A septoplasty, also known as a nasal septoplasty, is a surgical procedure in the nose. A septoplasty may be recommended if your septum is causing you ongoing health issues, pain or discomfort.
Why might you need septoplasty?
Septoplasty is often recommended for patients in order to treat a deviated septum. Your nasal septum is made from soft, flexible cartilage, and bone, covered in a thin layer of tissue. A deviated septum occurs when the septum is disjointed or misaligned. This can block airflow through the nostrils, which can cause breathing difficulties and ongoing discomfort in day to day life.
Other reasons you may require a septoplasty include:
- Nasal obstruction/breathing difficulties
- Chronic sinus infections
- Snoring, or sleep apnoea
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Facial pain and pressure headaches
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and feel you may need a septoplasty, speak to an ENT specialist. Modality LLP partners with experienced specialists who can help diagnose your symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.
What happens during a septoplasty?
A septoplasty involves straightening, removing, or repositioning the cartilage in the nose (the septum) to correct the misalignment.
Septoplasties are generally performed under general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep during the surgery. Occasionally, the procedure will be performed under local anaesthetic, which means you are awake, but your nose is numbed.
You will likely be advised to avoid eating for 6 hours leading up to your surgery. Surgery is likely to include:
- A surgical incision inside the nostril
- The septum is straightened, by either cutting or moving the cartilage in the septum
- Occasionally, the bent part of your septum will be removed
- Spreader grafts (small strips of cartilage) are sometimes placed in the nose to help straighten the septum
- Sometimes, stitches or splints are used to help keep the septum position in place
Septoplasty in adults vs children
Septoplasty is generally avoided in children, due to the potential risks and interferences with facial growth as our nasal structure develops. Adults who undergo septoplasty may experience more discomfort and swelling after the procedure compared to children. However, the procedure has been proven to be successful in aiding airflow in both age groups.
Alternatives to septoplasty
Alternatives to septoplasty include antihistamines and nasal sprays to reduce inflammation, as well as nasal strips and saline rinsers. However, these options may only provide temporary relief. If you suffer from a chronic nasal condition, a septoplasty may be the most suitable and recommended treatment. If you are considering septoplasty, it’s recommended to speak to an ENT specialist, who can discuss the options with you.
Recovering from septoplasty
After the procedure, you will likely feel pain around the nose area for a few weeks as your nose recovers. You can expect the following during recovery:
- The stitches placed inside your nose will dissolve over time; this is a normal part of the healing process
- You may get some watery blood-coloured fluid coming out of your nose
- Your nose will be blocked, and it will feel like you have a bad cold
Although recovery is generally considered to be straightforward, there are some things to be aware of during the first two weeks following your procedure. These include:
- Breathing gently to avoid further swelling or pain
- Sneezing with your mouth open to protect your nose
- Avoiding strenuous exercise, as this can increase the risk of bleeding
For more advice and expertise on what to expect from a septoplasty procedure and the recovery involved, don’t hesitate to book an ENT consultation or reach out to our friendly team.
