What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a functional nasal procedure used to straighten a deviated septum. The septum is formed of cartilage and bone and separates the two sides of the nose. When significantly displaced, it can restrict airflow and cause persistent nasal obstruction.
Who Is a Candidate for Septoplasty?
- Persistent nasal obstruction caused by a deviated septum.
- Difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose.
- Nasal blockage affecting sleep or daily activities.
- Snoring associated with restricted nasal airflow.
- A structural nasal problem requiring functional correction.
Benefits of Septoplasty
Septoplasty is designed to improve nasal airflow by correcting a deviated septum while preserving the structural support of the nose whenever possible.
Potential Benefits Include:
- Improved breathing through the nose.
- Relief from persistent nasal obstruction.
- Better airflow through one or both nasal passages.
- Improved sleep comfort in selected patients.
- Reduced snoring when nasal blockage is a contributing factor.
- Improved sinus drainage in selected cases.
- Better surgical access when combined with endoscopic sinus surgery
How Is Septoplasty Performed?
Septoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia. An incision is made inside the nostril, allowing the surgeon to lift the tissue covering the septum and access the deviated cartilage and bone.
The displaced areas are carefully straightened, reshaped, or removed while preserving enough cartilage to support the front of the nose. The procedure is performed through the nostrils and usually does not require external incisions.
The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. Internal silicone splints may be placed to support healing and are usually removed during a follow-up visit within 7–10 days, depending on the surgical plan.
Recovery After Septoplasty
Immediately After Surgery
Temporary nasal congestion is expected after septoplasty because of swelling, internal splints, or nasal packing when used. Mild blood-stained discharge may occur during the early recovery period.
During the First Week
Saline nasal irrigation may be recommended to keep the nasal passages clean and support healing. Breathing usually improves gradually as swelling decreases. Internal silicone splints, when used, are commonly removed during a follow-up visit after approximately 7–10 days.
Returning to Daily Activities
Patients are commonly advised to take around one week away from work, although individual recovery varies. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and nose blowing should be avoided until the surgeon confirms that it is safe to resume them.
Long-Term Healing
Nasal airflow often improves as the swelling settles, while internal healing continues over the following weeks and months. Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Tamer Fawzy to monitor healing and assess the improvement in breathing
Septoplasty Risks and Possible Complications
Septoplasty is generally considered a safe procedure, but all surgery carries potential risks. The likelihood of complications varies according to the extent of the deviation, the procedure performed, and the patient’s overall health.
Early Risks
- Nasal bleeding.
- Temporary pain, pressure, or congestion.
- Infection.
- Temporary numbness affecting the upper teeth or nose.
- Adhesions or scar tissue inside the nose.
Less Common or Delayed Risks
- Septal perforation, which is a hole between the two sides of the septum.
- Persistent or recurrent nasal obstruction.
- Temporary or persistent changes in the sense of smell.
- A change in the external shape of the nose.
- The need for additional treatment or revision surgery.
