4 FAQs About Septum Surgery

Septum surgery, or septoplasty, is one of the most carried out procedures for ear, nose and throat specialists in the US. But despite the common nature of this procedure, few people know all too much about it! To help clear up any questions you might have about the procedure, here are some answers to four of the most frequently asked questions about septum surgery.

What is Septum Surgery?

Septum surgery, or septoplasty, is any procedure that is carried out on your septum, which is the wall of bone and cartilage in your nose that separates your two nostrils. Septum surgery is most carried out to correct and realign a deviated septum. This is when your septum has shifted to one side of your nose, rather than being in its usual, central position. Some people are born with a deviated septum, while others will experience a deviated septum as the result of an injury which has damaged the structure of the nose. If you do have a deviated septum, you’re likely to experience difficulties breathing, as well as frequent nose bleeds and in some cases, facial pain. Septum surgery will resolve these issues.

What happens during the procedure?

Now we know what septum surgery is and why it is carried out, let’s take a look at what happens during the procedure itself. During the procedure, your ENT will make an incision in one side of your nose, which will provide them with direct access to your septum. They will then lift your mucus membrane – a protective barrier around your septum – and carefully readjust your septum, moving it into the right place. Your ENT may have to remove barriers and obstructions, such as excess cartilage and bone, in order to achieve this. Your mucous membrane will then be put back in place and your ENT will stitch any areas that require stitching.

Are you anaesthetized during the procedure?

You will likely have local or general anesthetic for your septoplasty procedure. The right option for you will depend entirely on you as an individual and the complexity of the work being carried out. Your ENT will discuss anesthetic options with you beforehand and will be able to recommend what’s best for you.

What is recovery like?

Septum surgery, or septoplasty, is a relatively minor procedure. So, you needn’t worry all too much about recovery time. Most patients will go home on the same day and will not require an overnight stay or hospitalization. Your ENT may recommend use of ice to reduce swelling and may prescribe pain relieving medications. While you may experience a little swelling, discomfort, minor bruising or slight nosebleeds following the procedure, aftereffects are relatively minimal.

Make sure to follow your ENT’s instructions when it comes to recovery. Most will recommend that you keep your nose dry and avoid touching or rubbing it while it recovers. Many will also recommend that you avoid any strenuous activity for two to four weeks too.