Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptoms BeforehandResultsChanges to the NoseSwelling in RecoveryRisksPostsurgical RecoveryNext in Septoplasty GuideSeptoplasty Surgery: How to Prepare
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms Beforehand
Results
Changes to the Nose
Swelling in Recovery
Risks
Postsurgical Recovery
Next in Septoplasty Guide
Septoplasty is surgery to correct a defect of the nasal septum. This structure is a thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nose into two chambers.
A bent or off-center septum that leans to one side of your nose is described as deviated. Adeviated septumcan block airflow to your nose and cause trouble breathing.
Septoplasty resets the septum to the middle of your nose to improve breathing. While it changes the structure of your nose, it is most often done to correct the way your nose functions not the way your nose looks.
This article describes symptoms that require a septoplasty, what changes are made, and what to expect during recovery.
Alona Siniehina / Getty Images
Nose Before Septoplasty: Deviated Septum Symptoms
Septoplasty is minor surgery to correct adeviated septum, which is the leading cause of nasal obstruction. A nasal obstruction typically affects the way your nose functions. Common symptoms of a deviated septum include the following:
While a deviated septum is primarily an internal nasal obstruction, it can sometimes cause one of the following external physical symptoms:
Septorhinoplasty: Effects on Breathing and Nose Appearance
Nose After Septoplasty: Results
Most people who have a septoplasty, or deviated septum surgery, report that symptoms improve greatly after surgery and healing. Results of septoplasty typically include the following:
In some cases, septoplasty is performed with rhinoplasty, a cosmetic procedure done to enhance the appearance of your nose. When these surgeries are performed together, the procedure is called septorhinoplasty.
In addition to correcting a deviated septum, a septoplasty with rhinoplasty can provide the following results:
Paying for a SeptoplastyThe cost of a septoplasty can vary greatly. Factors such as your geographic location, the type of surgeon performing the procedure, and where the surgery is performed can impact your costs. However, when a septoplasty is medically necessary to correct a deviated septum causing a nasal obstruction, the cost may qualify for coverage under your health insurance plan.
Paying for a Septoplasty
The cost of a septoplasty can vary greatly. Factors such as your geographic location, the type of surgeon performing the procedure, and where the surgery is performed can impact your costs. However, when a septoplasty is medically necessary to correct a deviated septum causing a nasal obstruction, the cost may qualify for coverage under your health insurance plan.
Alterations to Nose During Septoplasty
The type of alterations made to your nose during a septoplasty can vary based on the type of deformity that exists with your septum and the type of procedure performed.
Generally, a septoplasty is an outpatient procedure that takes about 60–90 minutes. You will most likely receivegeneral anesthesiato numb the area and allow you to remain asleep without pain. Some people have the procedure done withlocal anesthesia, which only numbs the targeted area while you remain awake.
The procedure typically involves the following steps:
In case of a complex septoplasty or septoplasty with rhinoplasty, a small incision may be made across your columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils and links our nasal tip to your nasal base. However, a septoplasty with rhinoplasty can be done with incisions inside the nostrils.
Alterations to your nose during a septoplasty with rhinoplasty involve physical changes to the shape of your nose. These changes can affect the way your nose looks. They typically involve small incisions on the inside of the nose to break and then reshape it.
Causes for Second SeptoplastySeptoplasty is a commonly performed procedure that has a success rate ranging up to 85% depending on the tools used to determine success. This leaves at least 15% of those treated with outcomes that do not provide relief of symptoms. Instead, they experience persistent nasal obstruction after surgery due to one of the following reasons:Missed nasal valve abnormalities during the first procedureInsufficient separation and resection of the bony-cartilage connectionInadequate correction of the deviated septumOverlookednasal valve collapse(occurs when the side walls are weakened due to lack of support)Problems withnasal turbinates(small structures inside your nose that cleanse and humidity air that passes through the nostrils)Uncontrolledallergic rhinitis
Causes for Second Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a commonly performed procedure that has a success rate ranging up to 85% depending on the tools used to determine success. This leaves at least 15% of those treated with outcomes that do not provide relief of symptoms. Instead, they experience persistent nasal obstruction after surgery due to one of the following reasons:Missed nasal valve abnormalities during the first procedureInsufficient separation and resection of the bony-cartilage connectionInadequate correction of the deviated septumOverlookednasal valve collapse(occurs when the side walls are weakened due to lack of support)Problems withnasal turbinates(small structures inside your nose that cleanse and humidity air that passes through the nostrils)Uncontrolledallergic rhinitis
Septoplasty is a commonly performed procedure that has a success rate ranging up to 85% depending on the tools used to determine success. This leaves at least 15% of those treated with outcomes that do not provide relief of symptoms. Instead, they experience persistent nasal obstruction after surgery due to one of the following reasons:
Swelling in Septoplasty Recovery
Short-term septoplasty recovery typically involves the following symptoms for up to three days after your procedure:
It is common to expect the following during your long-term recovery:
Returning to Work After SeptoplastyYour timeline for returning to work or school following surgery depends on your condition, the nature of your job or school environment, and the extent of the procedure performed. The following schedule is typical:Return to work about three days after surgery for office work or schoolReturn to work six to 10 days after surgery for those who perform heavy lifting/construction work
Returning to Work After Septoplasty
Your timeline for returning to work or school following surgery depends on your condition, the nature of your job or school environment, and the extent of the procedure performed. The following schedule is typical:Return to work about three days after surgery for office work or schoolReturn to work six to 10 days after surgery for those who perform heavy lifting/construction work
Your timeline for returning to work or school following surgery depends on your condition, the nature of your job or school environment, and the extent of the procedure performed. The following schedule is typical:
Understanding the Risks of Septoplasty Beforehand
Though it is considered a relatively safe surgery with a high rate of success, septoplasty carries the same risks as any surgical procedure along with some unique potential issues.If your deviated septum does not cause symptoms, your healthcare provider may advise that a septoplasty may not be worthwhile.
