Septoplasty Sydney NSW
Septoplasty can help with breathing problems
Troubles with breathing may indicate that you might have a deviated nasal septum
The nasal septum is the wall inside your nose that separates the two nasal chambers or nostrils into left and right. Nose Septal deviation is a common concern, usually a result of trauma, though it can be present from birth. In addition to the annoying nasal symptoms, a large or deviated septum can cause cosmetic concerns. It’s one of the causes of a crooked and over-projecting nose. Nose Surgery to address a deviated septum or reduce it is called nose septum surgery or septoplasty.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon regularly performing nose surgery. Dr Hunt can address septal deviation to improve nasal symptoms and the shape of your nose.
Learn more about nasal septum surgery, how it’s done, its costs, and what results you can expect.
Rhinoplasty
What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a type of surgery that reshapes the nasal septum. It’s also called septal deviation surgery, septum surgery or nasal septum correction. It can be done as an independent procedure or part of a full rhinoplasty to address the shape of your whole nose. In most cases, the septal deviation is caused by trauma. This can be during birth and would become more apparent as they grow up.
The nasal septum is a wall of bone and cartilage that separates the inner nose chamber into the left and right chambers. The nasal septum is made of:
- A hard bony part: The upper and posterior portion of the nasal septum is made of tough bone (Ethmoid and Verum bones)
- A soft cartilage part: The anterior and lower portion of the septum is made of cartilage – a flexible, firm type of tissue (same firmness as the tip of your nose). This part extends to the end at the columella, the tissue column between your nasal opening.
In general, septoplasty alone is less extensive compared to a full rhinoplasty. Therefore, it involves fewer risks, faster recovery, and less downtime. Septum surgery can help to improve the appearance of the nose and the way you breathe.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Who Needs Septoplasty?
Septoplasty may be performed for cosmetic reasons such as an over-projecting nose or crooked nose or to address nasal symptoms. If you have a deviated septum, you may consider undergoing a surgical correction if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Crooked, uneven nose
- Recurrent nose bleeds
- Dry nose with crusting
- Recurrent allergies
- Very bad allergy symptoms
- Stuffy, congested nose
- Nasal voice
- Snoring at night
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial pain and recurrent headaches
Septal deviation is one of the most common causes of uncomfortable nasal symptoms. The uneven septum disturbs the natural airflow dynamics in the nose. This leads to obstruction and excessive dryness of the nasal mucosa. Dry mucosa crusts, bleeds and itches frequently. Moreover, nasal septum deviation can block your sinus outlets. It can lead to recurrent sinusitis, headaches, and excessive allergy symptoms. So, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms a septoplasty may help.
Why Consider a Septoplasty?
A Septoplasty may help:
- Address a crooked deviated nose
- Address uneven nostrils
- Improve breathing
- Relieve nasal congestion and stuffiness
- Stop nosebleeds caused by dry nose
- Fix an over-projected nose
- Help prevent recurrent sinusitis
- It can be combined with full rhinoplasty to alter the shape of the nose
- Less intensive than full rhinoplasty
- Less recovery time and fewer symptoms compared to a full rhinoplasty
Septoplasty may also change the appearance of your whole face. Moreover, it may help relieve the nasal symptoms associated with nasal obstruction.
How Is Septoplasty Performed?
Septoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. This means that you can usually go back home on the same day but may choose to stay overnight in Hospital.
Septum deviation surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia, which means that you will be put to sleep during the whole operation.
Here’s how the septum deviation correction is performed:
- After anaesthesia, Dr Hunt starts with an incision in the nose. In most cases, Dr Hunt usually uses the “closed technique” for septoplasty. This is when the incision is made inside the nostril.
- Sometimes, however, Dr Hunt uses an “open technique” for septal correction. This is when an extra incision is made on the columella between your nostrils. This is more common in patients who need more excessive septal trimming and possibly other interventions (e.g., tip plasty, alarplasty, nasal bridge reduction, nose lift). This type of procedure is called a Septoprhinoplasty.
- After that, Dr Hunt lifts the nose skin and tissue to better see your nasal septum on the inside.
- He will then address the nasal septum to achieve an appropriate orientation and size. Dr Hunt will cut pieces of the septal cartilage and, sometimes, even the bone. In some cases, he might use sutures to fix the cartilage in place.
- Once Dr Hunt is satisfied with the shape, size, and orientation of the nasal septum, he will close the small wounds. He uses resorbable sutures.
