Septoplasty explained: Correcting a deviated septum for better breathing
Breathing shouldn’t be a struggle, yet for many people with a deviated septum, it’s a daily challenge.
If you’re experiencing persistent nasal blockages, septoplasty surgery could be the answer. This procedure straightens the nasal septum, improving airflow and overall quality of life.
In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about the septoplasty procedure—from how it works to what septoplasty recovery involves.
What is septoplasty surgery?
The nasal septum is the thin wall made of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils. When this wall becomes deviated or shifts to one side, it can obstruct the nasal passage, limit airflow, and lead to breathing difficulties.
Septoplasty surgery, also known as deviated septum correction, is a procedure designed to straighten and reshape the nasal septum.
By restoring it to its proper position, the surgery helps open up the airways and significantly improves nasal breathing.
Who needs a septoplasty procedure?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure often recommended for individuals who have difficulty breathing because of a deviated nasal septum. While minor septal deviations may not cause noticeable symptoms, more severe cases can interfere with everyday comfort and health.
You may be a good candidate for septoplasty if you:
- Have chronic nasal congestion or one-sided nasal blockage
- Experience frequent sinus infections or headaches
- Suffer from persistent snoring or sleep disturbances due to nasal obstruction
- Struggle to breathe easily through your nose, especially during exercise or sleep
- Have had limited or no relief from medications like decongestants or nasal sprays
- Are preparing for other nasal surgeries (e.g., rhinoplasty or turbinate reduction) that require correction of the septum
If these issues are impacting your quality of life, consulting with an ENT specialist can help determine whether septoplasty surgery is the right solution for you.
What are the advantages of septoplasty surgery?
Septoplasty provides several advantages for individuals with a deviated septum, including:
The procedure straightens the septum, helping to clear obstructed airways and significantly improve breathing.
Many patients experience reduced snoring and relief from sleep apnea symptoms after surgery, contributing to more restful sleep.
Improved airflow helps prevent mucus buildup, lowering the risk of recurrent sinus infections.
In some cases, restoring proper airflow can also improve or restore the sense of smell.
- Correcting the septum can relieve pressure and reduce headaches linked to sinus issues.
Since the septoplasty procedure is performed inside the nose, there are no visible scars.
Unlike medications that only offer temporary relief, septoplasty offers a permanent solution to structural nasal issues.
What to expect during a septoplasty procedure?
The septoplasty procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique that straightens the nasal septum to improve airflow through the nostrils.
Typically performed by an ENT specialist, the surgery is done under local or general anesthesia and usually takes 30 to 90 minutes:
- Anesthesia: The procedure begins with either local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s recommendation.
- Internal incision: A small incision is made inside the nostrils, which means there are no visible scars. The surgeon accesses the septum through this internal cut.
- Reshaping the septum: Deviated portions of bone and cartilage are carefully removed, repositioned, or reshaped to straighten the septum. If necessary, small splints or sutures may be used to support the septum during healing.
- Closure: The incision is closed using dissolvable stitches. Nasal packing or soft splints may temporarily be placed inside the nose to minimize bleeding and maintain the new septum shape.
The septoplasty procedure is often combined with other interventions, such as turbinate reduction or sinus surgery, if additional nasal or sinus issues are present.
What precautions are important for septoplasty recovery?
To promote a fast and comfortable recovery after septoplasty, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative guidelines carefully:
- Avoid blowing your nose for at least 1–2 weeks to prevent irritation or bleeding.
- Avoid heavy lifting or engaging in strenuous physical activity.
- Sneeze or cough with your mouth open to minimize pressure.
- Avoid bending forward for long periods, as this may increase swelling or bleeding.
- Take prescribed pain medications on time to manage headaches or facial discomfort effectively.
- Expect minor nasal bleeding in the first few days. If bleeding becomes heavy or persistent, contact your doctor immediately.
Is septoplasty painful?
Most patients report only mild to moderate discomfort after the septoplasty procedure, which is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The surgery itself is performed under anesthesia, so there’s no pain during the operation. Some swelling, nasal congestion, and tenderness are common during recovery but typically improve within one to two weeks.
Following your doctor’s care instructions helps minimize pain and ensures a smoother healing process.
Why choose Dr. Peter Baptista for septoplasty surgery in Dubai?
Dr. Peter Baptista is a highly skilled and respected ENT specialist, recognized as one of the best doctors for septoplasty surgery in Dubai. With a compassionate, patient-focused approach, he ensures every patient fully understands the procedure and has clear, realistic expectations.
His expertise and gentle care have earned him consistently positive feedback. Patients praise his surgical precision and the smooth recovery experience he facilitates.
Dr Peter Baptista Jardin
European Board Certified ENT Doctor In Dubai
Dr. Peter Baptista Jardin is an ENT specialist with a special interest in treating sleep apnea. He is a revered expert in Spain for performing the first ever robotic transoral surgery in 2011, and the only series of hypoglossal nerve stimulation proved revolutionary for obstructive sleep apnea treatment worldwide. He currently serves as an ENT doctor in Dubai’s Al Zahra Hospital.
