuous exercise, like heavy lifting or running, is permissible after three to six weeks. Continue saline nasal rinses for several weeks as internal swelling subsides.
Full resolution of internal swelling can take several weeks to months, so nasal breathing improvement is gradual. Protect your nose from impact for several months to ensure proper septum healing. Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress.
Signs Requiring Medical Attention
Certain signs require immediate medical attention. Contact your surgeon or seek emergency care for heavy, bright red bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure. Severe, worsening pain not controlled by prescribed medication also requires attention.
A fever above 101°F (38.3°C) or signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pus-like discharge, or foul odor from the nose) require prompt evaluation. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, a sudden, severe headache, or any changes in vision also require immediate medical attention.