How long does septoplasty surgery take?

If you have struggled with nasal congestion all your life, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Not sleeping well at night, having to breathe through your mouth all the time or having difficulty with even the simplest activities… All of this can be caused by a problem that you may not even be aware of: A deviated septum.

Fortunately, thanks to surgical solutions such as septoplasty surgery, this problem can now be a thing of the past. So, how long does this surgery take and what does it involve? Let’s start by understanding what septoplasty surgery is.

What is Septoplasty Surgery?

Septoplasty is a surgery to correct the curvature of the thin wall inside the nose called the septum, which separates the nostrils. Normally, the septum separates the nostrils equally. However, in some cases, due to congenital or later trauma, this structure can become bent, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. This condition is called “deviated septum”.

When is septoplasty performed?

Another important question is who is suitable for the operation. Septoplasty is usually preferred in the following cases:

Inability to breathe comfortably due to chronic nasal congestion,
Snoring or sleep apnea during sleep,
Frequent nasal infections,
Frequent nosebleeds,
The need to correct a deviation septum for aesthetic reasons.

If you have any of the above problems, septoplasty may be an effective option for solving them.

Purpose and Benefits of the Surgery

The primary goal of septoplasty is to open the nasal passage so that the person can breathe comfortably. However, the benefits of septoplasty go beyond breathing comfort. Here are the main advantages of septoplasty:

Better quality sleep at night,
Increased performance in sports and daily activities,
Reduced headaches due to breathing problems,
A healthier and infection-free nasal structure.

Septoplasty Surgery Process

Before deciding to have septoplasty, it is important to have a general idea about the process. Knowing how the operation proceeds and how long it will take, starting from the preoperative period, will both clear your questions and help you prepare yourself better for this process.

Preoperative Preparations

Before septoplasty surgery, your doctor performs a series of evaluations. The first is a detailed examination of your nasal structure to determine the degree of deformity. During this examination, methods such as X-rays or endoscopy can be used to see the condition of the inside of the nose more clearly.

Some points you should pay attention to in the process before the surgery are as follows:

Use of blood thinners: You may need to stop taking aspirin and similar blood thinners at least 1 week before surgery.
Smoking and alcohol: It is recommended that you avoid these some time before the surgery as they can negatively affect the healing process.
Fasting period: A fasting period of 6-8 hours is usually required before surgery.

Technical Stages of the Surgery

Septoplasty surgery is usually performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon enters through the nostrils, corrects the curvature of the septum and removes excess tissue if necessary. Since no incision is made on the skin during this procedure, there is no external scarring. The techniques used during surgery may vary depending on the structure of the nose and the severity of the deviation.

How long does septoplasty surgery take?

Septoplasty surgery is a procedure that usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes. The duration can vary depending on the degree of curvature and the complexity of the nasal anatomy. Patients are usually discharged the same day after surgery, but in some cases an overnight hospital stay may be required.

Factors Affecting the Duration of Surgery

Although we can give average information about the duration of septoplasty surgery, we should say that the duration actually varies from patient to patient. Here are the main factors affecting the duration of surgery:

Nasal Structure and Degree of Curvature

The severity of the curvature of the nasal septum is one of the most important factors determining the duration of surgery. Correcting a slight deviation will take less time, but if the septum is severely curved, the procedure may take longer. In addition, the complex structure of the nasal bones and cartilage can add to the complexity of the surgery.

Methods and Techniques Used

The techniques used in septoplasty surgery can also affect the duration. While a standard septoplasty procedure can usually be completed quickly, additional methods or the use of grafts may be required to correct the curvature. For example

Endoscopic methods: It can speed up the procedure by allowing more detailed visualization of the nasal structure.
Graft use: In some cases, additional cartilage tissue may be required to support the septum and this may prolong the duration of the surgery.

Patient’s Health Status

The patient’s general health and medical history can also affect the duration of surgery. For example

Chronic medical conditions: Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or bleeding disorders require more careful planning of the surgery.
Preoperative medication: Patients on blood thinners may take longer to control bleeding.
History of nasal trauma: Patients who have had previous nasal surgery may have more complex structures.

Considering these factors, the duration of septoplasty surgery is completely individualized. If planned correctly, it can be a smooth process for both the patient and the surgeon. Now let’s take a look at the postoperative recovery period and what to pay attention to!

Recovery Process After Septoplasty Surgery

The healing process after septoplasty surgery is as important for the patient’s comfortable recovery as it is for the success of the surgery. There are some important points to be considered during the healing process. Here are the details of the postoperative period:

First Days After Surgery

After the surgery, there is usually a slight nasal congestion and discomfort. This feeling of discomfort is caused by the silicone splints or swelling placed in the nose and is normal. However, there are still some precautions that can be taken to make this process more comfortable. These are the things to pay attention to in the first few days:

Rest: Resting as much as possible in the first few days and keeping your head slightly elevated can reduce postoperative swelling.
Bleeding and leakage: There may be slight bleeding or leakage of clear fluid from the nose. It is sufficient to dress according to your doctor’s instructions.
Pain management: The pain is usually mild and can be controlled with prescribed painkillers.

Time Required for Full Recovery

The recovery time after septoplasty can vary from person to person, but in general:

First 2 weeks: Swelling and nasal congestion decrease. During this time splints or tampons are removed and breathing becomes more comfortable.
4-6 weeks: The tissues inside the nose heal to a large extent and the results of the surgery become more visible.
3-6 months: The full healing process is completed. The nasal structure is completely stabilized and the patient begins to experience the final results of the surgery.

Things to Consider During the Recovery Process

The postoperative period is critical for a successful recovery. It is important to pay attention to the following points in this process:

Physical activities: Heavy lifting, bending or strenuous exercise should be avoided for the first 2 weeks.
Nasal care: Nasal cleansing as recommended by the doctor and regular use of prescribed sprays are important.
Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol should be avoided after surgery as it may slow down the healing process.
Protection against the risk of infection: Avoid blows to the nose and be careful in crowded environments.

Septoplasty is a procedure that improves both physical and quality of life. When you follow what needs to be done during the healing process and show patience, septoplasty surgery will have a significant positive impact on both your health and your quality of life. By completing this process patiently, you can enjoy a healthy nose!