Nasal Septoplasty Recovery: What to Expect

Ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr. Philip T. Ho and his team at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California, offer expert care for ENT issues like a deviated septum.

Fortunately, most people won’t need surgery. However, when conservative treatments fail, Dr. Ho may recommend nasal septoplasty, an in-office procedure that can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Here’s more about a deviated nasal septum and what to expect after a nasal septoplasty.   

Understanding the nasal septum

The nasal septum is a thin wall of bone and cartilaginous tissue inside the nose, acting as a partition that separates the nasal cavity. In a perfect scenario, it would divide the nasal passages equally.

However, most people experience a slight deviation from normal, causing one passage to be a bit smaller. You won’t likely experience problems from a slight or even moderate deviation.

Unfortunately, a more severe deviation can cause complications like:

• Nosebleeds
• Frequent sinus infections
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Treatment-resistant headaches
• Excessive snoring
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Not everyone needs surgery to correct these complications, but Dr. Ho may recommend septoplasty if symptoms don’t respond to conservative therapies.

Nonsurgical treatments for a deviated nasal septum

Based on evaluation results, Dr. Ho may recommend a range of therapies to combat the effects of a deviated septum, including:

• Antihistamines
• Nasal decongestants
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays
• Allergy care to reduce triggering symptoms

Dr. Ho also offers advanced treatments, such as VivAER®, which uses radiofrequency energy to remove obstructing nasal tissue, or ClariFix®, which reduces swelling and drainage.

If these therapies fail to reduce your symptoms adequately, your best treatment option may be septoplasty, which is an in-office, outpatient surgery that takes about 30 minutes.

What can I expect after nasal septoplasty?

Dr. Ho discusses the procedure and aftercare instructions in detail before performing septoplasty. Generally, recovery from septoplasty includes two phases: the immediate post-operative period and long-term recovery.

Immediately after the surgery

Patients are typically monitored for a few hours in a recovery room before being discharged. You can expect discomfort with swelling, nasal congestion, and minor bleeding for two to three days.

Dr. Ho may prescribe pain medication and nasal sprays to manage discomfort and promote healing. We recommend light activity for several days after the procedure and avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for several weeks.

Additionally, you should avoid blowing the nose forcefully, as this can disrupt the healing process and increase swelling. Nasal saline rinses can help clear mucus and debris from the nasal passages, promoting better airflow.

Dr. Ho typically requests you return for a follow-up appointment within a week of the surgery so that he can assess healing and provide further guidance on recovery. We also encourage you to call sooner if you have any concerns.

Long-term recovery

Initial recovery may take a few weeks, but complete healing can take several months. You may experience mild congestion, nasal dryness, or occasional nosebleeds during this phase.

Dr. Ho continues to offer supportive care throughout your recovery. However, most people respond well to nasal septoplasty and experience significant relief from their symptoms.

Schedule a visit today with Dr. Ho at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California, for more information about treatment for a deviated nasal septum, which may include septoplasty. Call or send a message online.