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The septum is the partition in the middle of the nose that separates the two nostrils and is made of cartilage and bone. In some people it can be bent into one or both nostrils, either because of an injury or sometimes because it grows that way. This can cause a blockage in the nose and so septal surgery is required to straighten the septum.
Septal surgery is recommended for patients who have a bent septum that is causing a nasal blockage. It may also be necessary to straighten a bent septum if it is in the way of carrying out other procedures such as sinus surgery.
Septal surgery may also be combined with nose re-shaping surgery to become septorhinoplasty if the bent septum occurs alongside a twist in the outside shape of the nose.
This procedure can be carried out under general anaesthetic, but it is also possible with just a local anaesthetic to your nose. It usually takes about 30-45 minutes and will be carried out entirely inside the nose, requiring no cuts to the skin around your nose. Your surgeon will make a cut inside your nose to remove the excess cartilage and bone, so that they can move the rest of the septum back to the centre of your nose. It will then be held in place with stitches, which will later dissolve.
It may be necessary for your surgeon to put packs or dressings on the inside of your nose to hold things in place and stop any bleeding. These will be removed the day after your operation and may result in a small amount of bleeding which should stop quickly. Your surgeon may also put splints (small pieces of plastic) into your nose to stop the formation of scar tissue, which will be removed after about a week.
The procedure should not be painful, but the front of your nose may feel tender for a few weeks afterwards.
If your septum is bent, the only way to fix it is with surgery. However, using drops or spray may be possible to reduce any swelling that is causing a nasal blockage.
Septal surgery is safe but, as with all surgical procedures, there are risks involved and your surgeon will discuss these with you before undertaking the procedure.
You will usually be required to stay overnight but, in some cases, you will be able to go home on the day of your surgery.
After the operation has been completed, your nose will feel like it is blocked on both sides for 10-14 days. Your doctor may give you drops or spray to help with this.
For the first week after your surgery, you should not blow your nose and your doctor will confirm when you should be able to gently do so. It is normal for mucus or blood-stained fluid to drip from the nose within two weeks of completion of your surgery, but if you experience heavy bleeding you should see your doctor.
There will be stitches inside your nose that will eventually dissolve and fall by themselves.
Avoiding dusty or smoky environments is very important during your recovery.
Following your operation, you should rest at home for at least a week and if your work involves heavy lifting/carrying you should take two weeks off. You should also avoid any sports with a risk of contact to your nose for around a month.
Currently selected day
Available consultations
Introduction
Treatment
surgery
Aftercare
drops or spray provided for you
Recovery
nose may feel “blocked” for about two weeks
Health Insurance
This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.
Self-Pay Available
This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.
Consultation Required
For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.
Next Day Availability
We usually have next day availability for this service, please call us to check availability.
All our private ENT specialists at OneWelbeck in London are leaders in their sub-specialties, providing the highest quality treatment to ensure you receive the best available care. Click on the profiles below to see which of our consultants specialise in Septal Surgery.