Surgical Information
Septoplasty is typically performed on patients with the inability to breathe through their nose due to a deviated (or crooked) septum. The septum is the cartilage and bone that divides the left and right nasal breathing passages. Septoplasty surgery may be combined with reduction of the inner swellings on either side of the inner nasal passage (called inferior turbinates). It can also be combined with additional nasal procedures to improve your nasal breathing
TWO WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY: Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for two weeks prior to surgery. Medications in this family include: aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, naproxen, Celebrex and others. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding. Also, discontinue all homeopathic alternative medicines such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, fish oil, dong quai, feverfew or ginseng. These too may increase bleeding.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an NSAID, therefore, can be taken prior to surgery.
BLEEDING/NASAL PACKING: When you wake up from surgery, you may have packing inside your nose. This is typically removed in 3-5 days. It is typical to experience some mild bloody discharge down the back of the throat or out the front of the nose for a few days. If it is heavy bleeding, please notify us immediately.
Post-operative Care After Septoplasty (With or Without Inferior Turbinoplasty)
- You should anticipate a visit to our office during three to five days after surgery. Additional visits will be arranged as determined by you and your surgeon.
- Please avoid lifting more than 15 pounds. Also, do not bend over for a long period of time, or strain heavily for one to two weeks following surgery since this may promote bleeding. Avoid vigorous exercise and activity until healing is completed.
- Do not resume aspirin containing products or NSAIDs for at least one week after surgery.
- If you need to cough or sneeze, please do so with an open mouth since this will help prevent excessive postoperative bleeding. You may blow your nose gently beginning a few days after surgery.
- Use a saline nasal spray (Ocean Nasal Spray, Simply Saline, etc.) frequently to help cleanse your nose and keep the crusting in the nose soft. In addition, bacitracin antibiotic ointment can be applied inside both nostrils with a Q-Tip two times a day for a week or two after surgery.
- Keeping your head elevated while sleeping will help to reduce the swelling within your nose.