Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps to straighten the septum.
Many people suffer from a deviated nasal septum either from injury or as a birth defect, and often it can cause breathing problems, impact the shape of your nose, and cause nasal blockages to form more easily. The nasal septum is situated within (inside) the nose, separating your nostrils and two sides of your nose; it is mostly made from cartilage and bone. A deviated septum occurs when this structure is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other.
Symptoms of a deviated septum may include difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, nasal congestion, recurrent nosebleeds, and frequent sinus infections.
Although a septoplasty is typically used to straighten the deviated septum, it might also be used to:
- allow access to remove nasal polyps
- allow access to treat chronic sinusitis
- stop chronic nosebleeds
- as part of a procedure to straighten both the inside and outside of the nose (a septorhinoplasty procedure)
Consultants who perform Septoplasty
How Much Does Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty) Cost?
from £2,495*
The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. Doesn’t include surgeon or anaesthetist fee. Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
| Deviated septum correction surgery costs £2,495 at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital |
| Deviated septum correction surgery with turbinate reduction costs £2,935 at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital |
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
Before booking a septoplasty, you’ll need an initial consultation with an ENT consultant. At this appointment, the doctor will examine your nasal passage, check for any holes in the septum, assess facial pain, and explore non-surgical options for relieving your symptoms. Surgery is considered a last resort and will only be recommended if your symptoms warrant it. If approved, your consultant will schedule the surgery and provide you with pre-operative instructions, including any necessary medication adjustments.
Before surgery, you may be advised to stop taking medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and certain herbal supplements, as these can affect blood clotting. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your medical history.
A septoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 30 to 90 minutes. Most procedures are done using a closed technique, with all incisions made inside the nostrils to avoid visible scarring. The surgeon lifts the mucous membrane, removes or repositions any deviated parts of the septum, and then sutures the membrane back in place. Soft silicone splints or nasal packing may be used to support healing.
After the procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery centre while the anaesthesia wears off. You may experience a sense of stuffiness in your ears, nose, and throat. Minor bleeding and drainage are normal in the first few days, and your surgeon will advise you on how to manage these symptoms.
In the days following surgery, you should avoid nose blowing, hot drinks, sneezing through your nose (opt to sneeze through your mouth instead), touching your nose, strenuous activity, heavy lifting, straining, and bending over. These precautions help minimise bleeding and swelling.
Swelling and bruising should reduce gradually over the first few weeks, though recovery times can vary. Your surgeon will guide you on when you can resume normal activities, including exercise. While some benefits may be felt early, full healing and the complete results of septoplasty may take several months.
Most septoplasty operations are done as a day case. This means that you may be able to go home on the same day as your operation, a couple of hours after the general anaesthetic has worn off, as long as you feel well enough.
If a splint has been put inside your nose, this should usually stay in place for one week. The doctor will remove this splint when you go to the clinic. You will be given pain medication if you need it.
You should take two weeks off work to recover from this procedure, especially if you work in a dusty environment or if your work requires physical activity such as lifting heavy boxes.
You can ask for a sick note if you need one.
You can take a shower and wash your hair, but please be careful to use lukewarm (instead of hot) water for the first 48 hours to reduce the risk of a nosebleed.
Avoid any strenuous exercise such as weight training, jogging, keep-fit classes, etc., for two weeks after the operation.
It is important to remember that after this surgery the nose will be weak for a couple of months. Any bumps to your nose could make the septum move back out of place. No contact sports, such as rugby or football, should be played at this time.
Avoid smoky places. Cigarette smoke will irritate the inside of the nose and delay healing. We advise you don’t smoke before or after your surgery. For advice on how to quit smoking, please contact your GP or local pharmacist.
We recommend that you do not fly for 14 days after your operation.
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