Septoplasty
Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.
This factsheet is for people who are planning to have septoplasty, or who would like information about it.
Septoplasty is an operation to correct problems with the nasal septum. This is the piece of cartilage and bone that separates the two sides of the nasal cavity.
Your care will be adapted to meet your individual needs and may differ from what is described here. So it's important that you follow your surgeon's advice.
- About septoplasty
- What are the alternatives?
- Preparing for your operation
- About the operation
- What to expect afterwards
- Recovering from septoplasty
- What are the risks?
- Questions and answers
- Related topics
- Further information
- Sources
About septoplasty
Septoplasty is carried out to straighten the nasal septum. If your septum is severely bent to one side (deviated) it can block your nose. A deviated septum can happen naturally or can be caused by an injury. Your surgeon may recommend septoplasty if you have a blocked nose or if you have chronic sinusitis. This operation is sometimes done to get access to your sinuses if you need sinus surgery. Around eight out of 10 people have a slightly deviated septum which doesn't cause any problems.
Septoplasty won't change the way your nose looks. However, if your nose isn't straight, nose reshaping surgery (rhinoplasty) can be done at the same time. Speak to your surgeon about your options.
What are the alternatives?
If your septum is deviated, the only way to straighten it is by having a septoplasty operation. However, nasal sprays and drops might help unblock your nose if you have congestion.
Preparing for your operation
Your surgeon will explain how to prepare for your septoplasty. For example, if you smoke, you will be asked to stop as smoking increases your risk of getting a chest and wound infection, which can slow your recovery.
If you have had a cold in the week before the operation, please contact your surgeon. The operation may need to be postponed until you have fully recovered.
Septoplasty is usually performed as a day case, but sometimes an overnight stay in hospital is often required.
Septoplasty is usually done under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the operation. Sometimes, septoplasty may be done under local anaesthesia. This completely blocks feeling in the nose area and you will stay awake during the procedure. You may be offered a sedative with a local anaesthetic to help you relax during the operation.
If you're having a general anaesthetic, you will be asked to follow fasting instructions. Typically you must not eat or drink for about six hours before a general anaesthetic. However, some anaesthetists allow occasional sips of water until two hours beforehand.
At the hospital your nurse may check your heart rate and blood pressure, and test your urine.
Your surgeon will usually ask you to sign a consent form. This confirms that you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure and have given your permission for it to go ahead.
About the operation
Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon will make a cut inside the nose, to one side of the septum. The inner lining of the nose is lifted away from the cartilage and bone. Your surgeon will then straighten the septum, and may remove any tissue or bone that is causing an obstruction. Afterwards, the cut is closed using stitches. The operation usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
What to expect afterwards
You will need to rest until the effects of the general anaesthetic have passed. When you feel ready, you can begin to drink and eat, starting with clear fluids.
You may have dressings (packs) in each nostril for about a day. This will stop you breathing through your nose. You may also have splints (thin plastic sheets) inside your nose to support the septum. These are normally taken out after a week. Occasionally, they fall out on their own. If this happens please call your hospital or GP for advice.
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You should try to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Your nurse will give you some advice about caring for your healing wounds before you go home. You will usually be given a date for a follow-up appointment.
Recovering from septoplasty
If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the patient information that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.
General anaesthesia temporarily affects your coordination and reasoning skills, so you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 48 hours afterwards. If you're in any doubt about driving, please contact your motor insurer so that you're aware of their recommendations, and always follow the advice of your doctor or surgeon.
You will usually have some watery, blood-stained fluid from your nose after you return home. Do not pack the nostrils to try and stop this as it's normal. You may need to wear a dressing over your nostrils for a few days. Don't use any nasal sprays, such as decongestants, unless they have been recommended by your surgeon.
You will need to breathe through your mouth for the first few days. This can lead to dry lips so use petroleum jelly or lip balm on your lips to stop them cracking.
Try to keep your head up as much as possible in the first 24 to 48 hours after your operation and sleep in an upright position with several pillows.
You shouldn't blow your nose for at least the first week. Your nose may drip, but you should only wipe or blow it very gently, and try to sneeze through your mouth rather than through your nose.
Stay away from crowded or smoky places, and people who are suffering from coughs and colds for the first week after your operation.
If you have splints inside your nose to support the septum these are normally taken out after a week. Occasionally, they fall out on their own. If this happens please call the hospital for advice.
Follow your surgeon's advice about returning to work and leisure activities. Most people are able to return to work one to two weeks after the operation. Don't play any contact sports where your nose may get bumped, such as rugby or football for at least a month.
If you develop any of the following symptoms, contact your hospital immediately:
- heavy bleeding that doesn't stop within 10 to 15 minutes
- raised temperature or fever
- increasing pain
What are the risks?
Septoplasty is commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications of this procedure.
Side-effects
These are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of a successful septoplasty. For example, you might feel sick as a result of the general anaesthetic.
After a septoplasty operation, your nose may feel blocked for about 10 to 14 days. You may have some numbness on the tip of your nose or your upper lip for the first few days. This is almost always temporary.
Complications
This is when problems occur during or after the operation. Most people aren't affected. Possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, infection, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).
There is a risk of excessive bleeding after a septoplasty, and if this happens, you may need to have dressings placed in your nostrils. Any bleeding can happen within a few hours or between five and 10 days after surgery.
Sometimes septoplasty results in a hole in the septum. This may not cause any problems, but further surgery might be required.
Very rarely, a septoplasty may change the shape of your nose. If this happens you may need further surgery.
The exact risks are specific to you and differ for every person, so we have not included statistics here. Ask your surgeon to explain how these risks apply to you.
Related topics
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.entnet.org, accessed 24 November 2008
- Septoplasty. Medline Plus. www.medlineplus.gov, accessed 24 November 2008
- Nose surgery. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). www.entnet.org, accessed 25 November 2008
- Factsheet: deviated septum. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). www.entnet.org, accessed 25 November 2008
- Smoking and surgery. British Association of Day Surgery. www.daysurgeryuk.org, accessed 1 December 2008
- Economou SG, Economou TS. Instructions for Surgery Patients. London: Saunders WB Co Ltd, 1998:185
- Septoplasty. eMedicine. www.emedicine.com, accessed 25 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
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