Septoplasty is surgery to straighten the nasal septum, the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two sides of the nose. It is usually carried out to improve nasal airflow when a deviated septum is causing blockage or breathing problems.
If you are considering septoplasty, it is natural to want to know what recovery will feel like, how much time you may need off work, and when your breathing is likely to improve. Recovery is usually straightforward, but it is important to understand that the nose often feels more blocked before it starts to feel clearer.
This guide explains what to expect after septoplasty, including the first few days, the first week, returning to work, exercise, aftercare and signs that you should seek medical advice.
Why is septoplasty performed?
Septoplasty may be recommended when a deviated septum is restricting airflow through the nose. Some people have a deviated septum from birth, while others develop one after an injury or trauma to the nose.
A deviated septum can cause symptoms such as:
- Persistent nasal blockage
- Difficulty breathing through one side of the nose
- Mouth breathing at night
- Snoring
- Disturbed sleep
- Recurrent nasal congestion
- A blocked feeling that does not fully clear
London ENT provides more information about septoplasty in London and Essex and when it may be recommended.
What happens immediately after septoplasty?
Septoplasty is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. In many cases, patients can go home on the same day, although an overnight stay may occasionally be needed.
After surgery, the nose may feel blocked, swollen or congested. This is normal. Some patients describe it as feeling like a heavy cold. There may also be some blood-stained discharge or light bleeding from the nose for the first few days.
The front of the nose may feel tender, especially if it is touched or knocked. Discomfort is usually manageable with the pain relief recommended by your surgical team.
You should avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol or signing legal documents for at least 48 hours after a general anaesthetic.
Will I have nasal packing after septoplasty?
Many patients worry about nasal packing, but it is rarely needed. If packing or dressing is used, it is usually lighter than older types of nasal packing and is likely only to be needed for a short period. In most cases, dissolvable dressing are used inside the nose. This gradually breaks down by itself. Very rarely, small plastic splints may be placed inside the nose to help prevent scar tissue from forming. If splints are used, they are usually removed at a follow-up appointment.
Your consultant will explain what has been used and what to expect before you go home.
The first few days after septoplasty
During the first few days, rest is important. You may feel tired from the anaesthetic and from the surgery itself. It is common to feel congested, which actually tends to get worse before it gets better again, and the nose is likely to produce some mucus, crusting or blood-stained discharge.
You should follow the aftercare instructions given by your clinical team. This may include using saline rinses, sprays or drops to help keep the nose comfortable and support healing.
During this stage, it is important not to blow your nose unless you have been told it is safe to do so. Usually this means no nose blowing for the first few days and then very gently resuming according to tolerance. If you need to sneeze, try to sneeze with your mouth open to reduce pressure inside the nose.
London ENT has further advice on post-operative instructions following nasal surgery.
Why does the nose feel more blocked after septoplasty?
One of the most common concerns after septoplasty is that the nose can feel more blocked than before surgery. This does not usually mean the operation has failed.
The nose usually becomes more congested in the first week after surgery because of swelling of the lining of the nose, healing tissue, mucus and crusting. Breathing often feels worse before it starts to improve. For many patients, the feeling of blockage gradually improves over the following weeks.
It can take several weeks, and sometimes longer, for the nose to settle fully and for breathing to feel clearer.
How long should I take off work?
Many patients need around one week off work after septoplasty, especially if their job is desk-based or does not involve physical effort.
If your work involves heavy lifting, carrying, bending or strenuous activity, you may need around two weeks off. Your clinical team can advise you based on your job and the details of your operation.
Even if you only take one week off work it is important to remain based at home for around 10-14 days to avoid the risk of catching an infection from someone else. Therefore working from home, if possible for you and your job, can be helpful. You should make sure to avoid rushing back too soon if you are still tired, congested or bleeding.
When can I exercise after septoplasty?
Exercise should usually be avoided during the first two weeks after the operation. Bending, lifting, straining and vigorous exercise can increase blood pressure and may increase the risk of bleeding.
Gentle walking is usually fine once you feel ready, but gym training, running, heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided during this initial two week period. After that, you can gently resume your exercise regime, taking around 1-2 weeks to build up to your normal preoperation routine.
