Septoplasty

In the case of septoplasty, this deviation is surgically straightened to ensure free nasal breathing. The middle septum of the nose (nasal septum) separates the two nasal cavities located to the right and left of the nose.

It separates the two nostrils and consists of cartilage in the front and bone in the back. It is usually located in the middle and allows air to flow out unobstructed from both sides.

For most people, this partition is not exactly in the middle, but it does not cause any problems either. For about a third of the population, the deviations from the centerline are so severe that breathing is highly impacted. Due to the inclination of the septum, one nostril is smaller than the other and allows significantly less air to pass through.

Septoplasty is sometimes associated with a turbinoplasty, an operation performed to reduce the size of swellings (turbinates) which is sometimes also at the origin of the nasal obstruction. In the case of a large nasal deviation, the septoplasty can also be associated with a rhinoplasty, which is an operation of cosmetic surgery (to improve the appearance) of the nose. This combined procedure is called rhino septoplasty.

Who Can Have Septoplasty?

Nearly 80% of adults have some degree of septum deviation but surgery may not be needed. Sometimes it can lead to medical or cosmetic complications:

• A nasal obstruction that can cause difficulty in breathing, snoring

• Sinus or even ear infections, migraines

• Aesthetic discomfort when associated with external deformation of the nose

Treatment Duration

60 - 90 minutes.

Potential Risks & Side Effects

• General Anesthetic Risks
• Changes in the shape of your nose
• Bleeding
• Septum damage (a septal perforation)
• Reduced sense of smell
• Infections
• Excessive scarring
• Numbness of the tip of the nose or upper incisors
• An accumulation of blood around the surgical site (septal hematoma)
• Drug Intolerance

Recovery Time

You can return to work or school in about two weeks. Activities involving movements such as heavy lifting and bending should be avoided. You should also interrupt activities that may create a possibility of falling to the ground or putting pressure on the face a few weeks after the operation. It would be good to limit your sports activities for roughly 1 month.

Success Rate

85% - 90%

Alternative Treatments

• Rhinoseptoplasty

• Turbinate Reduction

• Nasal Polypectomy

How Does It Work?

During the septoplasty procedure, the aim is to improve breathing. For this target, the surgeon separates the cartilage and the bone and reshapes and straightens the nasal septum as much as possible. The septoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis. In some cases, hospitalization may be longer, but it is never more than three days.

What Does a Septoplasty Surgery Involve?

1. Consultation for Septoplasty

As in every process, you will take an online consultation to make sure that you’re a suitable candidate for the septoplasty surgery. During this consultation, your complaints and story will be learned in detail and you will be asked if you have had any current health condition or any surgery that you have experienced before, as well as the photos showing the deviated septum of your nose, or internal nasal imaging if any.

Thus, we can better evaluate your case and prepare a customized treatment plan for you.

In light of all the information you provide, it will be decided whether you are eligible for this treatment and if you want to continue the process, the second phase will begin.

2. Planning Your Trip and Choosing the Clinic

This is the stage where you choose one of the clinics and doctors we offer you according to your needs, and also where we arrange the date and trip plan that suits you upon your preferred clinic/doctor. 

3. Final Consultation with Your Surgeon

When you arrive at the clinic, you will have a face-to-face consultation with your septoplasty surgeon. Everything about your surgery will be discussed between you and your surgeon during this consultation.

The surgeon will ask you some questions to try to understand your expectations and goals better and also make you understand what you should expect from your treatment and the potential risks or complications of the procedure. You will also decide together on the individualized surgical and recovery plan that can be followed, especially during the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery.

The surgeon will explain the whole process clearly and try to simulate it as much as possible, to feel comfortable and well-prepared. 

4. Medical Examinations

Before the surgery begins, your surgeon will conduct physical and blood tests to make sure that you are in acceptable health status for the surgery. Every patient is required to undergo medical tests to ensure that nothing can impair recovery. 

5. Surgery

After the whole preparation period, the surgery will consist of the following steps:

• Administration of Anesthesia: Some medications are used for your comfort during the septoplasty procedure as in every surgery. The choices provided for anesthesia in septoplasty procedures include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia.  Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable option for you and the scope of surgery.

• Correction of the Deviated Septum: First, the surgeon makes an incision in the nasal passage on one side of the septum. Then the surgeon removes the substance that blocks the nasal passage, shapes the bone and cartilage, or performs other necessary interventions based on the patient's needs. If the nose curvature is not only related to the internal structures and there is a bone curvature from the outside, the technique called "open technique" is performed and the skin of the nose can be opened.

• Closing the Incision:  Finally, the tissue covering the nasal septum is sutured with small gauze strips and inserted very tightly into the nostrils to prevent bleeding. If the incision is large, a support splint may be required to hold the cartilage in place. The operation may take 1 hour to 1 hour and a half.

What Should I Expect from Septoplasty?

• Post-operative nose bleeding is very common. In this process (for several days after surgery) nasal pads are used, which are often replaced.

•  The patient needs to breathe through the mouth. This can cause some discomfort because it causes dryness.

