A septoplasty is a surgical procedure inside the nose. It’s mostly used to correct a deviated septum, which can occur for various reasons. After septoplasty surgery, you will need to take some time to recover.
Book an ENT consultation to discuss a septoplasty procedure.
How long does it take to recover from a septoplasty?
Most patients recover from septoplasty surgery within a week or two. However, it will take several months for the cartilage and bone to heal and recover properly.
Short-term septoplasty recovery
Immediately after your septoplasty surgery, you will need to spend a little time in the hospital while the general anaesthetic wears off. Medical professionals will ensure you are recovering well and there are no problems following the surgery. You are usually able to go home the same day.
During the first couple of days and up to a few weeks after surgery, you may experience:
- Pain around the nose area
- A stuffy or blocked nose
- Headaches
- Swelling
- Bloody drainage from the nose
- Ear fullness
All these side effects of septoplasty surgery are normal and will gradually ease as you recover. The stitches inside your nose will also start to dissolve during this time, as well as any dissolvable packing used by your surgeon.
During these first few weeks, it’s important to rest and avoid strenuous exercise to promote healing. Maintaining good nasal hygiene and using pain relief medication are encouraged. Your surgeon will also recommend that you breathe gently to avoid further swelling or pain and sneeze with your mouth open to protect your nose.
Long-term septoplasty recovery
Since a septoplasty aims to realign the nose, it typically takes a few months for the cartilage and nose to completely heal. Over the weeks and months following your procedure, you might experience:
- Nasal passages clearing and feeling more normal
- Minor changes to the shape of your nose as it settles
- Occasional pain around the nasal area
During the first few weeks of recovery, you can gradually ease back into normal activities and exercise, but be careful not to overdo it. Heavy lifting and contact sports should be avoided. You should continue to use nasal saline sprays and avoid blowing your nose or sneezing to further promote healing.
You must also monitor your health for any other symptoms or potential complications. Look out for increased pain, bleeding, or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, you should contact your doctor.
To understand more about long-term septoplasty recovery, book an ENT consultation.
Can I speed up my recovery time?
Every person is different and, as such, will recover differently. While your septoplasty recovery time depends on your body’s natural healing ability and how well you look after your nose, there are some things you can do to promote healing and improve your chances of a problem-free and faster recovery.
- Follow the advice provided by your surgeon
- Be gentle with your nose
- Eat a balanced diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Prioritise sleep and get plenty of rest
- Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce swelling
- Use saline sprays
- Use a humidifier to reduce dry air
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Avoid nose blowing
- Avoid smoking
- Be patient and trust the recovery process
When to see a doctor
It’s important to look out for any potential issues with your septoplasty throughout the recovery process, whether in the first couple of days or a few months after. You must contact your doctor or surgeon if you experience any of the following:
- A high fever or a fever that lasts more than two days
- Confusion or disorientation
- A heavy or uncontrollable nosebleed
- Severe headache
- Trouble breathing
- Stiffness in the neck
- Pain that doesn’t improve with medication
- Infection in or around the nose
If you think a septoplasty could be the right procedure for you, contact our friendly team for advice or book an ENT consultation to better understand the surgery and how to recover.
