Surgery Recovery Septoplasty Guide Septoplasty Guide Overview Purpose How to Prepare What to Expect Recovery Long-Term Care Septoplasty: Long-Term Care By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael is a freelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 02, 2022 Medically reviewed by Maria M. LoTempio, MD Medically reviewed by Maria M. LoTempio, MD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Maria M. LoTempio, MD, is double board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology. She is an associate clinical professor at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Benefits of Surgery Possible Future Surgeries Lifestyle Adjustments Next in Septoplasty Guide Septoplasty: Overview 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 healthcare provider or 911. Lifestyle Adjustments The cartilage and bone that make up the septum are fragile—especially in the healing period after surgery. Your healthcare provider 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 healthcare provider'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. 1 Source 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. By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael is a freelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit