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.