What is the nasal septum?
The septum is the wall that separates the left and right nasal cavity. If nasal obstruction caused from a septal deviation is your primary issue, then a septoplasty can offer definitive treatment of your breathing problems. Typically, nasal obstruction caused from a deviated septum is initially treated with topical medications. Surgery is recommended if medication fails.
How is a septoplasty performed?
A septoplasty is performed in the operating room, under general anesthesia, and is considered same day surgery. Once you are asleep, a small incision is made inside the nose along the septum. The mucosal lining of the septum is then raised on both sides, leaving the bent cartilage and bone in the center. These bent structures are then removed, and the mucosal lining from each side is brought back together in the middle with stitches. Nasal packing or splints are usually not required. Commonly, turbinate surgery is also performed at this time in order to optimize the amount of nasal breathing space present.
What is the recovery for a septoplasty?
Most patients will be back on their feet within 3 to 7 days. Your return to the clinic postoperatively will be used to remove any debris and crusting left in the nose. Pain is overall well tolerated, and is considered much less than other types of surgery. Depending on the severity of your deviated septum, you should notice an immediate improvement in your breathing, with a gradual improvement over the coming weeks as the swelling in the nose subsides.
