What is septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a medical procedure to treat deviation in the nasal septum. The procedure aims to restore normal breathing by correcting the inclination in the septum without changing the shape of the nose. Deviation in the nasal septum can be congenital or accidental. The nasal septum is located between the nose that separates the left and right nostrils. Septoplasty corrects deviation in the nasal septum to treat conditions such as sinusitis, breathing issues, sleep apnea, inflammation, and recurrent sinus infections. Septoplasty is not an aesthetic procedure that changes the shape of the nose. It is done for medical reasons, which involve incisions inside the nose to improve breathing.

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The diagnosis of deviation in the nasal septum usually involves physical examination by the ENT doctor. After examining your symptoms and the extent of inclination in the nasal septum, the ENT surgeon looks inside the nasal passage through a light source. A more accurate diagnosis is done using an endoscope that guides the surgeon inside the nasal cavity to check for other signs of congestion.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure for the correction of the deviated nasal septum. The ENT surgeon makes a tiny incision inside the septum to access the inclination in the bones and cartilage. The patient is given anesthesia before the procedure for a painless experience. The surgeon corrects the deviation in the nasal septum, and the mucosa is placed back over the septum without breaking the nose during surgery. The wound is closed using surgical sutures or absorbable stitches. The surgeon may also insert a few nasal packing in the nostrils to absorb bleeding and nasal fluids. We perform septoplasty as a daycare procedure that allows the patient to go home within 24 hours after the surgery if the doctor suspects no chances of complications.
  • Blood clots
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Occasional infections
  • Perforation in septum
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Side effects of anesthesia
  • Changed shape of the nose
  • The patient is advised to take rest on the first day after the surgery.
  • Restrain from heavy lifting that can increase nasal pressure.
  • Refrain touching or rubbing the nose after septoplasty for a smooth recovery.
  • Avoid blowing the nose even if it feels congested as it may cause bleeding.
  • Avoid sneezing. If you have to, sneeze through the mouth to avoid pressure in the nasal packing. You can apply an ice pack to the nose and areas area the eyes to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Sleep in a proper posture that allows your head in an upward position to avoid dislocation of nasal packing.
  • Do not take shower or bath for the first 24 hours after surgery. However, if you have to sponge yourself, consult the doctor before doing so.
  • Visit your ENT doctor for post-consultation to check your recovery and avoid any complications.
  • If stitches do not dissolve on their own, consult the ENT doctor.
  • Avoid sinus infections by staying away from people who are suffering from cold or nasal congestion.
  • You can return to work or school after a week or two if your ENT doctor does not suspect any complications.
  • Ask your ENT doctor for a proper diet plan to avoid foods that can cause irritation in the nasal cavity.

Frequently Asked Question

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to treat deviation in the nasal septum to improve breathing and revoke nasal congestion. Septoplasty offers relief from recurrent sinus infections, sleep apnea, breathing issues, etc.