If you have symptoms, septoplasty can often provide relief despite the potential of the following risks of:
Understanding the Risks After Septoplasty
Septoplasty has a high rate of success. For most people, the procedure provides the permanent correction of a deviated septum for life.
You can expect to schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider within the first week or two after surgery. This allows for the examination of the internal surface of your nose to assess the healing process.
After your septoplasty, you will be examined for your risk of the following postsurgical complications:
In some cases, symptoms may fail to resolve. Your healthcare provider can discuss your options for having a second septoplasty to achieve the results you desire.
Summary
Septoplasty is surgery to correct a deviated septum. This is a septum that is bent to one side. When this occurs, it blocks normal airflow to your nose. Fixing the problem removes the blockage and restores normal form to your nasal space.
This surgery is done on an outpatient basis. While septoplasty is viewed as common, it carries the risks of any surgery. There is also the risk that symptoms don’t improve. You may need to have the surgery done again to correct your symptoms.
Septoplasty is a medical treatment that restores normal breathing. In some cases, it can be done with a rhinoplasty, or cosmetic surgery to change the way your nose looks.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Septoplasty.Houston Methodist.What is a deviated septum & when is surgery needed to fix it?UCSF Facial Plastic Surgery.Rhinoplasty and septoplasty difference.Atena.Policy: scope of policy.Northwestern Medicine.Nasal surgery: septoplasty.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the steps of a septoplasty procedure?Althobaiti KH, Fida AR, Almahmoudi A, AlGhamdi D, Alharbi M.Common causes of failed septoplasty: a systematic review.Cureus. 2022;14(12). doi:10.7759/cureus.33073NYU Langone Health.Recovery & support for deviated septum.Stanford Medicine.Septoplasty.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of septoplasty?
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Septoplasty.Houston Methodist.What is a deviated septum & when is surgery needed to fix it?UCSF Facial Plastic Surgery.Rhinoplasty and septoplasty difference.Atena.Policy: scope of policy.Northwestern Medicine.Nasal surgery: septoplasty.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the steps of a septoplasty procedure?Althobaiti KH, Fida AR, Almahmoudi A, AlGhamdi D, Alharbi M.Common causes of failed septoplasty: a systematic review.Cureus. 2022;14(12). doi:10.7759/cureus.33073NYU Langone Health.Recovery & support for deviated septum.Stanford Medicine.Septoplasty.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of septoplasty?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Septoplasty.Houston Methodist.What is a deviated septum & when is surgery needed to fix it?UCSF Facial Plastic Surgery.Rhinoplasty and septoplasty difference.Atena.Policy: scope of policy.Northwestern Medicine.Nasal surgery: septoplasty.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the steps of a septoplasty procedure?Althobaiti KH, Fida AR, Almahmoudi A, AlGhamdi D, Alharbi M.Common causes of failed septoplasty: a systematic review.Cureus. 2022;14(12). doi:10.7759/cureus.33073NYU Langone Health.Recovery & support for deviated septum.Stanford Medicine.Septoplasty.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of septoplasty?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Septoplasty.
Houston Methodist.What is a deviated septum & when is surgery needed to fix it?
UCSF Facial Plastic Surgery.Rhinoplasty and septoplasty difference.
Atena.Policy: scope of policy.
Northwestern Medicine.Nasal surgery: septoplasty.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the steps of a septoplasty procedure?
Althobaiti KH, Fida AR, Almahmoudi A, AlGhamdi D, Alharbi M.Common causes of failed septoplasty: a systematic review.Cureus. 2022;14(12). doi:10.7759/cureus.33073
NYU Langone Health.Recovery & support for deviated septum.
Stanford Medicine.Septoplasty.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of septoplasty?
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
