Septoplasty surgery

Septoplasty surgery addresses the feeling of nasal congestion or blockage caused by the internal obstruction of a crooked or ‘deviated’ nasal septum.

Form & Function | Brisbane Rhinoplasty | Dr Chris Oosthuizen | East Brisbane, Taringa, Springfield & Ipswich

About septoplasty surgery

The nasal septum is a thin piece of cartilage and bone between the nostrils that separates the two nasal passages. It provides support to the nose and directs airflow. If the septum is pushed to one side or deviated, it can lead to obstruction of the nasal passages.

Septoplasty surgery is performed in a short 30-40-minute procedure while a patient is under general anaesthetic.

The procedure has a recovery time that can see patients back to work in around 10 days after the procedure.


The benefits of septoplasty surgery

Patients with a deviated septum most commonly experience a sensation of difficulty getting enough air in through their nose which can frequently interfere with sleep quality and exercise tolerance.

Septoplasty can correct the internal problem of a deviated septum and in turn, alleviate these symptoms and sensations. It aims to provide an equal, open airway on both sides of the nose.

During septoplasty surgery the septum is straightened to open the nasal airways as much as possible.

The operation greatly improves the function of the nose but does not change the outside appearance of the nose.

In some cases a severely deviated septum may result in visible changes to the outside shape of the nose. In these cases septoplasty surgery may be combined with nose re-shaping surgery (septorhinoplasty) to straighten the nose and to obtain the best functional result, and also address cosmetic issues.

Our Commitment To You

“Septoplasty is a low-risk procedure, that can safely relieve a life-time of nasal discomfort in less than an hour of operating time.”

MBChB, MSc, MRCSI, DOHNS, FRCSI (ORL-HNS), FRACS (ORL-HNS)

Septoplasty FAQs

Category: Septoplasty Faqs

The nasal septum is a thin piece of cartilage and bone between the nostrils that separates the two nasal passages. It provides support to the nose and directs airflow. If the septum is pushed to one side or deviated, it can lead to obstruction of the nasal passages.

Septoplasty surgery straightens a bent or ‘deviated’ septum. Straightening a deviated septum can resolve issues like nasal obstruction and congestion. When severe these symptoms can interfere with sleep quality and exercise tolerance. Septoplasty surgery is aimed at improving patients’ quality of life.

In some cases, a deviated septum may twist the outside shape of the nose. In these cases, septal surgery may be combined with nose re-shaping surgery (septorhinoplasty) to straighten the nose.

Dr Chris Oosthuizen will put your health first with surgery focused on achieving the ideal balance of both form and function.

Category: Septoplasty Faqs

Patients must consider surgery based on how much a blocked septum bothers them. Typically, surgery is only considered when most other treatments have not worked or if the septal deviation is severe enough to contribute towards other medical conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea or sinusitis.

Dr Chris Oosthuizen can help patients consider the benefits more thoroughly during their first consultation.

Please contact our office if you’d like to make an appointment.

Category: Septoplasty Faqs

The cost of septoplasty surgery is different for each individual, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Costs will include specific fees for Dr Chris Oosthuizen, the anaesthetist and the hospital.

Septoplasty is medically necessary surgery, and commonly covered in part by Medicare and health funds.

Form & Function Rhinoplasty and Sinus Surgery sets our rates competitively to other specialist surgeons and we adhere to the guidance from the Australian Medical Association.

With us you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden costs or changes to consultation or surgery fees.

Please contact our office if you have an enquiry regarding fees.

Category: Septoplasty Faqs

The operation typically takes about 30-45 minutes and is performed under general anaesthetic. A small incision is made inside the nose, leaving no scars or bruises on your face. Dr Chris Oosthuizen then straightens the septum by taking away some of the cartilage and bone and moving the rest of the septum back to the middle of the nose. Once the septum has been straightened it is all held in place with some dissolvable sutures.

Quite frequently during septoplasty surgery, the turbinates are reduced as well to provide maximal improvement in airflow through the nose. The turbinates are large bulges on the side of the nose that help to warm and humidify air that you breathe in through your nose.

Category: Septoplasty Faqs

Most patients spend the first night after surgery in hospital, however it is possible to perform septoplasty surgery as a day procedure as well. The surgery typically requires minimum recovery time. A week to ten days rest right after returning home from surgery is recommended. A patient’s nose can be a bit tender for a few weeks following surgery.

Category: Septoplasty Faqs

Septal surgery is safe, but there are some possible risks and complications.

  • Sometimes your nose can bleed after this operation, and we may have to put packs into your nose to stop it. This can happen within the first 6–8 hours after surgery or up to 5–10 days after surgery.
  • Rarely you may need to return to the operating theatre with another general anaesthetic to stop the bleeding.
  • Infection in your nose is rare after this operation but if it happens it can be serious, so you should see a doctor if your nose is getting more and more blocked and sore.
  • Rarely the operation may leave you with a hole in your septum inside the nose going from one side of your nose to the other. This can cause a whistling noise when you breathe, crusting with blockage or nosebleeds. Most of the time it causes no problems at all and needs no treatment. Further surgery can be carried out if necessary to repair a hole in the septum.
  • Very rarely you may find that the shape of your nose has changed slightly, with a dip in the bridge of your nose. Most people do not notice any change, but if you are not happy with it, it can be fixed with surgery.
  • Very rarely, you can have some numbness of your teeth, which usually settles with time.