Septoplasty & Turbinate Reduction

Septoplasty straightens a deviated nasal septum — the partition between the nostrils — while turbinate reduction shrinks the swollen ridges on the side walls of the nose. Together they relieve a long-standing blocked nose. The work is done through the nostrils with no external scar. At Allergy Asthma Foundation it is carried out by an experienced team using current equipment and protocols, with clear information given before, during and after so that you know what to expect at every stage.

This page explains why the procedure is done, how to prepare, what happens on the day, and what recovery and follow-up involve. Your own consultant will go through the details that apply to your situation and answer any questions before you agree to go ahead.

Why it is done

Septoplasty and turbinate reduction is usually recommended for one or more of the following reasons:

• A blocked nose from a bent septum that has not responded to sprays
• Persistently swollen turbinates causing congestion despite medical treatment
• Difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose
• Recurrent nosebleeds or sinus infections linked to the blockage
• Poor sleep or mouth-breathing from nasal obstruction

It is only offered when the expected benefit clearly outweighs the risks, and the decision is always made together with you. If a simpler test or treatment would answer the question or relieve the problem, that is tried first.

How to prepare

• You will have a pre-admission check of your fitness for anaesthesia, including blood tests and, where needed, an ECG.
• Tell the team about every medicine you take, especially blood thinners, and follow the instructions on which to pause and when.
• Do not eat for six hours before the operation; small sips of water are usually allowed until two hours before.
• Arrange for an adult to take you home and stay with you for the first night.
• Stop smoking as far in advance as you can — it lowers the risk of chest and wound problems.

What happens on the day

1. You are admitted on the day and given a general anaesthetic.
2. An incision is made inside the nose and the bent cartilage and bone of the septum are straightened or trimmed.
3. The turbinates are reduced using heat, a shaver or careful trimming.
4. The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches and soft internal splints or packing may be placed.
5. You recover on the ward and usually go home the same day.

After the procedure

Your nose will feel blocked for one to two weeks while swelling settles and crusts clear with saline rinses. Any splints are removed at the first follow-up. Avoid nose-blowing, straining and contact sport for two to three weeks.

You will be given written instructions covering activity, wound or puncture-site care where relevant, which medicines to restart and when, and the warning signs that mean you should contact us or attend the emergency department. A follow-up appointment or a phone review is arranged before you leave.

Benefits and risks

The main benefit is a clear answer or effective treatment that changes what happens next — a firm diagnosis, a blocked passage reopened, symptoms brought under control, or a condition safely monitored over time. For most people the procedure is straightforward and complications are uncommon.

No procedure is entirely without risk. The ones to be aware of for this treatment include:

• Bleeding in the first two weeks, occasionally needing attention
• Infection or a collection of blood in the septum, which is treated promptly
• A small hole in the septum, or a nose that is still somewhat blocked
• Temporary numbness of the upper front teeth or the nasal tip

The team is trained and equipped to recognise and manage these, and the consent discussion covers how likely each is in your case and what is done to reduce it.

Results and follow-up

There is no result to wait for; the benefit — easier breathing through the nose — becomes clear over the weeks after surgery and is assessed at follow-up. Your consultant explains what the result means in the context of your symptoms and examination, and sets out the next step — reassurance and discharge, a change of treatment, a further test, or a planned review. With your consent a summary is sent to your family doctor so that everyone caring for you is working from the same plan.

Questions patients ask

Do I need a referral?

You can book a consultation directly to discuss whether septoplasty and turbinate reduction is right for you. The procedure itself is arranged by the consultant after that discussion, once you have had time to consider it.

Will it hurt?

Discomfort is kept to a minimum with local anaesthetic, sedation or pain relief as appropriate to the procedure. The team will tell you exactly what you are likely to feel and will stop or pause if you need them to.

How long will I be at the hospital?

Most people are in and out within a few hours; where an overnight stay or a longer recovery is expected, that is explained clearly when the procedure is booked so you can plan around it.

To arrange septoplasty and turbinate reduction at your nearest AAF centre, book a consultation online or request a callback. Please bring a list of your current medicines and any previous test results or discharge summaries.