Downtime after nasal procedures may be a few hours to several days, depending on the specific procedure and areas treated. Office procedures are performed under local anesthesia, if any anesthesia is required. Surgical procedures are performed with either IV (twilight) sedation or general anesthesia and require a longer recovery period. Anesthesia normally wears off within the first 24 hours after surgery.
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure, with most people returning to work within a few days. A small cotton pad may be placed in the nose for a day. Patients are seen both the next day and one week following surgery. While most patients may have improved breathing immediately, normal swelling inside the nose after the procedure takes some time to resolve. A majority of patients do not have the shape of their noses changed with surgery. However, septoplasty performed as part of functional rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty will change your appearance. Dr. Chaboki will inform you of expected outcomes for your procedure.