No, septoplasty does not cause any pain since the patient is given anesthesia. The patient is asleep or semi-sedated after the anesthesia, which means they don’t feel any pain during the entire procedure.
Septoplasty can take anywhere between 30-90 minutes depending on the medical health of the patient, extent of inclination in the septum, and surgical experience of the ENT surgeon.
No, septoplasty involves tiny incisions inside the nose and does not leave scars on the outside of the nose. An experienced ENT surgeon usually ensures a scar-free septoplasty and a faster recovery.
Rhinoplasty is an aesthetic procedure that is done to enhance the appearance of the nose. It is a cosmetic procedure that doe not affect breathing. On the other hand, septoplasty is a medical procedure that removes congestion or obstruction inside the nose for improved breathing by fixing the deviation in the nasal septum.
Yes, you can undergo septoplasty more than once if the symptoms of deviated nasal septum do not decrease. However, the amount of cartilage that needs to be removed or repositioned becomes limited to avoid complications. Moreover, septoplasty is not usually recommended more than once as it can increase the risk of infection and complications.
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure, which means most patients can go home the day of surgery. While the swelling may last for two to three days, the individuals can return to their daily routine within 10 days after the surgery. However, full recovery may take up to three months. Consult your ENT doctor before resuming work or school after the septoplasty.
Septoplasty is a safe and effective procedure to remove nasal obstruction for improved breathing. Our ENT specialists and surgeons are highly upskilled and leverage modern tools and technology to perform advanced septoplasty with a success rate of more than 90%.
Consider the following factors while choosing the best hospital for septoplasty -
  • Patient reviews
  • Facility and infrastructure
  • The reputation of the hospital
  • Accessibility of the hospital (should be nearby)
  • Following proper COVID protocols
  • Availability of the ENT surgeon on the day of surgery
  • Experience of the ENT specialist
  • Number of septoplasty surgeries done in the hospital by the ENT specialist
  • Track record/success rate of the hospital in conducting septoplasty surgeries
The cost of septoplasty in India can vary from one location to another. It also depends on the medical condition of the patient and the availability of surgical techniques. The cost of septoplasty in India usually starts from Rs. 40,000 and can go up to Rs. 60,000. However, the overall cost of the surgery can vary depending on several factors and location.

What are the advantages of septoplasty?

Septoplasty offers the following benefits – 

  • Improved breathing –  Septoplasty removes nasal obstruction and improves overall breathing since the nasal passages are opened up. 
  • Fewer sinus infections –  Septoplasty ensures removal of nasal obstruction that can cause accumulation of bacteria and pathogens leading to chronic sinus infection. Correcting the deviation allows proper drainage of the mucus from sinuses that were previously narrowed or partially blocked.
  • Better sleep quality – Correcting a crooked septum not only improves airflow but also reduces several agents that may obstruct sleep. Septoplasty eliminates obstruction in the nasal septum for improved breathing and reduced snoring. This often benefits people with sleep apnea and improves the overall quality of sleep.
  • Improved senses – Patients with a history of impaired sense of smell or taste due to congestion in the nasal cavity benefit from the surgery. Septoplasty improves both senses by correcting the inclination in the nasal passage.

How to prepare for septoplasty surgery? 

Your healthcare facility or ENT doctor may provide some instructions to you before the surgery to minimize the complications after the surgery and help you prepare for the surgery. Some of the pre-surgery instructions or tips before septoplasty are as follows – 

  • Do not wear makeup on the day of the surgery.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of the surgery.
  • Refrain from taking any blood thinners such as ibuprofen, aspirin, etc., at least one week before the septoplasty to reduce complications during the surgery and decrease the chances of excessive blood loss.  
  • Inform your doctor of any medical conditions or medications to avoid any complications during the surgery.
  • Do not smoke or consume alcohol before surgery as it may affect the surgical procedure as well as the recovery period.
  • You will be advised to not eat or drink 8 to 9 hours prior to the surgery. This may impede the effects of anesthesia. The doctor usually advises skipping dinner or not taking any meal after midnight before the day day of surgery.
  • You may have to remove your jewelry or nose piercings before going to the hospital for septoplasty. Therefore, it is recommended you leave them at home. 

Questions to ask your ENT doctor before septoplasty.

  • Will the surgery change the shape of my nose? 
  • Can I undergo rhinoplasty after the septoplasty? 
  • Can I treat a deviated septum through medication?
  • Can septoplasty improve all the deviated septum symptoms? 
  • Are there any alternative treatment options except septoplasty surgery for deviated nasal septum?
  • I am taking treatment for another medical condition. Is it possible to undergo septoplasty at the same time?
  • How long is the recovery duration?
  • Will septoplasty cure my allergies?

Book an appointment for your deviated septum with the top ENT specialist today!

You can fill out the appointment form on our website with your details. Our staff will get in touch with you at the earliest and gather necessary inputs from your end. An appointment will be fixed with the consecutive ENT specialist according to your schedule, and a nominal consultation fee will be charged. 

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