The septoplasty procedure

Septoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure where the patient can be discharged on the same day. The procedure can be executed under local or general anesthesia:

• • Local anesthesia: where the patient undergoes the operation while is awake
  • General anesthesia: where the patient is sedated during the procedure

During the procedure, the surgeon enters the nose through one of the nostrils aiming to correct the deviated septum, and removing any extra bones or cartilage, and realigning the septum in the middle of the nose.

According to the condition of the patient, the surgeon may insert packing in the nose to stop bleeding, and to prevent further hemorrhage. Splints also may be inserted to support the septum for a brief period postoperatively.

A stitch or two may be needed during the surgery, and those stitches will be dissolved on their own later during the healing process.