Septoplasty, a procedure to correct a deviated septum, is a pathway to easier breathing and maybe even less frequent snoring. While many show interest in correcting their deviated septum, fear of a long recovery process can cause them to shy away from treatment.
Let’s examine how long a septoplasty recovery takes and how you can promote effective healing.
How Long Does Septoplasty Recovery Take?
Initial recovery takes one to two weeks, but your bone and cartilage will continue healing for a few months following a septoplasty.
Does That Mean I’ll Be Bedridden for Several Months?
A septoplasty doesn’t require months of bed rest. Most can resume minimal activities like walking, working and running errands in about a week. It may take longer to return safely to strenuous jobs like construction. Your ENT specialist will give you specifics based on your case. You can usually return to activities like heavy lifting in about a month.
How Do I Care For My Nose Post-Septoplasty?
Taking care of your nose following a septoplasty is key to a good recovery. Your ENT specialist may recommend some recovery tips, including but not limited to changing gauze, rinsing the nose with saline and cleaning the outside of the nostrils with a cotton swab and hydrogen peroxide.
They may give you specific instructions based on your job, activity level, medications or other contributing lifestyle factors.
How Do I Know if I Can Fit a Septoplasty Into My Schedule?
Whether you can fit a septoplasty into your schedule will depend on a few factors:
- Your available time off
- Your home workload (kids, etc.)
- Any upcoming events like weddings, vacations or graduations
Consider these factors and how they might interfere with your recovery. For example, if you work from home, you might be able to return to work within a day or two. In contrast, if you have a camping trip at the Boyd Lake State Park planned for three days after your surgery, you will need to postpone either the septoplasty or the vacation to allow for proper healing.
There’s no better way to assess how a septoplasty will fit your schedule than by talking to one of our Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC specialists. We’ll review your lifestyle, work commitments and available appointment times to find the best day for your procedure.