What to expect after septoplasty

Watch for signs of infection

There is always a degree of infection risk with any surgical procedure. If you experience any of the following symptoms after nasal septum surgery you should contact your surgeon immediately for further assessment and treatment.

• Increased redness, swelling or warmth around the operated area
• Persistent pain
• Unusual discharge of fluid
• Fever

Avoid blowing your nose

Avoid blowing your nose during the first two weeks after surgery so that you do not disturb the healing process. If you need to clean your nose, you can gently dab it with a tissue.

Swelling subsides

The most noticeable swelling usually occurs during the first 48–72 hours after surgery and then gradually subsides. Within 2–3 weeks most patients experience a clear reduction in swelling, even though the area can remain slightly swollen for several months.

Sleep with your head elevated

To reduce swelling and help your body carry excess fluid away from the nose and the surrounding tissues, you are advised to sleep with your head elevated. Use a couple of extra pillows to raise your head a little and avoid sleeping on your stomach or your side so that you do not put pressure on the nose.

Wait before your first shower

24–48 hours after surgery you can shower, but you need to keep the area around the surgical site dry. Clean your face gently with a small towel and take care that no packing or splints come loose.

Discomfort and pain

Afterwards most people experience moderate discomfort rather than intense pain, although this naturally varies from patient to patient. It can usually be managed with prescription or over-the-counter painkillers.

Nosebleeds are common

Nosebleeds in the form of light bleeding are common and can be managed by gently dabbing the nose with a tissue. If the bleeding is persistent or heavy, you should contact your surgeon for further advice.

Temporary loss of taste and smell

As a result of the swelling, the nose can become congested. This can cause a temporary loss of both your sense of taste and your sense of smell, which fades as the swelling settles and the nose regains its normal function. It usually takes 2–3 weeks.

Crusting during the healing period

Some crusting inside the nose is common and completely normal. This can continue for a few weeks and can be reduced by keeping the nasal passages clean with regular saline rinses.

We value your healing

At Adoreal we put you first, and recovery is an important period for the final result. With Adoreal you can easily communicate with your surgeon for personalised advice and support throughout the recovery process. Create an account to book a consultation or log in to get in touch with your surgeon. Create an account