Niagara ENT & Facial Surgeon
Dr. Babak Karamy, MD, FRCSC
Patient Information for Septoplasty
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated septum. The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone that divides the two sides of the nasal cavity. When the septum is significantly crooked or deviated, it can obstruct airflow, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose.
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Indications for Septoplasty:
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Septoplasty may be recommended for individuals experiencing the following conditions:
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Nasal Obstruction: Significant nasal blockage that affects normal breathing through the nose.
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Chronic Sinus Issues: Recurrent sinus infections or chronic sinusitis due to poor airflow and drainage.
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Nasal CPAP intolerance: Difficulty tolerating the nasal CPAP because of inability to breathe through the nose.
What Happens During Septoplasty Surgery?
Septoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep during the procedure. The surgeon will make a small incision inside your nostril to access the deviated septum. They will then carefully lift the lining of the septum and reposition or remove the crooked portion to straighten the nasal passage. There will generally be no cuts on the outside skin or alteration of the external nose.
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The surgery usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity of the deviation and any additional procedures that may be performed.
Pre-Operative Instructions for Septoplasty
Before septoplasty, you will receive specific instructions from your healthcare provider, including:
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Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter supplements. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before the surgery.
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Fasting: You will likely be instructed not to eat or drink anything for a specified period before the surgery, usually starting at midnight the night before the procedure.
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Downtime: You will need to plan for 7-14 days off work. Most people can resume light duty work after a week, however any thing physically strenuous or in a dusty environment will need 2 weeks.
Post-Operative Care & Instructions
After septoplasty, you will need to follow specific post-operative care instructions:
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Recovery Period: You will be off work for about 1-2 weeks.
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Nasal Splints: Sometimes we place splints in the after surgery, however if we do these will need to be removed at the 1 week mark. If you look inside they should be visible plastic with a single suture holding them in place. Rarely the suture can break and the stent falls back leading to worsening pain. Notify us if this happens and you look inside and cannot see the plastic.
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Nasal Care: Keep the nasal passages clean and moist with saline sprays or rinses 2 to 3 times per day for the first week. Apply a pea size amount of polysporin to each nostril twice daily for 2-3 weeks.
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Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise and lifting more than 20 lbs in the first 2 weeks. You will also need to avoid blowing your nose for 2 weeks. During this period if you sneeze, try to cough it out the sneeze instead.
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Pain Management: Pain ranges in severity and from a few days up to a week. If you have pain, then taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen together are quite effective. We will prescribe additional opioids for breakthrough pain sometimes needed in the first week.
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Follow-Up: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and healing progress.
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Potential Risks of Septoplasty:
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Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
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Excessive bleeding: Some mild bleeding is normal after the surgery. If you are bleeding like a faucet or soaking a 4x4 gauze underneath your nose every 30 minutes, that's too much and should go to the ED.
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Infection: A low-grade fever is common and normal after surgery, up to 38.5 celcius. A high fever may indicate an infection especially with worsening pain of the nose.
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If you are experiencing concerning symptoms or have any questions after a procedure with Dr. Karamy, please contact us​. For emergencies, please go to urgent care.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this webpage is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment recommendations.