What Are the Nasal Septum and Turbinates?
The nasal septum is the wall inside your nose that separates the two sides. If it is crooked (deviated), it can block airflow.
The turbinates are structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify air. They can become enlarged and cause congestion.
When both contribute to blockage, treating them together can significantly improve breathing.
Why Is This Procedure Needed?
This procedure may be recommended if you have:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Poor response to medications (nasal sprays, allergy treatments)
- Snoring or sleep disturbance
What Is Balloon Septoplasty?
Balloon septoplasty is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small balloon to gently reshape and straighten portions of the septum.
It is often combined with turbinate reduction to improve airflow.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
In the Office (Awake or with Light Sedation)
- The nose is numbed with local anesthesia
- A small balloon device is placed along the septum and briefly inflated to reshape it
- The turbinates are reduced using techniques such as radiofrequency or submucosal reduction
- No external incisions are needed
Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes
Sensation: You may feel pressure, but not significant pain
In the Operating Room (OR)
- Performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation
- The septum is corrected using balloon techniques and/or traditional methods if needed
- Turbinate reduction is performed at the same time
- Often chosen for more significant deviation or when combined with other procedures
Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes
What to Expect Afterward
- Nasal congestion and swelling are common for several days
- Splints are not usually placed after balloon septoplasty
- Mild bleeding or drainage may occur
- Pain is usually mild and manageable
- Saline sprays or rinses are typically recommended
Recovery
Most people return to normal activities within:
- 1–3 days (office procedure)
- Several days to 1 week (OR procedure)
Additional guidelines:
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and nose blowing for 1–2 weeks
- Breathing improvement typically occurs gradually over 1–3 weeks
Benefits of the Procedure
Many patients experience:
- Improved nasal airflow
- Reduced congestion
- Better sleep quality
- Less reliance on medications
Are There Risks?
This procedure is generally very safe, but possible risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Persistent symptoms
- Temporary dryness or crusting
- Rarely, septal perforation (a small hole in the septum)
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Bleeding
Bright red to light red drainage from the nose is normal for 3–6 days after surgery.
- Change the outside gauze dressing when soiled or saturated
- A folded 4 × 4 gauze placed under the nostrils and secured with paper tape is sufficient
- It is common to change the dressing 12–24 times during the first 24 hours
If bleeding is heavier than expected:
- Perform a vigorous saline rinse
- Gently blow your nose
- Use 4 sprays of over-the-counter Afrin® (or similar decongestant spray) in each nostril every 4 hours as needed
- Pinch the entire nose closed (both sides) for 20 minutes
Medications
- Headache, sinus, or nasal discomfort is common after surgery
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Antibiotics and/or saline sprays may be prescribed
- Oral allergy medications may be restarted the day after surgery
- Medicated nasal sprays may be restarted:
- After splint removal, or
- 3 days after surgery if no splints were placed
Activity
- No swimming or strenuous activity for 5–7 days
- Avoid lifting over 10 pounds or heavy straining for 5 days
Diet
- Eat and drink normally
- Avoid alcohol while taking medications
Follow-Up
You should be seen 5–7 days after surgery for:
- Splint removal (if applicable in rare cases)
- Post-operative cleaning with an endoscope
This appointment is typically scheduled by your Surgery Coordinator.
If you are unsure, please contact the office to confirm.
Saline Irrigations
Begin saline irrigations 6 hours after surgery to reduce crusting and keep nasal passages clear.
Options:
- Use an over-the-counter kit (e.g., NeilMed®)
- Or make your own solution:
- 1 teaspoon table salt in 1 quart of warm water
Instructions:
- Use a bulb syringe or irrigation bottle
- Lean over a sink and irrigate both nasal passages
- Perform 4–5 times daily until your first post-op visit
- Then reduce to 2–3 times daily for 4 weeks
Call Your Doctor If You Experience:
- Excessive bright red bleeding that does not respond to the steps above
- Double or blurred vision
- Difficulty moving or closing your eyes, or eye pain
- Fever over 102°F that does not respond to Tylenol® or Motrin®
(A fever that improves with medication can be monitored.)
Emergency Room Guidance
- Patients 16 and older: Centennial Medical Center Frisco
- Patients under 16: Children’s Medical Center Plano
