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Septoplasty

What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is an operation to straighten the wall (called the septum) inside your nose. If your septum is crooked, it can block your nose, making it hard to breathe, causing stuffiness, sinus infections, or problems with sleep. Septoplasty helps open your nasal passages so you can breathe more easily and feel better.

Why Might I Need Septoplasty?

Septoplasty might be recommended if I have:

  • Trouble breathing through the nose

  • Constant stuffiness or blocked nose

  • Frequent sinus infections

  • Snoring or sleep problems (like sleep apnoea)

  • A blocked nose after an injury

What Happens During the Operation?

  • Before Surgery: Dr Fragkiadakis will talk to you about your symptoms and check your nose. You might have a quick camera test (nasal endoscopy)

  • Anaesthetic: You’ll be asleep (general anaesthetic).

  • The Operation: Dr Fragkiadakis works inside your nose, so there are no scars on the outside. He will straighten or remove the parts of the septum that are causing problems.

  • How Long? The operation usually takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the complexity and any additional procedures that might be required.

  • After Surgery: Sometimes the doctor might have to insert some packing in your nose for a few days to help healing. Most people go home the same day.

Recovery: What to Expect

  • Rest: Take it easy for a few days. You may feel sore or blocked up at first. Usually a sick note for two weeks is given.

  • Pain: Mild pain or pressure is normal. The doctor will give you advice or medicine for this.

  • Nasal Care: You’ll be shown how to keep your nose clean, often with gentle saline sprays.

  • Swelling & Bruising: Your nose might swell or bruise for a few days. Keeping your head up helps.

  • Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and blowing your nose for 2–3 weeks. Don’t smoke, as it slows healing.

  • Follow-Up: You’ll have check-ups to make sure your nose is healing well.

Benefits

  • Easier breathing through your nose

  • Less stuffiness and fewer sinus infections

  • Better sleep, especially if you snore or have sleep apnoea

  • Improved quality of life

Risks

All surgery has some risks. With septoplasty, these include:

  • Bleeding (usually mild)

  • Infection (rare)

  • A small hole in the septum (rare)

  • Minor changes in the shape of your nose

  • Breathing may not improve if there are other causes (like allergies)

  • Risks relating to the general anaesthetic: For more info for anaesthetic risks, you can check this link.

What is the recovery like after septoplasty?

Most patients recover well after septoplasty, although it is important to follow Dr Fragkiadakis’ s instructions for proper healing. Here’s what to expect during recovery:

 

  • Immediate Postoperative period: After surgery, you may experience mild discomfort, which can typically be managed with paracetamol. After you have eaten, been to the toilet, mobilised and manage with the post operative pain, you will be allowed to go home. You will not be allowed to drive for 48 hours following a general anaesthetic. You will need to maintain good hygiene of the nose for several weeks. Use the nasal washes and any sprays prescribed. If there was any packing placed during the procedure, this will dissolve on it’s own, and you might experience minor bleeding. 

  • Follow-Up Appointments: A follow-up appointment will be scheduled about two months after surgery to check the healing process and ensure there are no signs of complications. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to expedite the appointment.

  • Activity Restrictions: You will need to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for several weeks after the surgery. If you need to sneeze, do not try to hold it. Instead open the mouth and expel the pressure through the mouth.

  • Postoperative Medications: If an infection is suspected, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. Pain relief medications like paracetamol may also be needed to be taken regularly for the first few days.

  • Sick note/off work: You will be provided with a sick note if necessary. Usually, one is given for two weeks if needed.

For further information, please click on the link

Septal surgery , How to use nasal drops , How to use nasal sprays , Saline rinses for the nose

If you have any further queries call 02087207499 or email contact@entgeorge.com

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