As much as 80% of the general population has septum deviation, a crooked alignment of cartilage and bone dividing the septum. While most deviated septums don’t cause issues, severe deviation can lead to breathing problems, sinus infections, snoring and chronic congestion. Septoplasty is a quick outpatient procedure to realign the septum and prevent these symptoms.
Knowing what to expect and how long healing takes can help set you up for a more successful recovery.
Managing Swelling and Congestion
During the first few days, swelling and nasal congestion make breathing through the nose difficult. Light bleeding or drainage is common. Your sinus specialist may place gauze under the nose to absorb drainage, which usually slows within two days. If bleeding increases and the gauze needs changing more than once an hour, it’s time to call the surgeon.
To help manage your symptoms, your sinus specialist may recommend the following for the first one to two weeks:
- Avoid blowing your nose
- Sneeze with your mouth open to reduce internal pressure
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated to ease swelling
- Use saline rinses to clean your nasal passages gently
- Clean dried blood and snot around your nostrils with a cotton swab dipped in a 1:1 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water. Never insert the swab inside the nose; this can damage the septum and slow healing.
- Skip spicy foods to prevent extra nasal drainage
- Skip exercise or other strenuous activities for a few days following the procedure. After about a week, start with a slow walk in the Lost Corner Preserve and slowly work up to your favorite workouts after about a month.
- Take provider-approved over-the-counter pain relievers when needed
While it may be tempting to resume normal routines quickly, following post-op instructions is essential for proper healing and deviated septum correction. Skipping steps or rushing recovery can lead to complications or prolonged discomfort. Always follow your provider’s instructions for the best results.
Follow-Up Appointments
Your sinus specialist will schedule a follow-up appointment about a week after the procedure. During this visit, they check how well the nose is healing and offer personalized guidance on the next steps, including how long to continue post-op care and any adjustments needed to support a smooth recovery.
To learn more about septoplasty recovery or to schedule a consultation, contact ENT of Georgia North today.