Contact sports or activities where the nose could be knocked should be avoided for a longer period, usually 6-8 weeks, as the nose may remain tender for several weeks.
Can I fly after septoplasty?
You should avoid air travel shortly after nasal surgery unless your consultant has said it is safe. Flying too soon may be uncomfortable and could increase the risk of problems such as bleeding or pressure-related discomfort. The usual advice is to avoid flying as an absolute minimum for 2 weeks after the surgery, and ideally for 4 weeks if you can.
If you have travel planned, discuss this before surgery so your consultant can advise you properly.
Do’s and don’ts after septoplasty
Do
- Rest for the first few days
- Keep your head elevated when resting if advised
- Use saline rinses, sprays or drops as instructed
- Sneeze with your mouth open
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Attend your follow-up appointment
- Contact your clinic if symptoms worsen unexpectedly
Don’t
- Blow your nose too early
- Lift heavy objects in the first week
- Do strenuous exercise too soon
- Bend or strain excessively
- Smoke or spend time in dusty or smoky environments
- Play contact sport until advised
- Ignore heavy bleeding, fever or worsening pain
When will my breathing improve?
Breathing improvement is not always immediate. The nose often feels more blocked during the first week or two, then gradually starts to clear as swelling and crusting settle.
Some patients notice improvement after a few weeks, while others take longer. Healing varies from person to person and can depend on whether septoplasty was performed alone or alongside another procedure, such as turbinate reduction, sinus surgery or rhinoplasty.
London ENT explains more about related causes of nasal blockage on its nose symptoms page.
What symptoms are normal after septoplasty?
Some symptoms are expected after septoplasty. These can include:
- A blocked or congested nose
- Light bleeding or blood-stained discharge
- Mucus or crusting inside the nose
- Tenderness at the front of the nose
- Mild discomfort
- A reduced sense of smell while the nose is congested
- Tiredness after anaesthetic
These symptoms should gradually improve. If symptoms become worse rather than better, or if you are concerned at any stage, contact your surgical team.
When should I seek medical advice?
You should seek medical advice if you experience heavy bleeding, bleeding that gets worse, increasing pain, fever, worsening swelling, an unpleasant smell from the nose, or symptoms that suddenly deteriorate after initially improving.
You should also contact your clinic if you are worried about your breathing, if you feel very unwell, or if you are unsure whether your recovery is progressing normally.
Can septoplasty be combined with other surgery?
Yes. Septoplasty may sometimes be combined with other procedures depending on the cause of nasal obstruction.
For example, some patients may also need turbinate reduction if enlarged turbinates are contributing to blockage. Others may need sinus treatment if sinus disease is present. Patients who have both breathing problems and concerns about the shape of the nose may be suitable for a combined functional and cosmetic septorhinoplasty.
London ENT provides information about nose surgery in Essex for patients considering functional or cosmetic nasal surgery.
Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?
Septoplasty is designed to improve the internal structure of the nose and nasal airflow. It does not usually change the external appearance of the nose.
If the outside shape of the nose also needs to be corrected, or if the nose is crooked due to injury, septorhinoplasty may be considered instead. This combines correction of the septum with reshaping of the external nose.
Septoplasty recovery and realistic expectations
Septoplasty can be very helpful for the right patient, but recovery takes time. The nose may feel blocked at first, and breathing may not improve immediately.
The aim of surgery is to improve airflow by correcting a deviated septum, but other factors such as allergy, inflammation, nasal valve collapse or sinus problems may also affect breathing. This is why careful assessment is important before surgery.
If nasal obstruction is caused by more than one issue, your consultant will explain whether septoplasty alone is likely to help or whether another treatment may also be needed.
Book a septoplasty consultation
If you have persistent nasal blockage, difficulty breathing through your nose, mouth breathing at night or symptoms linked to a deviated septum, a consultation can help identify the cause.
London ENT provides consultant-led assessment for patients considering septoplasty, functional nose surgery and treatment for nasal obstruction across London and Essex.
Contact London ENT to arrange an appointment and discuss your symptoms, treatment options and recovery expectations.