Septoplasty

Septoplasty in Turkey: Deviated Septum Surgery with Clinichub

Septoplasty is a type of functional plastic surgery performed to correct a deviated septum. Although it is often performed together with cosmetic rhinoplasty, the main aim of the procedure is to improve nasal function and help the patient breathe more comfortably. 

It can be performed by making small incisions inside the nose or, when necessary, with an incision in the strip of tissue between the nostrils, called the columella. After septoplasty, waiting up to 1 year may be required to see the final results.

ClinicHub, one of the leading organisations in health tourism in Turkey, provides all-inclusive treatment packages for international patients seeking septoplasty, in collaboration with expert plastic surgeons and accredited healthcare institutions.

What Is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a type of nose job surgery performed to correct a deviation in the bone and cartilage structure called the septum. Its main purpose is to improve airflow through the nasal passages and help patients breathe more easily. In adults, the septum is around 7 cm long, separating the nasal cavities into two equal parts. If the nasal septum is deviated to one side, one of the nasal passages becomes narrower than the other. In this case, breathing problems caused by blocked airways can occur in one or both nostrils. Septoplasty surgery is performed to correct this by repositioning the septum to the center of the nose.

Signs You May Need Septoplasty

Septum deviation causes the nasal passages to narrow, resulting in decreased airflow. This can lead to nasal congestion (especially on one side), difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, nosebleeds, headaches, snoring, facial pain, and poor sleep quality. Recurrent sinus infections can also be a sign of septum deviation. Some medications can help control the symptoms, but the only way to fix a deviated septum is surgery.

Causes of a Deviated Septum

Septum deviation can be congenital or develop later in life due to nasal trauma. In some people, the septum is off-center from birth; in some cases, a complicated birth can affect the nasal septum. As the nose grows, the septum also develops and can become more noticeably deviated over time. Also, a broken nose, blows to the nose, traffic accidents, falls, contact sports, or fights can increase the risk of septum deviation.

Septoplasty vs. Rhinoplasty: What’s the Difference?

Septoplasty vs. rhinoplasty is mainly about the function or appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure performed to change the external appearance of the nose. It can be used to reshape the nasal bridge, nasal tip, and nose size, or fix asymmetry. Septoplasty is a functional surgery aimed at treating a deviated nasal septum. Its main purpose is to open the nasal airway, reducing blockage and improving breathing. In some patients, aesthetic expectations and breathing problems are present at the same time. In such cases, septoplasty and rhinoplasty (septorhinoplasty) can be performed together.

How is Septoplasty Performed?

Septoplasty surgery is planned individually, according to the location and structure of the deviated septum. Deviation can occur in the cartilage, the bone, or both. For this reason, the surgeon assesses the internal nasal structures before the surgery to identify the blockage and plan the technique. During the procedure, the surgeon generally accesses the septum with incisions inside the nose, or sometimes through incisions on the columella. They carefully lift the mucosa covering the septum and correct deviated bone or cartilage. In some cases, the deviated parts can be removed, reshaped, or supported with grafts.

Open vs. Closed Septoplasty Technique

Septoplasty can be conducted using different surgical techniques, depending on the location and structure of the deviated septum. In traditional open septoplasty, the surgeon reaches the septum by entering through the inside of the nose and correcting the deviated area. In endoscopic septoplasty, an endoscope is used to view the internal nasal structures during the procedure. The open method is usually considered when the nose is obviously crooked, or when it is planned together with rhinoplasty.

Septoplasty with Turbinate Reduction

Septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery may be needed if nasal congestion is caused not only by a deviated septum, but also by enlarged turbinates. Turbinates clean, warm, and humidify the air inside the nose. However, they can swell because of allergies, infections, or irritation, and thus narrow the nasal passages. During septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery, the surgeon can correct the deviated septum and shrink or remove excess turbinate tissue.

Anesthesia Options

Septoplasty surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia. This means that the patient is completely asleep and does not feel pain, and the surgeon can work more comfortably. For some patients, local anesthesia, numbing only the nose, is also an alternative. However, surgeons generally prefer general anesthesia when it is necessary. The most suitable anaesthesia method is determined based on the patient’s general health.

Septoplasty Recovery: Day-by-Day Timeline

Patients are usually kept under observation in the hospital for one night after surgery. Septoplasty recovery time differs from patient to patient, however. In the first 24 hours, swelling, congestion, and pain are normal. Surgeons can place packing material inside the nose for bleeding control, and usually this is removed 1-2 days after surgery. Mild bleeding, nasal congestion, swelling, and discomfort can be experienced during the first septoplasty recovery process. 

