Short answer
Septoplasty is surgery that straightens a bent nasal septum, the wall of cartilage and bone between the nostrils, to improve airflow. It usually takes 1-1.5 hours under general anaesthesia, often as a day case or with 1 night in hospital. Most patients stay in Istanbul for 5-7 days and return to work within 5-7 days.
What is septoplasty?
Septoplasty is an operation to correct a deviated septum. The septum divides the nose into two airways. When it is bent, one or both sides can be partly blocked, making it hard to breathe through the nose.
The surgery is done entirely inside the nose and does not change its outside appearance. If you also want to change the shape, it can be combined with rhinoplasty in one operation (septorhinoplasty).
Who is it for?
Septoplasty suits people whose breathing problems are caused by a deviated septum and have not improved with nasal sprays or other medical treatment.
- Blocked nose on one or both sides
- Mouth breathing, especially at night
- Snoring linked to nasal blockage
- Frequent sinus problems or nosebleeds
How the procedure is done
Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision inside the nose and lifts the lining off the septum. The bent parts of cartilage and bone are straightened, repositioned or partly removed, then the lining is laid back down.
If the turbinates (structures on the side walls of the nose) are enlarged, they can be reduced in the same procedure. Soft internal splints are often placed for a few days instead of heavy packing.
Metropolmed's own surgical team performs the operation in Istanbul, and a personal coordinator stays with you from your first message to your 12-month follow-up. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land in Istanbul.
Septoplasty or septorhinoplasty?
If your only concern is breathing and you are happy with how your nose looks, septoplasty alone is the right operation. It is shorter and recovery is quicker.
If a crooked outside shape is part of the breathing problem, or you would also like to change the appearance, a septorhinoplasty combines both in one operation. In that case the rhinoplasty package applies. The surgeon explains which option fits after examining the inside and outside of your nose.
Recovery and results
The nose feels blocked for the first 1-2 weeks because of swelling and crusting. Saline rinses help clear it. Internal splints are usually removed after 5-7 days, before you fly home.
Most patients return to work within 5-7 days and avoid heavy exercise for about 3 weeks. Breathing usually improves noticeably within a few weeks, with full benefit after 1-3 months.
Avoid blowing your nose hard, bending down or lifting heavy objects for the first 2 weeks. Sleeping with your head raised reduces swelling. Flying is usually safe once the internal splints are out and the surgeon has checked healing.
Risks and safety
Risks include bleeding, infection, temporary numbness of the upper teeth or nose tip, a small hole in the septum (perforation) and, rarely, a change in the shape of the nose. Some patients have persistent blockage if other causes, such as allergies, are present.
A doctor examines the inside of your nose in person, sometimes with a scope or scan, to confirm the septum is the cause before recommending surgery.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1Rest at hospital or hotel, internal splints in place.
- Week 1Splints removed, saline rinses continue.
- Week 2Crusting reduces, back to normal routine.
- Month 1Breathing clearly improved, exercise resumes.
- Month 3Full healing and final breathing result.
Frequently asked questions
Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?
No, septoplasty works inside the nose and does not change its outside shape. If you want a shape change too, it can be combined with rhinoplasty.
Does septoplasty stop snoring?
It can reduce snoring when nasal blockage is the cause. Snoring has many causes, so results vary.
Is septoplasty painful?
Most patients feel pressure and blockage more than pain. Discomfort is usually controlled with simple painkillers.
Can a deviated septum come back after surgery?
It is uncommon. Cartilage can occasionally shift, especially after an injury, but most patients have a lasting result.
