Deviated Septum
Correcting the Septum
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated septum, which is the septum is shifted towards one side of the naval cavity. During a septoplasty procedure the septum is straightened and repositioned to the middle of the nose. This may include cutting and removing parts of the septum before reinserting them into the correction position.
A deviated septum can cause difficulty breathing and chronic sinus infections. It can also cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep.
Best Candidates
The best candidates for septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum that prevents them from breathing properly. You may also be a candidate for septoplasty if you have sleep apnea or chronic sinus infections that haven’t improved with medication. Septoplasty isn’t usually performed on children until they reach their teens.
Septoplasty Procedure
During septoplasty, your surgeon will make an incision in the tissue between your nostrils (septum). The surgeon will then correct the deviated septum by trimming it and moving it into the correct position. In some cases, cartilage may be removed. The incisions are then closed.
Septoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. The surgery usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Septoplasty Recovery Process
Deviated septum surgery recovery time is generally short. Most people feel well enough to return to work or school within a few days. You may have some congestion and a bloody nose for a week or so after surgery. It’s also normal to have some bruising around your eyes, which should fade within 2 weeks.
You shouldn’t blow your nose for at least a week after septoplasty. And you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity, such as running, for at least 2 weeks. It’s also important to avoid contact sports for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon will let you know when it’s safe to return to your normal activities.
Most people feel much better after septoplasty and are able to breathe more easily through their nose. However, the surgery doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never have sinus infections or other problems. In some cases, a second surgery may be needed to achieve the desired results.