Patients should avoid blowing their nose and elevate their head while sleeping in the first days after surgery. Patients can still have nasal congestion until the swelling subsides. As the nasal tissues heal, nasal function returns to normal. Most patients can usually return to daily activities within 1-2 weeks, but intense exercise should be avoided for several weeks.

Pain Management After Septoplasty

Pain after a nose job is usually controlled by prescribed medications from the surgeon. In the first few days after surgery, patients can feel pain, swelling, pressure, or fullness in the nose. These symptoms usually decrease gradually with the healing process.

Septoplasty Recovery Tips

Septoplasty recovery time can be different for each patient, but it is important to protect the nose. Patients should avoid blowing their nose, sneeze with their mouth open, and sleep on their back with the head elevated during the initial recovery period. Gauze can be used until the nasal drainage stops. The nose can be cleaned with the advised salt water solution; however, cotton buds should not be inserted into the nostrils. Spicy foods that can cause running noses and activities that strain the nose should be avoided in the first weeks.

Septoplasty Risks and Side Effects

Septoplasty side effects can include bleeding, infection, or a reaction to anesthesia. Some patients can also experience continued nasal blockage after surgery, especially if the breathing problem is related to more than only the deviated septum. Less common septoplasty side effects can be serious bleeding, a change in the shape of the nose, a hole in the septum, a reduced sense of smell, or blood clots inside the nasal cavity. Temporary numbness of the upper gums, teeth, or nose can also occur.

Septoplasty Cost: Turkey vs. UK vs. USA

Turkey is one of the leading medical tourism destinations for international patients looking for high-quality septoplasty at more affordable costs. Compared to countries such as the UK and the USA, Turkey’s lower living costs, advantageous exchange rates, and well-equipped hospitals can make treatment planning more accessible. However, septoplasty cost depends on the surgeon’s experience, hospital standards, anaesthesia, additional procedures, and the patient’s existing condition.

Is Septoplasty Covered by Insurance or the NHS?

Septoplasty cost and coverage depend on the country, insurance policy, and the medical necessity of the surgery. In Turkey, functional reasons such as breathing problems or septum deviation can be evaluated differently. However, coverage and payment conditions differ between insurance providers, so patients should contact their own insurance company directly before planning treatment.

What’s Included in the Clinichub Septoplasty Package?

Treatment planning abroad requires considerations of many details, from doctor consultations and hospital arrangements to transfers, accommodation, and post-operative follow-up or septoplasty cost. ClinicHub’s all-inclusive package can be personalised for each patient, but generally includes a free consultation, personalised treatment planning, operation organisation at an accredited hospital, surgery with trained and experienced surgeons, hospital services, accommodation, transfers, and post-operative care.

Why Have Septoplasty in Turkey with Clinichub?

Turkey is one of the leading countries for international patients seeking septoplasty and other nose surgeries. Well-equipped hospitals, experienced medical teams, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and more affordable septoplasty costs compared to many other countries make planning treatment easier.

As a licensed health tourism intermediary agency in Turkey, ClinicHub connects international patients with accredited hospitals and experienced surgeons. ClinicHub manages the septoplasty before and after process from the initial consultation and personalised treatment plan to hospital coordination, accommodation, transportation, and post-operative support. Thus, patients can focus on their health only, rather than dealing with the details.

Choosing the Right ENT Surgeon for Septoplasty

When choosing a surgeon, education and experience in ENT and treatment approach are important. The surgeon should assess the septum deviation, the nasal airway, and additional problems. Before deciding on surgery, patients should be informed about which area affects breathing, the planned technique, and the available treatment options.

Combined Septoplasty Procedures: Septorhinoplasty Option

Some patients with breathing problems caused by septum deviation also have aesthetic expectations about the appearance of the nose. Similarly, patients wanting rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons can also have septum deviation. In such cases, septoplasty can be combined with rhinoplasty (septorhinoplasty). Septoplasty corrects the deviation inside the nose to improve airflow, and rhinoplasty improves the nose’s appearance.

Your Septoplasty Journey with Clinichub: Step-by-Step

ClinicHub works carefully to help patients have a comfortable and stress-free septoplasty before and after the procedure. The process begins with a free consultation. During the initial consultation, the patient’s breathing problems, medical history, and expectations are reviewed. Then, a suitable doctor and hospital are determined for the patient’s needs, and a personalized treatment plan is prepared. 

ClinicHub organizes the surgical procedure, transportation, accommodation, and hospital process. The ClinicHub team does not leave patients alone after surgery. After the patient returns from the hospital to their hotel, the process continues. ClinicHub’s medical team continues 24/7 post-care support and guidance until the patient returns to their home country.

Get in touch with ClinicHub today to receive a free consultation and a fully personalized septoplasty treatment plan prepared to your needs and expectations.