Setting Expectations for Septoplasty Surgery Posted on November 22, 2023 by Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists Hearing the word “surgery” can be a little nerve-wracking. Knowing what to expect from surgery can help steady your nerves and prepare you to approach your procedure with confidence. What Is Septoplasty Surgery? Over 260,000 septoplasty surgeries are performed yearly in the United States, making them one of the most common procedures done by ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists. Septoplasty surgery is often used to fix a deviated septum but may also be recommended to clear a nasal obstruction, remove nasal polyps, treat chronic sinus infections or prevent chronic nosebleeds. A study on the efficacy of septoplasty surgeries found that 77 out of 86 patients with septal deviation reported a subjective improvement in their nasal obstruction. If your ENT specialist has recommended septoplasty surgery, take a look at what happens during common procedures to help you set expectations. What Happens During a Septoplasty? Most septoplasties are outpatient surgeries. This means that while most cases of septoplasty surgery are performed under general anesthesia, you will likely be able to go home the day of your surgery. Although you will likely be asleep during the surgery, knowing what will happen can help calm your nerves. During the procedure, your surgeon creates a cut on one side of the nose and lifts the thin membrane protecting the septum. From there, the surgeon will reshape or remove parts of the bone and cartilage and the nose’s underlying structures. After they have fixed your deviated septum, cleared any blockages or addressed other concerns, they will move the mucosa back over the septum and insert splints or soft packing to hold the nasal tissue in place. From start to finish, the procedure should take between 30 and 90 minutes. How to Care For Your Nose After Septoplasty After your surgery, it is wise to enlist a friend to take you home. Your provider may request that you stay until your anesthesia wears off. Even after the anesthesia has worn off, you may feel a little tired and woozy from the procedure, making driving unsafe. Your provider will give you a list of post-op instructions to manage swelling, bleeding and pain after surgery. Your instructions may include one or more of the following: Avoid exercise and heavy lifting after your surgery until you have fully healed. Your provider can tell you when it is safe to return to normal activities. Avoid blowing your nose, and sneeze with your mouth open for the first week to prevent damage to the sinuses. Be careful of splints during the shower, and do your best not to get them wet. Take pain medication in moderation. Take antibiotics for their entire course. Keep the surgical site clean. Once your sinuses have healed, feel free to enjoy a run at Goodyear Community Park or a lifting session at your local gym. For more information on septoplasty surgeries, contact Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today to make an appointment with one of our specialists. [related-posts]