Chronic nasal blockage can be frustrating for the patient and the family of the patient, since it affects sleep, focus, and overall comfort. For many people, difficulty breathing through the nose is caused by a deviated septum, and a procedure called septoplasty can offer lasting relief. Septoplasty is a procedure made by an ENT specialist, in which the nasal septum is straightened. Doctify connects patients with trusted ENT specialists who perform septoplasty safely and effectively.
What is a deviated septum?
The nasal septum is the thin wall separating the two nostrils. When it’s crooked, displaced, or deviated one side of the nose becomes narrower, leading to obstruction, affecting sleep. The septoplasty is the surgery indicated in those cases. The most frequent symptoms are difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, frequent congestion or sinus infections, snoring or sleep disturbance, among others. Often the causes are: natural asymmetry, injury, or trauma.
When to consider septoplasty
Septoplasty should be considered in a patient with any of the following:
- Persistent nasal obstruction that doesn’t improve with medication.
- Ongoing sinus infections or headaches linked to poor airflow.
- Mouth breathing or trouble sleeping due to nasal blockage.
- Overall breathing discomfort
- ENT evaluation showing a significant deviated septum.
What happens during septoplasty
Septoplasty is a procedure performed by an ENT specialist under local or general anaesthesia. It usually takes 30–60 minutes and is often done as a day procedure, the patient doesn’t need to stay hospitalized. The ENT specialist straightens or reshapes the nasal septum to restore clear airflow. At the end of the procedure, no visible scarring — all work is done inside the nose. Each case is unique, the ENT specialist will evaluate each case individually and will determine the best for the patient.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the surgery, it is normal for the patient to feel mild discomfort, congestion, or swelling for a few days. It is recommended to include nasal saline sprays to keep passages clean and moist. As well, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and nose-blowing for the first week. Follow-up visits are fundamental to ensure proper healing and breathing improvement.
Benefits of septoplasty
The benefits of septoplasty are multiple, among the most common are:
- Freer, more comfortable breathing through the nose.
- Better sleep and reduced snoring.
- Fewer sinus infections and less nasal congestion.
- Noticeable improvement in breathing
- Long-term improvement in overall quality of life.
Risks and possible side effects
Every procedure has possible risks and side effects. Some short-term risks are bleeding, infection, and mild discomfort. The rare complications can be septal perforation or persistent deviation. Nevertheless, the complications are uncommon when performed by an experienced ENT surgeon.
Combining septoplasty with other procedures
It is important to take into consideration that septoplasty can be paired with other procedures such as, turbinate reduction or rhinoplasty (for cosmetic or functional improvement). ENT specialists can recommend the right approach based on individual anatomy and symptoms.
When to see an ENT specialist
Please consult an ENT specialist if nasal blockage affects sleep, daily comfort, or breathing during exercise, or even if nasal sprays and medications haven’t helped. Doctify makes it easy to book consultations with verified ENT surgeons to assess if septoplasty could help.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Below are some questions you could consider asking to your ENT specialist during the consultation.
- Do I need a septoplasty?
- Will I feel relieved of my symptoms after the surgery?
- Can I consider an additional procedure with the septoplasty?
- Do I need to have a special aftercare?
- Will I have possible side effects?
Conclusion
Chronic nasal obstruction from a deviated septum doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. The most frequent symptoms are difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, frequent congestion or sinus infections, snoring or sleep disturbance. Septoplasty is a procedure made by an ENT specialist, in which the nasal septum is straightened.
Septoplasty should be considered in a patient with any of the following: persistent nasal obstruction that doesn’t improve with medication, ongoing sinus infections or headaches linked to poor airflow, mouth breathing or trouble sleeping due to nasal blockage, overall breathing discomfort, or ENT evaluation showing a significant deviated septum. Septoplasty offers a safe, effective way to restore normal breathing and comfort. You can reach out through Doctify to find an ENT specialist for a personalised consultation and treatment plan.
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Feel free to consult an ENT specialist through Doctify for personalised advice whenever you want, we will be happy to help you! Find the best ENT surgeons in the United Kingdom or search for the best specialists globally:
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Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 14/10/2025
