What happens during a septoplasty?

What happens during a septoplasty?

A septoplasty is usually a one to two hour outpatient procedure. You go home the same day.

There are three main steps of a septoplasty:

• Anesthesia: Your surgeon uses local and general anesthesia to make sure you’re comfortable. Local anesthesia numbs the area. General anesthesia puts you to sleep during the procedure.
• Repair: Your surgeon separates the membrane that covers the septum. Then the surgeon removes the cartilage and bone that is deviated. Your surgeon then replaces the membranes and sutures them together with stitches.
• Bandaging: Your surgeon may pack your nose with gauze. You may also have bandages on the outside of your nose, depending on your surgery.

Most surgeons perform a septoplasty through the nose. Sometimes a surgeon also performs sinus surgery (to open the sinuses) or a rhinoplasty (a “nose job,” which reshapes the nose). The type of surgery depends on your healthcare provider’s recommendation.