Septoplasty Sydney
To address concerns with the septum, such as a deviated septum, septoplasty can be performed using techniques that meet the needs of the patient. A septoplasty can improve breathing problems, nasal congestion, allergy symptoms, dryness, recurrent nose bleeds, snoring, facial pain and recurring headaches. It may also be performed for cosmetic purposes, such as addressing asymmetry or over-projection.
The nasal septum consists of a wall of bone and cartilage inside the nose, that separates the left and right chambers. Deviation of the septum is often caused by trauma, however it can be present from birth. A deviated septum can lead to nasal symptoms and potential cosmetic concerns.
A septoplasty alone is generally less extensive than a full rhinoplasty, aiming to correct the deviated septum for improved nasal function and appearance. Septoplasty can be performed independently or as part of a full rhinoplasty, to address the shape of the entire nose.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt regularly performs nose surgery. Understanding your personal needs, he can design the surgery to improve nasal symptoms or address the shape of the nose.
Your consultation at Aesthetic Edge in Sydney
Suitable septoplasty candidates
It’s important to ensure that you are suitable for surgery. To assess your suitability, Dr Hunt may ask questions about your health history, any current health conditions, your reasons for undergoing the procedure and your expectations for the results. Suitable candidates will need to be in good general health and not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.Your procedure plan
A septoplasty will need to be tailored to the needs of each patient. In a detailed procedure plan, the steps of your procedure can be determined, including the techniques that will be used and the incision placements. The procedure can be performed to address a deviated septum, relieve nasal congestion, improve breathing, address uneven nostrils and more. You will discuss your needs and the condition of your nose in detail to help develop your personalised procedure plan.Preparation steps
Preparing for your procedure will be important to minimise risks during your surgery. You may be asked to quit smoking, pause certain medications or supplements, and undergo tests to ensure your suitability for the procedure. You will receive personalised preparation instructions during your consultation.Recovery steps
Dr Hunt will provide you with personalised advice to help you navigate recovery after septoplasty. Your recovery instructions will be designed to minimise risks and support sufficient healing. You will generally need to take some time off from work and get sufficient rest. Keeping the operated area clean will be important to prevent infection and irritation. A full recovery typically takes three to four weeks, but this will depend on the complexity of the procedure and the speed of individual healing.Surgery costs
The costs of your septoplasty will depend on the complexity of your procedure and factors such as total procedure time. After discussing your personalised plan, you will be able to receive a personalised quote, detailing your procedure costs during your consultation.
Once incisions are placed, the skin and tissue of the nose will be lifted to allow access to the nasal septum. The nasal septum can then be addressed, altering the size and orientation. Pieces of the septal cartilage may be cut as needed, and the bone may need to be addressed. Sutures may be used to secure the cartilage in place.
The steps of the procedure will be designed to address your personal concerns. Dr Hunt may address a crooked nose, uneven nostrils, breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, nosebleeds (caused by dryness), an over-projected nose, and prevent recurrent sinusitis.
To complete the procedure, the small incisions are closed with resorbable sutures. You may then require a silicone splint or gauze to help keep the septum in place until it sufficiently heals.
Your surgery may be combined with other procedures, such as a full rhinoplasty, to address your needs. This option will be discussed during your consultation.
The Septoplasty Procedure
The septoplasty procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home on the day of your surgery. However, some patients may choose to be monitored in the hospital overnight.
Your procedure will be performed under general anaesthesia. Dr Hunt will then perform your procedure using the appropriate techniques, as explained during your consultation.
Depending on your individual needs, an open or closed technique will be used. During an open procedure, an incision is placed on the inside of the nose, as well as on the columella, between your nostrils. This may be required for patients needing more extensive septal trimming or other interventions, such as a tip plasty. Dr Hunt commonly uses the closed technique, in which a singular incision is made on the inside of the nostril.
Once incisions are placed, the skin and tissue of the nose will be lifted to allow access to the nasal septum. The nasal septum can then be addressed, altering the size and orientation. Pieces of the septal cartilage may be cut as needed, and the bone may need to be addressed. Sutures may be used to secure the cartilage in place.
Recovery after
septoplasty
What to expect
After septoplasty, you may experience swelling, bruising, numbness and pain around the nose, occasional blood spotting, and a temporary decrease in sense of smell. The upper lip may also feel numb after the procedure.
You will typically need to take about three to five days away from work to rest at home, as most post-surgery symptoms should improve by this time. You will be able to walk on the same day as your procedure, but you should wait until the second day of recovery to resume light activities. Slightly more strenuous exercise, such as jogging and running, can often be resumed about three to four days after surgery. However, contact sports and sports that carry the risk of trauma to the nose should be avoided for several months after the procedure. Trauma to the nose can alter the results of a septoplasty and should be avoided as much as possible.
Generally, a full recovery after the procedure will take about three to four weeks, with most of the post-surgery symptoms subsiding by six weeks. Swelling may take longer to subside.
Recovery instructions
Your recovery instructions may include to:- Try to sleep with your head elevated
- Avoid scratching or rubbing your nose
- Try to sneeze with your mouth open
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
- Avoid excessive heat exposure
- Pause certain medications or supplements
- Keep incision sites clean
- Take three to five days off from work
- Resume light activities on the second day of recovery
- Avoid jogging and running until day three or four of recovery
- Avoid contact sports until advised by Dr Hunt
Costs of Deviated Septum Surgery in Sydney
The costs of a septoplasty will depend on the details of your personalised procedure. The procedure may use a variety of techniques, depending on your needs. During a consultation at Aesthetic Edge, you will be able to discuss your procedure plan in detail, which will determine your procedure costs.
Generally, a septoplasty will cost less than a full rhinoplasty, as it is less extensive and will require less time spent in the operating theatre. However, costs will depend on each individual’s needs and the complexity of your procedure.
Surgery costs will include:
- Surgeon fees
- Hospital fees
- Anaesthesia fees
- Recovery fees (such as costs for items needed during recovery)
Combining procedures
If your septoplasty is combined with another procedure, this will factor into your surgery costs. You can discuss your procedure plan and your options in further detail with Dr Hunt.Medicare
If your septoplasty is performed for medical reasons, such as to correct a deviated septum that may be causing other issues (difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, pain and other symptoms), you may be eligible for Medicare cover. Medicare cover will cover a portion of your surgery costs. Eligibility to apply for Medicare cover will require meeting certain criteria. You can discuss your eligibility during your consultation, as well as the process for applying.Private health insurance
If your procedure is medically necessary, you may be able to be partially covered by your private health insurance provider for a portion of your costs. We recommend checking the details of your cover before undergoing your procedure.Risks and complications
The potential risks and complications of a septoplasty can include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Infection
- Pain or discomfort
- ccasional spot bleeding
- Temporarily decreased sense of smell
- Inflammation of the sinuses
- Perforation of the septum
- Changes in nasal shape
- Anaesthesia risks
- The need for revision surgery
Before & After Septoplasty
