A Guide to Septum Surgery and Recovery

If you have a deviated septum, then it can make it hard to breathe. But is it something that you need to fix? It is a thin wall of bone and cartilage in the center of your nose that separates the nostrils. And as you might imagine, if this is a little more than off-center, then it will be classed as a deviated septum, which can lead to problems. It could be something that you were born with but could also be something that happened as a result of a nose injury.

If you have a deviated septum then it could be doing some damage, like blocking one or both of your nostrils. When this happens, it makes it very hard to breathe through your nose, so surgery might be a consideration. If you have this, then a stuffy nose can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to painful inflammation and even infection. So, in this instance septum surgery is a must. Speaking to an ENT doctor can help you decide the pros and cons, but what happens after having surgery on your nose?

Your septum surgey recovery

After any kind of surgery, you are going to have some swelling. But after septum surgery, you are going to have swelling around your nose, as well as your upper lip, cheeks and even around your eyes, as it is all in the same kind of area on the face. You are likely to feel sore and even have some bleeding and you may feel some numbness on your nose; you have had a major surgery after all. The feeling will return quite quickly after surgery, as well as your sense of smell coming back once you are healed. 

Knowing how much time off you’d need from school or work is always a good idea, so what does it look like? You are likely to be back to your normal routine in around three weeks, but it will vary depending on the job and how active you are. A desk job will be quicker to get back to compared to a physical job like being a decorator or plumber. A full recovery is about a month, but it can be a little longer for some. Some things to help the process are:

• It is important to rest when you feel tired, as getting plenty of sleep is something that will aid your recovery. It is important to remember that you shouldn’t lie flat. Instead, use a few pillows to prop you up and it can help to reduce any swelling. 
• It is a good idea to avoid strenuous activities, like running or weightlifting for at least a week after surgery. Your ENT doctor can advise on this as all cases can be different.
• The good news is that you can eat your diet as normal. But if you are feeling sensitive, or have an upset stomach, then bland foods are your best option. 
• An important note to remember is that you shouldn’t be taking aspirin or any medicine that contains aspirin. Anti-inflammatory medicine should also be avoided, unless your ENT doctor has advised you otherwise.