Most people receive general anesthesia for septoplasty. You will be asleep and pain-free. Some people have the surgery under local anesthesia, which numbs the area to block pain. You will stay awake if you have local anesthesia. Surgery takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Most people go home the same day.

How Septoplasty is Performed

The surgeon makes a cut inside the wall on one side of your nose.

  • The mucous membrane that covers the wall is elevated.
  • Cartilage or bone that is causing the blockage in the area is moved, repositioned or taken out.
  • The mucous membrane is put back in place. The membrane will be held in place by stitches, splints, or packing material.

Why Septoplasty Is Performed

The main reasons for this surgery are:

  • To repair a crooked, bent, or deformed nasal septum that blocks the airway in the nose. People with this condition very often breathe through their mouth and may be more likely to get nasal or sinus infections.
  • To treat nosebleeds that cannot be controlled.

Preparing for Septoplasty

  • You will meet with the doctor who will give you anesthesia during the surgery.
  • You go over your medical history to help the doctor decide the best type of anesthesia.
  • Be sure you tell your health care provider about any medicines you take, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription. Also tell your doctor if you have any allergies or if you have a history of bleeding problems.
  • You may need to stop taking any drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot 2 weeks before your surgery, including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and some herbal supplements.
  • You may be asked to stop eating and drinking after midnight the night before the procedure.

After the Procedure

  • You will most likely go home on the same day as surgery.
  • After surgery, both sides of your nose may be packed (stuffed with cotton or spongy materials). This helps prevent nosebleeds.
  • Most of the time this packing is removed 24 to 36 hours after surgery.
  • You may have swelling or drainage for a few days after the surgery.
  • You will likely have small amounts of bleeding for 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

Most septoplasty procedures are able to straighten the septum. Breathing often improves.