• Even if your nose is clogged, be careful not to blow your nose, as this can cause bleeding. If sneezing is unavoidable, try to sneeze from your mouth.

• There is a feeling of a vacuum that creates ear pressure in the throat during swallowing. This is a symptom similar to the common cold that will improve within a few days.

•  After removing the dressing, the splint remains in the nose and is removed 5 to 10 days after surgery. Removal can relieve the patient, but it can cause some pain.

•  The nasal mucosa naturally irritates after septoplasty surgery and produces a large amount of nasal discharge.

• There may be swelling on your face for 2-3 days after surgery.

• There are also sores in the nose during the first 14 days after surgery. 

• Home care consists of elevating your head while sleeping, a light diet, painkillers, nasal ointment, and sometimes salt water rinses. Your clinic and doctor will explain their use to you in detail.

• Typically, approximately two to four follow-ups are required for two weeks after surgery, and at least one final check (approximately three months after surgery) after wound healing is complete.

• Painkillers prescribed for pain and discomfort during the recovery period can be used. You should avoid using aspirin products or ibuprofen for 2 weeks after surgery. Antibiotics will also be given during the recovery period and should be taken unless the nasal packaging material is removed.

•  If you develop a fever, sudden severe nasal pain, or abnormal bleeding during this process, you should call your doctor.

• The healing procedure is not very painful, it is more like a severe cold. However, patients are unable to work for about 2 weeks.

Things You Should Consider Before Septoplasty Surgery

• You should get all the lab testing and see your surgeon make him/her evaluate your current health status

• Your surgeon may prescribe you a certain medication or may adjust your current medications

• You should stop smoking

• Avoiding taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements is also important because it can increase bleeding in the whole process of septoplasty.

Quick Facts 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Septoplasty Procedure Painful?

You may feel pain or soreness after the procedure is done. However, your surgeon may prescribe painkillers to relieve this pain and discomfort.

Does Septoplasty Leave a Scar?

To avoid causing an external scar, the surgeon often makes an incision from natural folds (endonasal incision or bottom of the nose incision)

What Are the Main Differences Between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty?

The main differences between the two operations are related to the purpose of the change in your nose. Rhinoplasty is performed to change the size, symmetry, and shape of your nose, the surgeon improves the appearance of the nose while reshaping it during rhinoplasty.

The purpose of septoplasty is however more limited, this procedure is performed to correct the septum inside the nose. It includes a more structured and functional approach. These two procedures are often combined because they can have two interconnected objectives.

Learn more about Septoplasty in Turkey by comparing costs and reviewing the clinics and doctors.

Overall Satisfaction 9.6 Based on 17 reviews

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  Émilienne, France
  Jan 2023
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  Courtney, United States
  Dec 2022
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  Brody, United States
  Dec 2022
  Big thanks to my doctor, I am more relaxed and at ease than I have been in a long time. Thank you once more to the entire crew..
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  Sam, United States
  Nov 2022
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  Alastair, Sweden
  Nov 2022
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  Leonie, Germany
  Nov 2022
  The hospital, the company, and the organization all gets a top score - 10!!!They really earned my trust right away with their professionalism, so I can't really say much more.
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  Rogier, Netherlands
  Oct 2022
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  Elowen, United Kingdom
  Oct 2022
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  Stefan, Germany
  Oct 2022
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  Larue, France
  Oct 2022
  I haven't been able to breathe normally for long time. Finally thanks to Flymedi I was able to get this surgery easily with better conditions. I can finally sleep. You can be relaxed that the staff they work with is really professional.
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  Laurențiu, Romania
  Oct 2022
  Staff and clinic were excellent. Ive never met a group that can keep their professionalism while being so friendly. Loves!!
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  Cassie , United Kingdom
  Oct 2022
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  Sharron, United States
  Sep 2022
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  Radek, Czech Republic
  Aug 2022
  It was a pleasure, cheerful team!! Thanks flymedi.
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  Ben, Germany
  Jun 2022
  In one word 'great'. From the reception at the door to the hospital rooms, everything and everyone was wonderful. They take care of you very closely before and after the surgery, I never felt alone. Thank you all.
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  TR Z, Belgium
  Jan 2020
  I came across FlyMedi online while looking for medical tourism options for septorhinoplasty in Turkey. I was contacted by FlyMedi's Nadia via email within hours of submitting for more information on their website. Nadia made herself available 24/7 via email and WhatsApp, even as I traveled across multiple time zones. Nadia provided multiple options in multiple locations with pros and cons and for each and stayed in touch throughout the process. I already recommended FlyMedi and specifically Nadia to friends and family considering Turkey for any medical tourism they may be considering. Thank you Nadia!
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  Laura Badescu, Romania
  Jul 2019
  My experience with Flymedi was excellent. During my stay in turkey i had assistance and guiding 24/7. Mr. Mustafa helped me with the clinic finding process and the best doctor for my preferences, but also with answers to all my questions related to the surgery.This clinic is the best and I can strongly recommended to everyone who’s looking for a surgery and with 100% results.Use Flymedi you won’t be disappointed!!!
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