Septoplasty
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
What do I need to know about septoplasty?
Septoplasty is surgery to repair or straighten your nasal septum. The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone that forms a wall to separate your nostrils. Septoplasty may relieve symptoms such as trouble breathing, dry mouth, or frequent nasal congestion. Septoplasty is most commonly done in adults but may also be done in children.
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How do I prepare for septoplasty?
- Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
- Your surgeon will tell you if you need any tests before your surgery, and when to have them.
What will happen during septoplasty?
- You may receive general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain free during surgery. You may instead receive local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain.
- Your surgeon will cut and reattach your septum to straighten it. Swollen tissues may also be trimmed or partially removed. You may have small splints on either side of your septum to hold it in place. Or, you may have stitches that dissolve. You may have gauze or a soft splint inside your nose to help prevent bleeding.
What will happen after septoplasty?
You may have pain, nasal stuffiness, and feel tired or lethargic after surgery. The nasal stuffiness is caused by swelling in your nose, and will decrease in about 1 week. You may also have mild drainage of mucus and blood.
What are the risks of septoplasty?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your symptoms may not go away. The shape of your nose, your voice, or your sense of taste or smell may change. You may have swelling or bruising around your eye. You may have numbness in your nose, upper teeth, or gums. Blood may build up on your septum, or it may tear. The fluid around your brain may drain from your nose.
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