How was your recovery post septoplasty?

[sha160528]

Hi,

Just been given a date for my septoplasty surgery. Wondering what the recovery was like for others? How soon could you go back to work? Did the surgery change the cosmetic look of your nose at all?

Thanks

I had one 3 years ago. Recovery was pretty smooth. In the immediate aftermath there was a lot of blood/phlegm which was a bit disgusting, but the pain wasn't too bad. Frequent washing /rinsing of the nose cavity with sterile saline helped a lot. I was off work (office based) for 2 weeks, which surprised me. I hadn't expected to need to be off so long. Friends tell me my nose has slightly changed shape, but I don't see it. However, my breathing is 100% improved , so it was definitely worth it. I don't regret it one bit.

@Auroraborealisnorthernlights Thank you for your response. Did you need two weeks off due to the pain or just physical appearance? How long did you need a bandage for?

Did your voice change at all? I sound quite nasally. Wondering it it’ll help with that too?

I was really woozy after the anaesthetic, and felt a bit spaced out for a few days. Physical appearance was fine. I wore a nasal bolster bandage for a few days and gradually built up confidence not to wear it once the risk of slight bleeding had stopped. I was well warned that doing too much could cause a massive bleed which would be an emergency, so I made an effort to take it easy. Which, actually, was quite nice! I don't think my voice has changed. I hope your op goes well. I was warned that sometimes the septum can move back, and the op has to be redone. If that ever happens to me I'd get it done again in a heartbeat, due to how beneficial it has been for me, and the smooth recovery.

@Auroraborealisnorthernlights It’s lovely to hear such a positive story. Could you tell your septum was deviated prior to the op? My nose is slightly crooked and I hope that having it corrected fixes that a bit. The sides of my nose are also swollen (think they’re called the turbinates which the consultant said would need to be reduced?

I was unable to breathe properly, especially when sleeping, and when exercising I couldn't get enough air. I was worried it was my heart/lungs but when I saw the Dr he suggested my septum might be the culprit. I also had the turbinate reduction.