Ear, Nose & Throat Treatment Septoplasty: Long-Term Care By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael is a freelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio. Learn about our editorial process Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD on September 02, 2020 facebook linkedin William Truswell, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is president of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Learn about our Medical Review Board William Truswell, MD on September 02, 2020 Print More in Ear, Nose & Throat Treatment Diagnosis Coping ENT Disorders Pediatric ENT Disorders In This Article Table of Contents Expand Benefits of Surgery Possible Future Surgeries Lifestyle Adjustments View All Back To Top As with any surgery, the steps you take after a septoplasty can be as important as the surgery itself. Find out how to care for yourself after septoplasty surgery. Septoplasty—a surgery to correct a crooked or deviated septum—may be a fairly simple procedure, but it carries risks. Find how to promote a good recovery and make the best of your surgery. Motortion / iStock / Getty Images Benefits of Surgery A septoplasty is a surgery used to correct a deviated or crooked septum. While abnormalities in the septum are fairly common, the problem really only requires surgery when it interferes with breathing or creates other serious problems. After surgery, you may experience better sleep, less snoring, and improved breathing. Follow your surgeon's instructs on activity restrictions, especially heavy lifting, to improve your long-term recovery and avoid complications. Possible Future Surgeries Sometimes, one surgery is not enough to correct a deviated septum. In some cases, cartilage and nasal tissue can slip after surgery, blocking the nasal passage. This can cause breathing problems or other issues. When the problem is severe, you may need a second septoplasty to repair or reshape the septum again. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911. Lifestyle Adjustments The cartilage and bone that make up the septum are fragile—especially in the healing period after surgery. Your doctor will make several recommendations to optimize your healing after surgery. These may include: Taking one to two weeks off of work or schoolAvoiding lifting anything over 20 pounds or straining for at least 10 days after your surgeryNot blowing your nose or causing other strain to the nasal passage for at least 10 days after surgeryPreventing excessive force or motion around your nose during the healing process—this may include avoiding sports or certain exercises A Word From Verywell A good recovery period is key to a successful septoplasty. Be sure to follow your doctor's orders when it comes to activity restrictions, and keep in mind that you could require a second surgery if you continue to experience problems. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What should I expect after a septoplasty? 2020.