Septoplasty

What is septoplasty?

Septoplasty is surgery to straighten the bone and cartilage that separates your nostrils (septum). When this part of your nose is crooked or uneven, it is known as having a deviated septum. During septoplasty, your surgeon will make any adjustments to cartilage and bone needed to reposition your septum to the middle of your nose.

Why have this procedure?

Having a deviated septum can block one side of your nose, making it harder to breathe through your nose. This can affect the quality of your sleep and make you more prone to sinus infections due to poor drainage. Fixing it may improve the flow of air and reduce your tendency for infections.

What is involved in this procedure?

Septoplasty is performed in hospital under general anaesthetic. It may take between 30-90 minutes depending on how much needs to be changed.

Your ENT surgeon will work inside your nose, making small incisions to reshape the septum. This may involve removing parts of your septum or repositioning bone and cartilage in other areas.

After these adjustments, your surgeon may use splints or soft packing to hold nasal tissues in place. This helps prevent nosebleeds and stops scar tissue forming. You may also have some stitches, which will dissolve on their own.

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, you may have soft dissolvable packing inside your nose for 1-2 days. Splints may stay in place for up to 1-2 weeks. Your ENT surgeon will explain what you need to do to minimise any bleeding and swelling. This includes avoiding blowing your nose for several weeks and sleeping with your head in a raised position.

It may take 3-6 months for your nasal tissues to settle and you to notice a difference. Cartilage and tissue may gradually move or reshape over time and some people need to have another procedure to refine their septum before they can breathe more easily through their nose.

Where will I have my surgery?

Septoplasty is performed in hospital and is usually booked as a day procedure. If you have private health cover, you can choose to have the surgery at North Shore Private Hospital, Castlecrag Private Hospital or Northern Beaches Hospital. If you prefer to be seen as a public patient, surgery is offered at Northern Beaches Hospital.