Septoplasty Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.
Answers to questions about septoplasty
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Can I go scuba diving with a deviated septum? How long should I wait after septoplasty before I dive again?
- My child has a deviated septum - can he or she have septoplasty?
- Will I have a scar after my septoplasty?
Can I go scuba diving with a deviated septum? How long should I wait after septoplasty before I dive again?
If you haven't had problems with your nose and ears while scuba diving in the past, you shouldn't now have a problem if you have a deviated septum.
It's important not to dive again after septoplasty until your surgeon tells you it's safe to do so. This will be different for all individuals.
Explanation
If your deviated septum is caused by an injury, and you haven't had any problems equalising while scuba diving in the past, it isn't likely to cause a problem now. However, all individuals are different and you must talk to your GP before going scuba diving. You and your GP should then complete a medical statement, available to download from Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or the British Sub-Aqua Club. This document gives you and your GP a chance to discuss your deviated septum and any problems that might occur when you are diving. You may have to pay a fee for your doctor to do this.
If you have had septoplasty, speak to your surgeon about when it's safe to return to scuba diving. However, your wounds should be well healed and any sinus problems, such as congestion, should have improved before you dive. The Divers Alert Network recommends that you wait at least three months after surgery. This is because of potential problems with wearing a scuba mask and equalising your ear pressure.
You may find it useful to practise techniques of equalising your ears that don't involve squeezing your nose. These techniques include swallowing to open your eustachian tubes, wiggling your jaw and the voluntary tubal opening method. This involves tensing the muscles of the roof of your mouth and throat, while pushing your jaw forward and down, as if you were about to yawn. This opens the eustachian tubes.
While diving, you should always descend slowly, equalising every two feet. If you can't equalise, stop and if necessary, ascend slightly. It's very important to remember that if you cannot equalise at any point during your dive, or you have pain in your ears or nose, you should stop the dive and ascend safely to the surface, following all the usual guidelines.
Further information
- Divers Alert Network
www.diversalertnetwork.org - PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)
www.padi.com
Sources
- Diving medicine FAQs: deviated septum. Divers Alert Network. www.diversalertnetwork.org, accessed 26 November 2008
- Diving medicine FAQs: ENT surgery. Divers Alert Network. www.diversalertnetwork.org, accessed 26 November 2008
- Scuba certification FAQ. PADI. www.padi.com, accessed 26 November 2008
- Diving medicine FAQs: instructions for equalizing ears and sinuses. Divers Alert Network. www.diversalertnetwork.org, accessed 26 November 2008
My child has a deviated septum - can he or she have septoplasty?
Septoplasty is not usually done on children under 18. However, if the deviation is very severe, septoplasty may be done after the age of five.
Explanation
There are a number of ways to deal with a deviated septum in a child, depending on his or her age. If the deviated septum has been caused during labour, your child's doctor may manually set it straight for up to a week after birth although this is rare. If the deviation has been there for more than two weeks after birth it should be left alone, as it may correct itself within one to three months. Only after the age of five will your child be able to have septoplasty, if his or her deviation is very severe. If your child's deviation is not severe, they will have to wait until they are at least 18. This is because the septum continues to grow until this age.
Further information
- The British Association of Otorhinolarygologists
0207 404 8373
www.entuk.org
Sources
- Factsheet: deviated septum. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). www.entnet.org, accessed 25 November 2008
- Potsic WP, Cotton RT, Handler SD. Surgical Pediatric Otolaryngology Thieme, 1997:168-175
Will I have a scar after my septoplasty?
No, you won't have a visible scar after your septoplasty.
Explanation
Septoplasty is usually done within your nose, not outside. Your surgeon will make an incision inside the nose, to one side of the septum. The inner lining of the nose is lifted away from the cartilage and bone. The surgeon can then straighten the septum, or remove any parts that are causing obstruction. Once this has been done, the lining is replaced and stitched in place. This means that you shouldn't have any bruising or scarring on your face.
Further information
- The British Association of Otorhinolarygologists
0207 404 8373
www.entuk.org
Sources
- Surgery on the nose - Septal Surgery. The British Association of Otorhinolarygologists. www.entuk.org , accessed 24 November 2008
- Septoplasty. Medline Plus. www.medlineplus.gov, accessed 24 November 2008
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: May 2009
