What results should I expect after a septoplasty?

The results of septoplasty are most often stable. The wounds in/on the nose will heal quickly and improvement in breathing is expected to improve shortly after the surgery. The overall healing process will be slow as cartilage and nasal tissue can take 3-6 months to fully settle. However, changes in the septum, cartilage and nasal tissue may occur for up to a year or more after surgery.

Most patients find their symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, to improve greatly after surgery and healing. Other improvements include better sleep and reduction of snoring. These level of improvements expected from septoplasty vary from patient to patient.

Most patients who undergo septoplasty do not experience any ongoing symptoms. However, the practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. While good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some cases, the cartilage and nasal tissue may shift and block the nasal pathway and airflow. Therefore, patients who continue to have symptoms may elect to have a second septoplasty procedure to reshape the nose and further refine the septum.

Following your physician's instructions is key to a successful septoplasty postoperative outcomes. It is important that the nose and septum are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.