Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure which fixes concerns caused by a deviated septum. The septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two sections. 

Having a deviated septum means this wall is displaced to one side. This can lead to discomfort and breathing difficulties which can negatively impact a person's quality of life. 

During a deviated septum operation, your surgeon will straighten and reposition the septum to improve airflow and alleviate discomfort. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic. At Cadogan Clinic, all surgeries are undertaken as day case procedures, so you will be able to go home the same day to recover. As a standalone procedure, Septoplasty takes 1-2 hours to complete, however it is often combined with other procedures such as a Rhinoplasty (this is known as a Septorhinoplasty) and this will affect the length of the surgery. 

People who have undergone a surgical procedure for deviated septum find there are a number of benefits: 

• Better sleep – Good quality sleep is key to your overall health. Having a Septoplasty can help to alleviate snoring or sleep apnoea which may be disrupting your sleep. 
• Being able to take part in certain activities more easily – Breathing difficulties can make taking part in sport or other activities more difficult. Improving your ability to breathe will make these activities easier. 
• Improved confidence – For patients who are concerned about the aesthetic appearance of their nose, as well as functional concerns such as a difficulty breathing, combining a Septoplasty with other surgeries can improve confidence which may have been impacted by worries about the nose. 

Having a deviated septum can cause a number of concerns with the nose. These concerns can cause physical discomfort and emotional distress, negatively impacting your quality of life. 

Problems caused by a deviated septum include: 

• Breathing difficulties – Having problems breathing through the nose, can lead to people breathing more through their mouths. This can result in irritation to the mouth and throat. 
• Snoring or sleep apnoea – Obstructed airflow can lead to snoring which interrupts sleep. In severe cases, this may result in sleep apnoea – characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep. This can be uncomfortable and dangerous. 
• Recurrent infections – A deviated septum can disrupt the flow of mucus through the nose resulting in a higher risk of infections. 
• Pain and pressure – Breathing difficulties and congestion can lead to pain around the face, or headaches. 
• Aesthetic concerns – In some cases, a deviated septum may affect the external appearance of the nose, resulting in a crooked or asymmetric nose. 

A deviated septum can arise from a number of causes including: 

• Genetics – Some people are born with a deviated septum. 
• Injury – Trauma to the nose or a sports injury can result in the septum being pushed out of position, leading to it becoming deviated. 
• Previous nasal surgery – Deviated septum can be the result of complications from previous surgeries on the nose. 
• Chronic inflammation – Conditions such as allergies or chronic sinusitis can lead to long term swelling, which over time may lead to the position of the septum changing. 

If you would like to discuss your concerns with one of our specialist Septoplasty or Septorhinoplasty surgeons, contact our dedicated patient advisors who will organise a consultation for you at our Chelsea based clinic.  

Septoplasty and Septorhinoplasty recovery happens in several stages, but you can expect your initial Septoplasty healing time to be around 6 weeks. It may take up to 6 months for the cartilage and bones in your nose to be fully healed. 

It is normal to experience bruising and swelling straight after the procedure, and this may take up to 2 weeks to subside. During this time, your surgeon will ask you to sleep slightly upright to help alleviate any swelling. In this time, you will also need to avoid blowing your nose or sneezing through your nose. Depending on the type of work you do, most patients are able to return to work within a week or shortly afterwards. If you have a more active job, you may need to wait slightly longer. 

For 4-6 weeks following your surgery, you will be asked to avoid any exercise or strenuous activity to prevent any strain being placed on your nose.   

You will also have two post-operative appointments. The first one is a week after your surgery, with our nurses to have your incisions assessed and remove any stitches. The second one will be 6 weeks after your surgery, with your surgeon to discuss your results.