Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.
What is septoplasty? —
This is surgery to change the shape of the septum. The septum is the wall separating the 2 nostrils of the nose. It is made up of bone and a rubbery material called "cartilage." Septoplasty is usually done to help people breathe or sleep better.
How long it takes for you to recover, and what you need to do, depends on which type of surgery you had.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
For the first 24 hours after surgery:
●Do not drive or operate heavy or dangerous machinery.
●Do not make any important decisions or sign any important papers.
●Do not drink alcohol of any kind.
You should also:
●Avoid putting pressure on your nose for the first week after surgery. For example:
•Do not blow your nose.
•Sneeze with your mouth open.
•If possible, avoid wearing glasses and sunglasses that rest on the bridge of your nose.
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•If your doctor gives you nasal spray, use it as instructed to rinse the inside of your nose.
•Use a stool softener to help prevent constipation, if needed. This is a common problem if you take opioid pain medicines. Follow all instructions for taking your pain medicines.
•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). You can take these instead of opioids.
●Take care of the incisions inside your nose:
•Do not put your head underwater, such as in a bath, pool, or lake. This can slow healing and raise your chance of getting an infection.
•If your nose is packed with a splint or gauze, put an antibiotic ointment around it once or twice a day.
•Always wash your hands before and after you touch your nose or bandage.
●Increase your activity slowly – Start with short walks around your home, and walk a little more each day.
•Avoid heavy lifting, sports, and swimming for at least a week or 2. (Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly how long to avoid these or other activities.)
●Eat when you are hungry – If you have an upset stomach, it might help to start with clear liquids and foods that are easy to digest, like soup, pudding, toast, or eggs. You can eat other types of foods when you feel ready. If your doctor or nurse gave you specific instructions about what to eat or avoid, follow them.
What follow-up care do I need? —
The doctor will want to see you again after surgery to check on your progress. Go to these appointments.
During septoplasty, doctors usually use stitches that absorb on their own. Sometimes, they use a special kind of stapler to put an implant in your septum that your body absorbs over time. Absorbable stitches and implants do not need to be removed. If you have a splint or gauze inside your nose, you will need to have it taken out. Your doctor will usually want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●You have redness or swelling around your incisions.
●You have nausea or vomiting for longer than 2 days after going home.
●You have a lot of pain that does not go away after taking pain medicines.
●You have heavy bleeding or blood clots from your nose.
●Your sense of taste changes.
Patient education: Septoplasty (The Basics)
Patient education: Deviated septum (The Basics)
Patient education: Obstructive sleep apnea in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Obstructive sleep apnea in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Nosebleeds (The Basics)
Patient education: Chronic sinusitis (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use nasal medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: Sleep apnea in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Nosebleeds (epistaxis) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Chronic rhinosinusitis (Beyond the Basics)
