Septoplasty Recovery Tips

Septoplasty surgery involves operating your nose to repair the wall inside, also known as septum, to clear the nasal airway obstruction and help you breathe easily. It can also be suggested in case of recurrent sinusitis or epistaxis caused due to a deviated septum, which is not relieved with medications. The operation takes not more than an hour. It is usually done as an outpatient, as hospitalization is not needed. Patient is discharged as soon as the anesthetic is worn off. Recovery period is usually up to eight weeks, during which optimum care is expected to be taken. Here is more about the procedure and recovery tips, to help early and safe recovery.

Septoplasty

There is a wall called septum which lies in center of the nose and divides the left and right nasal cavities. It is straight, made up of cartilage and bone and lined with a thin mucous membrane. In some cases this wall might be bent or off-center. This might be a prenatal development or caused due to a traumatic injury. Septoplasty is a surgery performed to straighten this deviated septum in your nose.

Doctors usually use a local or general anesthesia during operation, a decision that varies from case to case. Also, once the deviated septum surgery is over, a nasal packing might be used. This will be removed after 2-3 days. While you will be discharged after 3-4 hours, the entire recovery will take a few weeks. Doctor will give important instructions and tips to shorten septoplasty recovery time and ensure successful recovery without any complications.

Tips for Septoplasty Recovery

• During first week of deviated septum surgery recovery you must avoid breathing by nose, try breathing through your mouth.
• Avoid blowing your nose for a week to clear any drainage, instead you must sniff. This is essential because the tissues are not yet healed, hence, blowing can cause nose bleeding. Also, keep your mouth open while you sneeze.
• Next tip is to take rest. Though it's your nose that is operated, you need to skip any strenuous physical activities like exercise, sports, etc. for 2-3 weeks. Also, avoid driving.
• You can use contact lenses, but do not use glasses for about 3-5 weeks.
• One of the important septoplasty recovery tips is to avoid bending down for the first 2-3 days. Bending will take your head below your heart level, this might increase the swelling and bleeding. Keeping your head elevated by using 2-3 pillows when you lie down will help reduce nasal drainage.
• Airline travel must also be avoided for a few weeks after septoplasty.
• Doctor will commonly recommend application of ice packs over the nose in order to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• One of the important recovery tips is to take the prescribed painkillers on time and for the given duration. These will help you in getting rid of post-operative pain. Also, sometimes these might sometimes make you feel drowsy, so best to rest after you take them.
• A nasal spray will be prescribed by doctor for septoplasty recovery to keep the nostrils moist and decrease bleeding and drainage. Most of these might be prescribed to be used 2-3 times a day. Depending on the type of spray, a doctor will prescribe the frequency and period for which you need to continue its use.
• Visiting the doctor on time for regular follow-ups is important part of septoplasty recovery process. He/ she will check if there are any complications and prescribe you any changes in medications, if needed.
• You can slowly resume your routine work in a period of 2 months. Doctor will tell you, when can you resume the strenuous physical activities you were asked to avoid for a few weeks.

Septoplasty Recovery: Possible Complications

Consult your doctor if you notice any of the undermentioned signs that might lead to any complications. Firstly, you might experience pain for a few days, but in case of severe pain, make sure you consult your doctor. Similarly, some amount of bleeding is just okay, but in case of excess and frequent bleeding or pus formation, you must get help immediately. Numbness in nose tip or upper front teeth is another sign of a possible complication. If you have fever over 100.5 degree Fahrenheit, then you must soon consult your doctor. Following the aforementioned septoplasty recovery tips and all other instructions given by your doctor thoroughly, will help fast recovery and avoid any complications.