Septoplasty

Before surgery, your ENT consultant will take a detailed medical history and examine the inside of your nose. This may include a nasal endoscopy to look closely at the septum, the nasal passages, and any signs of inflammation. Your consultant will explain how septoplasty is carried out and answer any questions you may have.

Your procedure will take place in our dedicated Surgery Centre. When you arrive, you’ll be shown to your private patient pod, where you can change into a gown before being taken to the operating suite.

Septoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthetic, although in some cases it may be carried out using a local anaesthetic. During the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision inside the nose to lift the lining and access the cartilage and bone of the septum. Bent or excess portions are reshaped or removed, and the remaining septum is gently repositioned to the centre of the nose. Stitches are placed inside the nose to hold the septum in its new position, and these dissolve over time.

Nasal dressings or packs may be used to control bleeding, and soft silicone splints may be placed in the nose to keep the septum straight and reduce internal scarring. These are usually removed during the first week after surgery, depending on your surgeon’s advice.

The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and is carried out entirely inside the nose, with no cuts made to the skin. After the procedure, you’ll return to your patient pod to recover, supported by our specialist nursing team.

You’ll be able to go home the same day, with tailored aftercare advice to help you manage your recovery. If you’ve had a general anaesthetic, you’ll need someone to collect you, and you shouldn’t drive for 24 hours.

Septoplasty is a safe procedure, and complications are uncommon. Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you during your consultation.

Possible risks include:

• bleeding after surgery, which may require nasal packs

• infection

• a hole in the septum (septal perforation), which can cause whistling, crusting, or nosebleeds

• changes in the shape of the nose, such as a slight dip in the bridge

• temporary numbness of the upper teeth

• persistent nasal blockage if swelling takes time to settle, or if another nasal problem is present

Most issues improve with time, and further treatment is only occasionally needed.

Your consultant will give personalised instructions before your procedure. 

These may include:

• stopping smoking to support healing

• avoiding certain medicines, such as blood thinners

• arranging transport home, as you cannot drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic

• stopping eating and drinking before a general anaesthetic 

On the day of your surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t need to be pulled over the head.

Septoplasty is performed as a day-case procedure, which means you can go home once you’ve recovered from the anaesthetic. You may feel groggy or tired for several hours and will need someone to take you home.

After surgery, your nose will feel blocked on both sides for 10 to 14 days due to swelling and internal supports. Your consultant may recommend saline sprays or nasal drops to ease congestion and keep your nose clean. You should avoid blowing your nose for the first week, and then only do so gently once you’re advised it’s safe.

It’s normal for mucus or small amounts of blood-stained fluid to drip from the nose for up to 2 weeks. If you experience heavy bleeding, you should contact your surgeon or seek urgent advice.

Mild discomfort is expected for around 3 to 5 days, and can be managed with simple pain relief such as paracetamol. Some patients experience temporary numbness of the teeth or swelling around the nose, which improves over time.

Stitches inside the nose will dissolve on their own. Internal splints or dressings, if used, are usually removed in our outpatient clinic within the first week after surgery. Your surgeon will let you know when you'll need to have these removed. 

During recovery:

• rest at home for at least 1 week

• avoid dusty or smoky environments

• avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 2 weeks

• avoid contact sports or activities where the nose could be bumped for 4 weeks

You may notice improvements in your breathing as swelling settles over several weeks. Full healing inside the nose can take several months.

Your consultant will arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, remove any supports, and ensure the septum is healing properly.

Please contact our Ear, Nose & Throat centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our ENT surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a septoplasty, you must be referred by either your GP or an ENT specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck ENT specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.