Septoplasty involves straightening the nasal septum, the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose into two sides. It is commonly recommended when a deviated septum, present from birth or caused by an injury, leads to difficulty breathing, a blocked nose, recurrent nosebleeds or frequent sinus infections. It can also be used to allow access to remove nasal polyps or treat chronic sinusitis, or combined with surgery to reshape the outside of the nose (septorhinoplasty).
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes 30 to 90 minutes. It’s usually carried out using a closed technique, with all incisions made inside the nostrils so there’s no visible scarring. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer this treatment to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Who is Septoplasty suitable for?
- Persistent difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Recurrent nosebleeds or frequent sinus infections linked to a deviated septum
- Symptoms that haven’t improved with nasal sprays or other medical treatment
- Patients needing septal correction to allow access for other nasal or sinus surgery, or as part of a septorhinoplasty
Your ENT consultant will examine your nose and discuss your symptoms before recommending whether septoplasty is the right option for you.
Consultants who perform Septoplasty
How Much Does Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty) Cost?
from £2,625*
The cost of private deviated septum surgery starts from £2,625* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
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Deviated septum correction surgery |
£2,625* |
|---|---|
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Deviated septum correction surgery with turbinate reduction |
£3,075* |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Septoplasty
Deviated septum surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £2,625*, or from £3,075* if it’s combined with turbinate reduction. Your consultant will confirm a personalised quote following your consultation.
You’ll have a consultation with an ENT consultant, who will ask about your symptoms and examine the inside of your nose, often with a small camera. They’ll also consider whether treatments such as nasal sprays have helped, and confirm whether septoplasty is likely to improve your breathing before agreeing a plan with you.
Your consultant will give you specific instructions, but you’ll usually be asked to stop smoking beforehand, avoid medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen in the run-up to surgery, and fast for a set time before your general anaesthetic. It’s also worth arranging for someone to take you home afterwards.
Septoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes 30 to 90 minutes. Most procedures use a closed technique, with all incisions made inside the nostrils to avoid visible scarring. The surgeon lifts the lining of the septum, then removes or repositions the deviated cartilage and bone to straighten it, sometimes alongside turbinate reduction.
You’ll wake up in the recovery area, and your nose will feel blocked and stuffy, with some mild discomfort and a little blood-stained discharge, which is normal. You may have small splints or soft packing inside your nose, and pain relief will be provided. Some people also have a sore throat from the anaesthetic.
For the first week or so, avoid blowing your nose, and if you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open. Avoid strenuous activity, keep your head raised when resting, and take care not to bump your nose. Your surgeon will give you specific advice, including on any saline rinses or sprays.
Most people feel much better within one to two weeks, though congestion and swelling can take several weeks to settle. You’ll usually notice your breathing improve as this happens, with the full benefit apparent within a few months.
Septoplasty is usually carried out as a day case, so most patients go home the same day once they’ve recovered from the anaesthetic. Occasionally an overnight stay is recommended.
Most people take around one to two weeks off work, depending on their job. If you have a desk-based role you may return sooner, while physically demanding work may need a little longer.
Usually yes, within a day or two, but it’s best to keep the water lukewarm and avoid very hot showers or steam for the first week or so, and to keep any splints dry. Your surgeon will confirm what’s right for you.
Gentle walking is usually fine from the day after surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise for around two to four weeks, and contact sports for longer, until your surgeon confirms it’s safe, as a knock to the nose could affect your results.
It’s best to avoid smoking both before and after surgery, as it slows healing and increases the risk of complications. If you’d like support to stop, your care team can point you in the right direction.
You’ll usually be advised to wait around one to two weeks before flying, as changes in cabin pressure can cause discomfort or bleeding while your nose is healing. Please check with your surgeon before booking travel.
Nasal steroid sprays, saline rinses and treating any allergies can help ease congestion, but they can’t straighten a deviated septum. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms persist despite these measures, and your consultant will talk you through the options.
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Medically reviewed by Mr Jonathan Fishman - BM BCh (Oxon) BA (Hons) MA (Cantab) PhD MRCS (Eng) DOHNS FHEA FRCS (ORL-HNS) on 27/02/2024