For individuals suffering from a deviated septum, breathing can be challenging. Septoplasty could be the answer for those suffering from a deviated or bent septum.
At Kensington Medical we can help and explain how surgically correcting a deviated septum, septoplasty can increase air passage and improve all aspects associated with a deviated septum. We cover the surgery itself and recovery period.
Ideally, the nasal septum, the partition of bone and cartilage separating the nostrils—should be positioned in the centre to facilitate proper airflow. This is not always the case for everyone. Some individuals have a deviated or displaced septum that can lead to considerable breathing difficulty and discomfort from nasal obstruction. This condition often is because of misaligned nasal bones, which contribute to having a blocked nose.
When looking for long-term relief from trouble breathing and facial pain, septal surgery, also known as septoplasty, can help. By realigning the off-centre septum by cutting away excess material or repositioning existing bone or cartilage, or if needed by replacing them entirely, it will open up obstructed airways.
At Kensington Medical our experienced plastic surgeons have carried out hundreds and hundreds of septoplasty often combined with rhinoplasty. Helping with difficulty breathing and at the same time changes the shape of your nose to be more aesthetically pleasing.
Individuals with a deviated septum often experience a range of symptoms which include:
Such symptoms can disrupt everyday activities like sleep and physical exercise due to difficulty in breathing and constant nasal blockage.
In some cases, endoscopic sinus techniques are employed to enhance visualisation and access to nasal structures during septoplasty. The steps of this surgical procedure involve:
Surgeons might insert spreader grafts—tiny slivers of cartilage—to preserve and stabilise newly restructured sections. Should there be removals involving cartilaginous material in a septoplasty process, such pieces are preserved in a saline solution. Later on, these can potentially be modified. For use either as supplementary structural supports within a revised septal framework or incorporated into rhinoplasty procedures where additional shaping may be required.
The nasal septum is a thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two sides of the nasal passages. When the septum is deviated or crooked, it can cause nasal obstruction, leading to breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, and sinus infections. A deviated septum can also cause nasal blockage, making it difficult to breathe through one or both nostrils.
Nasal obstruction can be caused by a variety of factors, including a deviated septum, nasal polyps, turbinate bones, and nasal tumors. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale is a widely used tool to assess the severity of nasal obstruction symptoms.
Preparing for Your Surgery
At Kensington Medical, your nose surgeon will thoroughly explore all elements related to a deviated septum: your motivations for seeking surgery, potential advantages and drawbacks of the procedure, as well as what to expect during recovery. We assess your overall health to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the operation.
In some cases, a nasal steroid spray may be recommended to reduce inflammation and improve surgical outcomes.
Any medications you’re taking are reviewed and potentially adjusted, especially those known to elevate bleeding risk like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplements. We also advise that stopping smoking is best because it can affect recovery and increase surgical risks.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Septoplasty Surgery
The deviated septum surgery will take place in our Central London, Wimbledon, or Kingston hospital.
The procedure takes place under a general anesthesia, which ensures that you experience no discomfort and you sleep through the entire procedure.
The operation takes from an hour to one and a half hours. In that period, your plastic surgeon will:
Anesthesia Options
Kensington Medical opts for general anesthesia during septoplasty ensuring a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere. Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) is our chosen method, as it lessens nausea and recovery after surgery and hastens the healing period.
The Septoplasty Surgery
Nose surgery, specifically septoplasty, is an intricate procedure designed to correct misalignment in the nose by addressing a deviated septum. This surgical technique meticulously adjusts or excises the errant segments of bone and cartilage to realign them properly. Several methodologies are employed to tailor the operation to individual nasal conditions, including endonasal, endoscopic, and open surgical approaches.
Post-operative measures following this nose surgery involve methods like stitching up the mucous membrane lining and applying splints or packing materials. These interventions help maintain structure and support for the newly aligned nasal pathway after working on the septum during the procedure.
Recovery and Post Operative Care
To promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications following a septoplasty:
Nasal sprays may be recommended to manage nasal obstruction and reduce inflammation during the recovery period.
At Kensington Medical, we arrange follow-up care including detailed instructions and postoperative appointments so you will feel confident in a speedy recovery.
Following the cessation of local anaesthesia, we continue to observe you and administer analgesics in accordance with hospital guidelines. You may have mild to moderate discomfort, which will be managed through medication prescribed for pain relief.
Using temporary splints or soft packing within the nose is instrumental in stabilising tissue position, curtailing any bleeding that may occur, and addressing issues related to a blocked nose.
To reduce swelling, it’s recommended that our patients elevate their head while sleeping.
Guidance on how to handle nasal dressings will be provided.
On occasion, your upper teeth might feel pressure or discomfort due to intraoperative manipulation of the nasopalatine nerve. These symptoms are typically temporary and resolve over time.
Septoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure allowing patients to return home on the same day. You must have a friend or family member for transportation both ways and someone should stay overnight with you after surgery.
These symptoms are common during recovery from septoplasty surgery. They can feel like a sinus infection but rest assured they are part of normal postoperative healing.
During the initial week following your surgery, it’s important to ease back into your usual routine slowly and avoid activities that are physically demanding or involve heavy lifting. From weeks two to six post-surgery, you’re welcome to slowly increase your activity levels.
As you approach the sixth or seventh week after surgery, feel free to resume normal exercise habits. Nevertheless, keep in mind that full recovery can take several months and requires careful attention during this period. The internal structures of the nose tend to solidify between three and six months post-septoplasty. Changes might continue for a year or more beyond this timeframe.
