Septoplasty recovery: what to expect and how to heal well

Recovery is gradual. The first days are the least comfortable, most people feel much better after one to two weeks, and the lining of the nose continues to heal for several weeks after that. The benefit for breathing is usually judged once the swelling inside the nose has settled.

• a deviation after an injury to the nose.

The operation is usually done under general anaesthesia, sometimes under local anaesthesia, and typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half. The surgeon lifts the lining of the septum, straightens, repositions or removes the bent parts of cartilage and bone, and puts the lining back. Soft splints or packing may be placed in the nostrils to support the septum.

When a patient is also unhappy with the shape of the nose, the septum can be corrected together with the outer nose in one operation, called septorhinoplasty or rhinoseptoplasty.

• a dull headache or a feeling of pressure in the face;
• mild swelling of the nose and sometimes the upper lip.

Packing, if used, is usually removed within one to two days. Soft internal splints may stay a little longer, often around a week. Pain is usually moderate and can be controlled with the medicines your doctor prescribes. Sleeping with the head raised and drinking enough water make these days easier.

• Crusts form inside the nose as the lining heals. Do not pick them out; your doctor will explain how to rinse or moisten the nose.
• Congestion may come and go, especially in the morning and in dry air.
• Sense of smell may be reduced for a while and usually returns as swelling settles.
• Check-ups let the surgeon clean the nose if needed, check the septum and make sure healing is on track.

Most people return to office work and daily routines after about one to two weeks. By the end of the first month breathing is usually clearly easier, although the inside of the nose may take two to three months to heal completely.

• Blowing your nose forcefully for the first weeks. If you need to sneeze, do it with your mouth open.
• Bending over and heavy lifting, which raise pressure in the head and can cause bleeding.
• Sport and strenuous exercise for about three to four weeks; contact sports longer.
• Saunas, hot baths, swimming pools and strong sun for about a month.
• Smoking and alcohol, which slow healing and irritate the lining.
• Medicines and supplements that affect clotting unless your doctor has approved them.
• Flying until your surgeon allows it, usually after the splints are out and the first check-up is done.

Call your surgeon at once if you have heavy bleeding that does not stop, a high temperature, increasing pain, or swelling and pain inside the nose that get worse rather than better.

• rinse or moisten the nose exactly as your doctor recommends;
• eat light meals, and avoid very hot, spicy and salty food in the first days;
• walk gently from the first days to support circulation, but avoid strain;
• do not stop or start any medicine on your own;
• attend every follow-up visit, even if you feel well.

The first consultation is free and can be held online. Send photos of your nose and describe your breathing problems, and the surgeon will assess whether surgery is needed and which type suits you. Before surgery a set of tests is done, including a scan of the sinuses. The cost is named after the assessment and fixed in the contract, and after surgery check-ups are planned at 7 days, 3 and 6 months. A personal coordinator stays with you from the first message to the end of recovery, and photos and questions can be sent by Telegram. More details are on the rhinoplasty page.