Septoplasty

What is septoplasty?

A septoplasty is a common surgical procedure that corrects a deviated or poorly positioned nasal septum.

Blood thinners; Please notify your surgeon if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication (anticoagulants/antiplatelets), vitamins or herbal supplements. These medications will need to be ceased prior to your surgery.
Fasting; To ensure the anaesthetic is as safe as possible, patient are required to fast (both solids & liquids) for at least 6 hours before their operation. The fasting times will be confirmed the day before the procedure.

Once asleep, the cartilage and bone of the septum is visualised and repositioned to improve its alignment. This procedure is done entirely within the nose. There will be no visible incisions, bruising or cosmetic change.
Silicone splints are placed into the nose at the conclusion of the operation. These splints ensure the septum heals in an optimum position.

When you wake up; Patients will wake up in the recovery room and are often still drowsy from the anaesthesia. It will take several hours for the medication effects to wear off. A canula will be used to provide pain relief and fluids whilst you are still recovering. Often a patient’s nose will feel blocked in the initial days after the operation.
Diet; Patients are encouraged to eat and drink as soon as possible.
Pain relief; Severe pain is uncommon after this procedure. All patients will be given pain relief and a pain plan prior to discharge.
Bleeding; A post-operative bleed can occur during the recovery from this procedure. Although the risk of a bleed is low, urgent medical attention is required if it occurs. A bleeding plan will be provided to the patient prior to their discharge from hospital
Splint removal: The splints will be removed from the nose in-office between 5-10 days after the operation.

Patients can generally return to work 5-7 days after the procedure and will continue to be followed up for 12 weeks after the procedure.