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How long does it take to recover from a deviated septum surgery?

Author

Emma Martin

Published Mar 14, 2026

How long does it take to recover from a deviated septum surgery?

The septum is the cartilage that divides the nose into two nostrils. Septoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure, so most patients can go home the day of surgery. Swelling may last two to three days, but full recovery may take up to three months.

Is fixing a deviated septum worth it?

Answer: Generally, a deviated septum that causes minor symptoms doesn’t require treatment. But whether it’s worth getting fixed is your decision. If your symptoms aren’t bothersome and don’t interfere with your quality of life, then the risk of treatment may be more than the benefit.

Can you breathe better after deviated septum surgery?

During septoplasty, your nasal septum is repositioned to the middle of your nose. This may require your surgeon to cut and remove parts of your nasal septum before reinserting them in the proper position. Once a septoplasty is healed, you’ll likely find it’s easier to breathe.

How painful is a septoplasty?

Following the surgery, the patient is transported to the recovery room where they are observed for approximately 1-2 hours. They are then transferred to the day surgery unit where they allowed to visit with their family and friends, have something to drink and eat, get out of bed, and go to the restroom.

How painful is a deviated septum surgery?

There is usually little pain after surgery. If you experience discomfort, your surgeon may suggest over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen. People who’ve had septoplasty can expect very little swelling in the days after surgery.

What happens if you don’t fix deviated septum?

An untreated deviated septum can cause obstructive sleep apnea. When left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, worsening of ADHD and headaches.

Do they break your nose to fix a deviated septum?

And since no nasal bones need to be broken during surgery, there’s no need for the surgeon to use packing in your nose. Most patients are able to return to work and their normal activities within five to seven days.

Can deviated septum get worse with age?

It’s actually possible to have a deviated septum and not even know it until you get older. That’s because this condition can worsen as you get older and your nasal structures change. Your nose changes just like other parts of your body. The nasal cartilage can become softer, weaker and brittle over time.

How long will my teeth hurt after septoplasty?

Sometimes, sensation can take weeks or even months to return. Temporary numbness or pain in these teeth postoperatively is common, but it almost always resolves within several months.

Do they pack your nose after deviated septum surgery?

Any stitches that are used dissolve on their own within a few days. Our surgeons rarely use nasal packing after surgery. You should expect some swelling around the nose for two or three days, and may elect to miss a few days of work or school while the nose heals. There is usually little pain after surgery.

How do you sleep after septoplasty?

Sleep with the head of the bed elevated until all the dressings have been removed from the nose. To accomplish this, place two (2) or three (3) pillows under the head of the mattress and one (1) or two (2) on top of it. Try not to roll over on your nose.

How much would it cost to fix a deviated septum?

Deviated Septum Surgery Cost. Surgery costs will be in the range of $2100 at the minimum end and $7,210 at the higher end. If you wish to reduce costs, choose a clinic in a location away from the city. Opting out of additional options that are not really needed will reduce costs further.

Is surgery the only way to fix a deviated septum?

Surgery is the only way to fix a deviated septum. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. Septoplasty straightens the septum, allowing for better airflow through your nose. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications two weeks before the surgery.

How long does deviated septum surgery take to heal?

Depending on the complexity of the problem, the recovery time varies from 3 days, with no external swelling and very limited nasal obstruction, to a week or more when you undergo complex septal reconstructions. This picture shows how the nose will be like when it fully recovers from a deviated septum surgery.

Is it worth getting a deviated septum fixed?

Generally, a deviated septum that causes minor symptoms doesn’t require treatment. But whether it’s worth getting fixed is your decision. If your symptoms aren’t bothersome and don’t interfere with your quality of life, then the risk of treatment may be more than the benefit.