a deviated nasal septum may be found in 60-70% of the population.

SEPTOPLASTY

A deviated nasal septum is a common finding in the population. Whilst not all patients with a deviated nasal septum require surgery, a deviated septum may cause a patient to experience nasal obstruction during the day or at night, difficulty in breathing through the nose during exercise and snoring type symptoms. In some cases a deviated nasal septum will be combined with rhinoplasty surgery in order to improve both the function and the shape of the nose. This is called a septorhinoplasty. It is one of the most common ENT surgical procedures.

Surgery Duration

Septoplasty surgery typically lasts about 45 mins to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it's performed alone or in conjunction with other surgeries. Most septoplasty procedures are carried out internally with no external scars but for more severe deviations, a small external scar between the nostrils may be necessary.

Time Off Work

After septoplasty surgery, most patients can expect to take about 1 week off work for recovery. If your job involves strenuous activities, you may need additional time off to ensure proper healing.

Hospital Stay

Day case unless patient chooses to stay overnight because of travelling.

Reasonable Mobility

We expect you to be up and about within 24 hours but you may have some bleeding for a few days. There is no cast needed although you may have nasal splints inserted or nasal packing in some cases.

Exercise

After septoplasty surgery, you should avoid strenuous exercise for about 2 to 4 weeks to allow for proper healing. Light activities like walking can usually be resumed within a week, but it is essential to follow your surgeon's specific recommendations for a safe recovery.

Full recovery

Full recovery from septoplasty surgery generally takes about 4 to 6 weeks, although some improvement in breathing may be noticed sooner. Complete healing and resolution of any swelling or discomfort can take several months, with final results becoming apparent as healing progresses.

Septoplasty is generally considered to be a safe procedure, with a high success rate and patient satisfaction. As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, swelling, bruising and minor irregularities but serious issues are rare. Selecting an experienced and certified surgeon is essential to achieving optimal functional outcomes and minimising risks.

Septoplasty is primarily a functional surgery focused on correcting the alignment of the nasal septum to improve breathing, not to change the appearance of the nose. In most cases, it does not result in any noticeable cosmetic difference. However, if the deviation is significant or if parts of the nose need to be adjusted to straighten the septum, there might be slight changes in the shape of the nose. For patients seeking both functional improvement and cosmetic changes, a combined procedure called septorhinoplasty may be considered, where septoplasty and rhinoplasty (cosmetic nose surgery) are performed together.

This is never an easy decision with such a wealth of options available. Increasingly, more surgeons are honing their skillset to a few key areas in order to provide the best possible outcomes to patients. We want patients to have a balance between function and aesthetics and with fellowship training in nasal surgery, Mr Unadkat is well-suited to provide this. 

The cost of septoplasty can vary from patient to patient. Pricing is also dependent on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure, and geographic location. It’s essential to consult with Mr Unadkat for a quote that includes all potential expenses, including anaesthesia and facility fees.

Patients with insurance

Mr Unadkat is recognised by most of the major insurance companies. If you are insured by a company not listed below, then please do let us know in advance and we will arrange the necessary registrations. 

  • BUPA
  • BUPA Global
  • HEALIX
  • Vitality
  • AXA
  • AXA Global
  • WPA
  • Cigna
  • Cigna Global
  • Freedom
  • Allianz
  • Aetna
  • The Exeter
  • And more.

My Nose London

Mr Unadkat is a consultant ENT surgeon focused on nasal and facial plastic surgery. Within the NHS he works at the Royal National ENT & University College London Hospital– the UK’s national centre for complex sinonasal and facial plastic disorders.

Consulting hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon – Fri)

Telephone hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon – Fri)