Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction

What Is the Nasal Septum?

The nasal septum is the wall inside your nose that separates the left and right nasal passages. It is made of cartilage and bone.

When the septum is crooked (deviated), it can block airflow and make breathing through the nose difficult.

What Are Turbinates?

Turbinates are structures inside the nose that help warm, humidify, and filter the air you breathe.

Sometimes the turbinates become enlarged (hypertrophied), which can further block airflow and contribute to nasal congestion.

Why Is Surgery Needed?

Septoplasty and turbinate reduction are recommended when nasal obstruction does not improve with medical treatment such as nasal sprays or allergy medications.

Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Mouth breathing
• Snoring or sleep disturbance
• Frequent sinus infections

What Is Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction?

• Septoplasty straightens the nasal septum by repositioning or removing small portions of cartilage and bone
• Turbinate reduction decreases the size of the turbinates to improve airflow while preserving their function

These procedures are often performed together to optimize nasal breathing.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

• Performed under general anesthesia
• Done entirely inside the nose (no external incisions or scars)
• The septum is reshaped and straightened
• Turbinates are reduced using specialized instruments or cautery
• Small internal splints may be placed to support healing
• Procedure time is typically 45–60 minutes

What to Expect After Surgery

• Most patients go home the same day
• Nasal congestion and stuffiness are common for several days
• Mild pain or pressure is expected and usually manageable
• Light bleeding or drainage is normal
• If splints are placed, they are usually removed within 5–7 days

Recovery

• Return to work or school within a few days to one week
• Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and nose blowing for 1–2 weeks
• Saline sprays or rinses are recommended to aid healing

Benefits

Many patients experience:

• Improved nasal breathing
• Reduced congestion
• Better sleep quality
• Decreased snoring
• Fewer sinus infections

Risks

These procedures are generally very safe, but possible risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Persistent nasal obstruction
• Temporary dryness or crusting
• Temporary numbness of the upper teeth or nose
• Rarely, septal perforation (small hole in the septum)

Post-Operative Instructions

Bleeding

• Light red drainage is normal for 3–6 days
• Change gauze dressing as needed
• It is common to change the gauze 12-24 times during the first 24 hours

If bleeding is excessive:

1. Perform a saline rinse
2. Blow your nose (to remove the clots)
3. Use 4 sprays of Afrin (or similar decongestant) in each nostril every 4 hours as needed
4. Pinch the entire nose closed for 20 minutes

Splints

• Often placed in both nostrils and secured with sutures
• Help maintain septal position during healing
• May shift slightly but should not protrude
• Removed at follow-up visit (5–7 days)
• Removal is typically well tolerated

Medications

• Pain, pressure, or headache are common and manageable with prescribed medication
• Antibiotics and/or saline spray may be prescribed
• Resume oral allergy medications the day after surgery
• Resume medicated nasal sprays after splint removal or after 3 days if no splints

Activity

• Avoid strenuous activity, swimming, and heavy lifting (>10 lbs) for 5–7 days
• Avoid straining to reduce risk of bleeding

Diet

• Resume normal diet
• Avoid alcohol while taking medications

Saline Irrigation

• Begin saline irrigations about 6 hours after surgery
• Irrigate 4–5 times daily until first follow-up
• Then 2–3 times daily for approximately 4 weeks

Options:

• Over-the-counter saline kits (e.g., NeilMed)
• Homemade solution: 1 teaspoon salt in 1 quart warm water

Follow-Up

• Appointment typically scheduled 5–7 days after surgery
• Includes splint removal and possible cleaning with an endoscope
• Contact your surgery coordinator if unsure of appointment details

When to Call Your Doctor

• Heavy bleeding not controlled with the steps above
• Fever over 102°F not responding to medication
• Double or blurred vision
• Eye pain or difficulty moving/closing eyes

Emergency Room

If you need to go to the Emergency Room, please use the following guidelines

• Patients 16 and older: Centennial Medical Center Frisco
• Patients under 16: Children’s Medical Center Plano