Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty): When and How is it Performed?

Proper nasal breathing is essential for quality of life. However, many people have a deviated nasal septum, which can cause nasal obstruction, snoring, sleep apnea, frequent sinusitis and even headaches. Septoplasty , surgery to correct a deviated septum, is one of the most commonly performed procedures in otolaryngology and can provide significant relief from these symptoms.

In this article, we will explain everything about deviated septum surgery: when it is indicated, how it is performed, recovery and benefits.

What is a deviated nasal septum?

The nasal septum is the structure that separates the two cavities of the nose and is composed of cartilage and bone. In many people, this structure is not perfectly aligned, which can cause a deviation, making it difficult for air to pass through and leading to various symptoms.

A deviated septum can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired, usually after trauma to the nose, such as falls, blows or fractures.

Ilustração do desvio de septo nasal

What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?

Not all deviated septal defects cause symptoms. However, when there is a significant blockage of airflow, symptoms such as:

• Nasal obstruction (difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose)

• Snoring and sleep apnea (noisy breathing and pauses in breathing during sleep)

• Frequent sinusitis (due to difficulty draining secretion from the sinuses)

• Headache and sensation of facial pressure

• Recurrent nosebleeds

• Constant mouth breathing (which can cause dry throat and infections)

If a deviated septum is affecting your quality of life, it is important to seek evaluation from an otolaryngologist for an accurate diagnosis.

When is septum deviation surgery (septoplasty) indicated?

Surgery is recommended when the deviation causes significant symptoms and does not improve with medical treatments, such as nasal sprays or anti-inflammatories. Some of the main indications include:

✅Persistent nasal obstruction

✅Recurrent sinusitis

✅Sleep apnea or intense snoring

✅Frequent headaches related to the nose

✅Chronic mouth breathing and dry throat

If you have any of these symptoms, a consultation with a specialist can help define the best approach for your case.

How is deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) performed?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. It is considered a minimally invasive surgery, with a relatively quick recovery time.

Surgery step by step:

1️⃣ Internal incision – The surgeon makes a small cut inside the nose, without leaving any visible scars.

2️⃣ Septum correction – The deviated parts of the nasal septum are repositioned, removed or reshaped to improve airflow.

3️⃣ Suturing and finishing – The nose is closed without the need for external cuts.

The surgery lasts, on average, 40 minutes to 1 hour and the patient can be discharged on the same day, depending on the medical evaluation.

Does septoplasty change the aesthetics of the nose?

Septoplasty is a functional surgery, that is, the main objective is to improve breathing, not to change the aesthetics of the nose.

However, if the patient has aesthetic complaints, rhinoplasty can be performed in conjunction with septoplasty, a procedure called rhinoseptoplasty . In this way, in addition to correcting the deviated septum, it is possible to harmonize the nasal appearance.

Recovery from deviated septum surgery

Recovery from septoplasty is relatively easy. In the first few days, it is normal to experience:

✔️ Swelling and mild discomfort

✔️ Small nosebleed

✔️ Feeling of a stuffy nose

The good news is that most patients experience a significant improvement in their breathing shortly after the recovery period.

Post-operative care:

✅ Avoid intense physical exertion for at least 2 weeks

✅ Don't blow your nose for the first few days

✅ Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling

✅ Clean your nose with saline solution as per medical advice

✅ Avoid exposure to the sun and hot environments

The return to daily activities occurs between 7 and 10 days after surgery, but the total recovery time may vary depending on each patient.

What are the benefits of surgery?

After septoplasty, patients report:

✔️ Much easier nasal breathing

✔️ Reduced snoring and improved sleep quality

✔️ Fewer sinusitis and respiratory infections

✔️ Greater energy and willingness in everyday life

The improvement in quality of life is significant, especially for those who suffered from intense symptoms before surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Septoplasty:

Does septoplasty hurt?

No. The surgery is performed under anesthesia and the post-operative period can be controlled with mild analgesics. It is very rare for patients to complain of pain in the post-operative period.

Will I need to use a nasal tampon?

We have not used packing in septoplasty surgeries for many years. In many cases, absorbable internal dressings or silicone splints are used, which are painless to remove and allow breathing through the nose during the post-operative period.

Can septoplasty make the nose crooked again over time?

In most cases, the results are definitive. However, trauma to the nose or scarring can cause small changes over time.

Will I be bruised or have any scars after surgery?

No bruising or external scarring is expected. The exceptions are surgeries that involve the aesthetic part, the so-called rhinoplasty, which sometimes requires a small cut that is hidden in the lower part of the nose, called a columellar incision.

How long does it take to breathe normally after surgery?

Breathing progressively improves, and within 2 to 3 weeks most patients notice great relief.

Conclusion

Septal deviation surgery (septoplasty) is a safe and effective procedure to improve breathing and quality of life. If you have difficulty breathing, snore a lot or have frequent sinus infections, it may be time to schedule an appointment to see if surgery is right for you. Click here and talk to my team!

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments or schedule a consultation to find out more!

Goddedit Brandao Neto

CRM 151.875 | RQE 65.989

Otorhinolaryngologist - USP

Specialist in Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery and Skull Base - USP

Doctor of Science - Faculty of Medicine, USP