For more information on rhinoplasty recovery follow rhinoplasty recovery time.
At Kensington Medical, our expert plastic surgeons are highly skilled in performing deviated septum surgery or a septoplasty. We ensure that from your first initial consultation and second consultation, continuing with preoperative preparation, during the surgical procedure itself, and throughout postoperative care and follow-ups, we provide an unparalleled level of quality care.
When you come for a consultation, you will see before-and-after images, you’re encouraged to ask any questions about the procedure and look at any important events on your calendar.
Mr David Gateley
Mr Amir Sadri
Mr Paul Tulley
Septoplasty is widely recognised as a procedure with minimal risk. However, there can be possible complications. These include ongoing symptoms such as obstructed air passages, haemorrhage, and alterations to the nasal contour.
Our highly skilled nose surgeons will discuss all risks and questions in consultation.
Post-surgery, it is typical for patients to exhibit certain symptoms like swelling, noisy breathing and slight bleeding. These are transient issues that reduce over time as the body recovers.
If you are concerned about:
Please contact our aftercare team.
Most individuals who undergo septoplasty witness a substantial enhancement in their quality of life after the surgery.
Not only do they see physical improvements, but this procedure can also boost one’s general health, increase vitality and potentially raise self-confidence as breathing becomes easier and any pain or discomfort in the face diminishes.
Breathing and Sleep Quality Improve
A deviation in the nasal septum can impede airflow within the nasal passages, resulting in snoring and diminished sleep quality. Septoplasty, a procedure that corrects the positioning of the septum, can markedly decrease snoring and may also relieve symptoms related to sleep apnea—a disorder marked by intermittent breathing pauses while sleeping.
Enhanced breathing and improved sleep can significantly impact your daily activities. Quality rest leads to improvements in mood and well-being.
Nasal Health and Sinus Infections
Septoplasty not only enhances the quality of breathing and sleep, but also benefits nasal health significantly. Those who have undergone this surgical procedure typically report experiencing sinus infections with less frequency.
Dealing with regular sinus infections can be troublesome, interrupting everyday life due to considerable discomfort. Septoplasty offers a solution by decreasing these frequent occurrences, leading to an improved standard of living.
Septoplasty is an important surgical procedure that can significantly improve nasal breathing and alleviate symptoms of nasal obstruction. By correcting a deviated septum, septoplasty can help restore normal nasal function and improve overall quality of life.
Septoplasty is often performed in conjunction with other nasal surgeries, such as turbinate reduction or rhinoplasty. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about 30-90 minutes to complete.
While septoplasty is a common and safe procedure, it’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right treatment option for your specific needs.
In addition to improving nasal breathing, septoplasty can also help alleviate symptoms of nasal congestion, sinus infections, and sleep apnea. By correcting a deviated septum, septoplasty can help restore normal nasal function and improve overall health and well-being.
It’s essential to note that septoplasty is not a cosmetic procedure, and its primary goal is to improve nasal function and alleviate symptoms of nasal obstruction. However, septoplasty can also have aesthetic benefits, such as improving the shape and appearance of the nose.
Overall, septoplasty is an important surgical procedure that can significantly improve nasal breathing and alleviate symptoms of nasal obstruction. If you’re experiencing nasal congestion, sinus infections, or other symptoms of nasal obstruction, consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if septoplasty is the right treatment option for you.
In summary, septoplasty is a well-established, low-risk procedure that can improve your quality of life if you’re struggling with a deviated septum.
From enhanced breathing and sleep quality to fewer sinus infections, the benefits of this surgery can be life-changing.
Get in touch to find out more by calling 0204 551 4892 or to book a consultation.
To find out about Kensington Medical, our expert Consultant plastic surgeons, our 5 star hospitals and our values, and why we work hard to follow them, click About us.
Is a septoplasty a major surgery?
Septoplasty is recognised as a minor surgical procedure that yields significant advantages by improving breathing through the widening of nasal passages. It might not be appropriate for all individuals. If you’re experiencing difficulty in breathing via your nose and would like some advice please do get in touch to find out more.
How long does it take to heal from a septoplasty?
Typically, post-septoplasty, one can expect the nasal passageways to begin clearing within 3 to 4 weeks. Full healing and recovery from the surgery are achieved in a period of 4 to 6 weeks.
It is crucial during the subsequent months, to come to your follow-up appointments. These check-ups serve as an important means for tracking your progress through the healing phase.
What happens during a septoplasty?
In the process of performing a septoplasty, a surgeon will create an incision within the inner wall of the nose. They then lift up the mucous membrane and either reposition or excise any obstructive cartilage or bone. Following these adjustments, they reposition the membrane (source: webmd.com).
Post-procedure, you can expect to experience improved breathing through your nose.
How painful is deviated septum surgery?
Following surgery for a deviated septum, it’s common to encounter some swelling and slight discomfort that lasts several days. Significant pain is not typical. To alleviate any mild discomfort you may feel, over-the-counter pain relief is effective.
At Kensington Medical, our experience and expertise ensures your journey to a refreshed and confident facelift and neck lift result. The starting point of this process is a consultation with your nose surgeon. In the face to face consultation your plastic surgeon will find out what you want to achieve, your timelines and any specific dates you are working towards.
Your plastic surgeon will show you before and after photos of past patients.
If you're having multiple procedures done at once, these plans will combine all aspects into one personalised program.
Consultations can be arranged in either Harley street, London or our Wimbledon location. To find out more fill in the contact us form or phone for information. We are hear to help you.
Medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), GMC number 2939470 on 18 August, 2025.
