What Is the Recovery Time After Deviated Septum Surgery?
Patients recovering from deviated septum surgery typically experience pain and swelling for several weeks after surgery, according to Healthline. The wound often heals within a few weeks, but it can take up to a year for nasal tissues and cartilage to settle into their new shape.
Most patients recovering from deviated septum surgery experience improved breathing within a few hours or days after surgery, explains Healthline. As the nose continues to heal, breathing continues to improve within several weeks. Patients can shorten their recovery time by elevating the head to reduce swelling and refraining from blowing the nose after surgery. Physical activity should be limited for at least two weeks after surgery to promote healing and minimize swelling. Pain medication prescribed from a physician can help to reduce the inflammation and discomfort following surgery to speed up recovery time.
Surgery for a deviated septum, also known as septoplasty, is performed as an outpatient procedure, according to Healthline. Patients are able to recover at home on the same day of the surgery once local or general anesthesia has worn off. It is common for people recovering from deviated septum surgery to experience a swollen and painful nose because the nasal passages are packed with cotton following the surgery to minimize bleeding. The packing is typically removed one or two days after surgery.