- Sometimes, your nose might be packed with gauze or a silicone splint to maintain the septum in place until it heals properly.
After septum correction surgery, you will be woken up and taken to your room to recover.
Recovery After Septum Deviation Surgery
Septoplasty has a less intensive recovery when compared to full rhinoplasty. Septal deviation correction is less invasive and usually does not involve breaking nasal bones. Therefore, you can expect to recover faster and with fewer symptoms. Normal recovery symptoms and side effects of septoplasty include:
- Occasional blood spotting
- Pain around the nose
- Swelling and Bruising
- Decreased sense of smell for a while
- Some Numbness around the nose and upper lip
Full recovery usually takes 3-4 weeks. However, you can resume your daily activities much earlier. You can usually go back to your job after 3-5 days. By then, most of the symptoms will have significantly improved. You can start walking on the same day of septoplasty. Light activities can be resumed as of the second day. Running and jogging can be resumed 3-4 days after your procedure. Contact sports and risky traumatic sports (e.g., football, basketball, swimming) should be avoided for several months. Be careful – trauma to the nose after a septoplasty can alter the results.
Download Dr Hunt's Guide
Rhinoplasty Guide
The rhinoplasty guide has been created by Dr Hunt and his team as a useful tool to help you plan and consider these procedures.
Throughout the guide, we will discuss the ins and outs of different types of surgery what makes a suitable candidate, pre-surgery planning answers to the most frequently asked questions received from patients.
Real Patient Results for Septoplasty Surgery
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
See more actual patient photos of Septoplasty Surgery performed at our Edgecliff & Wollongong Clinics by our Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt.
Septoplasty Cost Sydney - How much does Septoplasty surgery cost in Sydney?
Septoplasty usually costs less than a full rhinoplasty. However, the costs of septal correction are variable. What you’ll pay depends on many factors, such as the type of surgery you have (open vs. closed), location of the hospital and whether or not you want to have a full rhinoplasty with septoplasty.
Dr Hunt’s team will provide a quote of the costs after your first consultation. Please call for an estimate.
Is Septoplasty covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
Medicare and insurance may partially cover the cost of your septoplasty in many cases. Since septal deviation can lead to many uncomfortable symptoms, surgical correction is usually considered a medical necessity.
Find out more about possible Medicare & Health Fund coverage, a Septoplasty Surgery Payment Plan, or the costs for nose surgery on our Surgical Costs page.
Septoplasty with Dr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Hunt prides himself on providing the most appropriate techniques and practices for all patients, which begins from the first consultation.
Join the thousands of past patients today by booking a consultation with Dr Hunt at your earliest convenience.
Next Step – Fill in the Enquiry form or call Dr Hunt’s Team on 02 9327 1733.
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Browse our FAQs page
Book Your First Consultation
- Your Surgeon Consultation Fee is $400
- You will need a Referral from your GP
- Phone the team or email to Book your consultation
Prepare for your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information.
- Take lots of notes and read the documents provided.
- Dress in simple clothes as you may need to undress.
- Bring your GP Referral and your test results.
FAQs for Septoplasty Surgery
What are some recovery tips for septoplasty?
After septoplasty, you should try to sleep with your head elevated. Avoid scratching your nose. If you must sneeze, then do so with your mouth open. You can use wrapped ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
Does septoplasty change nose shape?
Yes. One of the outcomes of a septoplasty is that shape and appearance of the nose.
How long is septoplasty recovery?
You can usually get back to work 3-5 days after septoplasty. Most post op symptoms will resolve by 3-6 weeks after the procedure. Some swelling might remain for several months afterward but will eventually go away on its own.
Does septoplasty leave a scar?
If done using a closed technique, the incision will be inside the nose. If done with an open technique, the incision will be at the bottom of the columella and will be hidden in the natural skin fold (where the columella meets the upper lip).
Can a deviated septum cause loss of sense of smell?
Some patients with deviated septum suffer from a reduced sense of smell. This can be a result of obstruction or over-dryness of the nasal mucosa caused by septal deviation.
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PLASTIC SURGEON SYDNEY
About Dr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Hunt has worked with thousands of patients across his 20-year career. This is reflected in his role as Spokesperson for the ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr Hunt is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Dr Hunt has a strong interest in helping his patients achieve their desired results by employing the most appropriate practices for each individual patient.
