Is recovery after septoplasty painful?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes the constituent cartilage and bone of the septum which divides the two nostrils. Septoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is done with smaller, lesser incision and is much less complicated.

Recovering from septoplasty done with minimally invasive techniques is more comfortable and faster and does not require too much work. There is usually pain and swelling inside the nose after a septoplasty, but in most cases, it is manageable by medication. The post-surgery follow-up visits would help your doctor to monitor your recovery and detect causes of concerns if any. By following the directives given by the doctor and having regular follow-ups, you can ensure a speedy, safe, and comfortable recovery.

What to expect during recovery after septoplasty?

Congestion, inflammation, and pain in the nose are common symptoms in recovery from septoplasty. There is no facial bruising and swelling, or cosmetic changes to the shape of the nose. For a few days after the surgery, it is normal to feel exhausted, so you should take sufficient rest for at least the first week and not engage in work or social plans. Because of the swelling in the nose, you might feel discomfort or itching, but one of the most important things to keep in mind for the first week of recovery is to not blow your nose.

You should also avoid bending, jumping, running, or lifting heavy stuff for around a week. It is crucial to steer off of smoking after a septoplasty, and it is equally important to follow all the instructions given by the doctor. Some of the instructions and directives you would receive are listed ahead.

What are some important instructions I should follow for septoplasty recovery?

Septoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure and does not involve any large incisions, stitches, or blood loss. The procedure offers a quick, hassle-free, and more comfortable recovery as compared to traditional surgeries. Septoplasty recovery takes a few weeks, but symptoms like swelling, inflammation, and pain subside with each passing day. You must go for all your follow-up visits because colds and sinus infections are common occurrences after a septoplasty.

Some important instructions that can help move along the septoplasty recovery are listed as follows.

  • You should avoid breathing through your nose after a septoplasty. This can be a little uncomfortable and hard to adapt to, but it is important to give the nose time to heal.
  • Make sure you don’t blow your nose. Itching and discomfort in the nose may cause a tendency to blow your nose, but doing so can disrupt the tissue and fluid build in your nose and disrupt the healing process, and may trigger a searing pain too.
  • You should not wear glasses as they put pressure on the nose bridge. You could replace your glasses with a pair of contact lenses during the recovery.
  • Take all the prescribed medication and painkillers in time. The pills might make you a little drowsy, but taking them as per your doctor’s instructions will help the recovery from septoplasty.
  • Keeping your head elevated above your heart level is very important during the first few days. A rush of blood to your face can increase swelling in your nose. You can use a few pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping.
  • Ensure regular usage of the doctor-prescribed nasal spray to keep your nose moist and avoid bleeding.
  • Don’t go to higher altitudes or take flights during your septoplasty recovery. Pressure fluctuations caused by altitude changes can cause increased swelling and bleeding in your nose.

How painful is the deviated septum surgery?

The pain threshold of every patient is different. After-effects like facial bruising and swelling are rare in a septoplasty recovery, but there may be some pain. Some common post-surgery effects include swelling and inflammation inside the nose. Such soreness can cause discomfort and difficulty in breathing, but it subsides in about two weeks. For some, the post-surgery pain is manageable with the help of some prescribed pain killers.

The removal of nasal packing from the nose, which is done in follow-up appointments can be quite painful as the fluids and tissue growing inside the nose stick to the traditionally used packing materials. Disposable packing is much more beneficial in this respect, as it helps the nose to heal faster and is gradually absorbed by the body. Therefore, with the use of disposable packing, the pain of removal of packing can be avoided which makes the overall recovery from septoplasty much more convenient.

Final Words

Recovery from septoplasty can last up to a few weeks, but patience and diligence towards the directives can greatly help you to recover quickly and safely without much hassle. It is necessary to follow the instructions and key precautions given by the doctor to ensure the best outcome and least inconvenience.  In the entire time of the recovery, it is important to be patient. Your body needs time to heal, and rushing the recovery process could do more harm than good.

Attending all the follow-ups can help the doctor recognize the development of infections or complications if any.

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