The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Septorhinoplasty
SEPTUM CORRECTION AND NOSE RESHAPING
Surgery and nose reshaping to correct any defects in the wall (septum) running between your nostrils
What is a septorhinoplasty?
A septorhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to alter the bone and cartilage in the nose. It improves the shape and structure of the nose to enhance breathing capabilities. This procedure is for conditions such as a deviated septum which can occur naturally or from a trauma or sports injury. It is a combination of two surgical procedures:
- Rhinoplasty: This surgical procedure can alter, reduce or refine the shape and size of your nose. The procedure aims to produce a natural shaped nose in proportion with the face and is tailored to achieve the best airways access to improve breathing.
- Septoplasty: Sometimes, due to injury or simply because it has grown that way, the septum may be bent, buckled or deviated to one (or both) sides. This causes a blockage by reducing the area available for air to flow through. This procedure corrects this abnormality in order to allow air to pass through either nostril more easily. A septoplasty is a common procedure and with low levels of pain.
Need to know
Exactly what happens during your procedure will depend on the diagnosed condition. Your consultant will discuss the procedure with you during your consultation.
Your surgeon will either make cuts inside your nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or on the outside of your nose (open rhinoplasty). They'll then reshape, add or remove some of your bone and cartilage (this might include your septum) before closing any cuts with dissolvable stitches.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you, and answer any questions you may have.
You will need to have a general anaesthetic and your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
You should also arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital.
Your nose and eyes will be bruised and swollen. Your surgeon might need to put a splint on your nose. If so, you'll need to keep this in place for about a week.
Your nose will more than likely be blocked for about a week. Light nosebleeds are common during this time, too. Bruising and swelling should start to go down after about three weeks.
Sleeping propped up on a pillow can help with this and your nose may feel sore or strange for a few weeks.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine. Because the bruising lasts a while, when you go back to work might depend on how comfortable you feel.
Our Septorhinoplasty locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.