Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a type of rhinoplasty that aims to restore a patient’s ability to breathe through their nose by correcting a deviated nasal septum. More than 70% of people experience difficulties with nasal breathing, leading to sleep and sports-related issues. However, this problem can be easily and quickly addressed through surgery. Septoplasty can also be performed in conjunction with other forms of rhinoplasty, such as nostril correction, dorsal hump reduction, or implant placement.

Brief surgical information

• Surgery Duration: 1.5 hours

• Anesthesia Type: Sedation and local anesthesia

• Hospitalization: 2-3 hours

• Return to Normal Life: The following day

• Clinic Visits: 2-3 times

• Stitches Removal: 7th day

Why do patients consider septoplasty?

• Anatomical defects: Many patients inherit a deviated nasal septum from their parents, grandparents, or ancestors, leading to snoring, nasal congestion, and dry nasal passages.

• Nasal trauma: Nearly everyone experiences some form of nasal trauma during childhood, and even without fractures, it can result in septal deviation and functional nasal issues.

Candidates for surgery

Septoplasty is suitable for individuals with deviated nasal septums causing breathing problems, such as chronic nasal congestion, sinusitis, nasal bleeding, or obstructive sleep apnea. Candidates for septoplasty typically suffer from obstructed nasal breathing, significantly affecting their quality of life. It is also recommended for patients experiencing constant discomfort or headaches due to septal deviation. Patients should be in good overall health and have no medical contraindications for surgery.

Why South Korea?

South Korea leads the world in performing the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries annually. Local physicians are considered the most educated and competitive globally because only 0.01% of medical school graduates become plastic surgeons. Korea’s medical equipment and facilities are on par with those in the United States and Germany, placing it in the top three countries with the best clinic technology.

All rhinoplasty surgeries are performed in accredited clinics authorized to treat foreign patients, with in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons who operate on our patients have between 15 to 30 years of experience specializing in rhinoplasty and perform no more than two surgeries per day. Fill out the form to calculate the cost of treatment, receive a preliminary consultation, and prepare a trip plan to South Korea for surgery.

Book a consultation with a clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!

You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

How to prepare for rhinoplasty in South Korea

Prepare by refraining from eating or drinking for 8 hours before the procedure.

• Take a shower.

• Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks prior to the surgery. Tylenol is prohibited only within 3 days before the operation.

• Do not smoke, including hookahs and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down tissue healing. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend quitting smoking before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to perform surgery on smokers due to the high risk of complications. It is unsafe to be around smoking relatives and friends or in public places designated for smoking.

• Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you have undergone. Tell them about any medications you have taken or are currently taking. Please do not withhold this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

• Visit the surgeon for a consultation and show them photos of your desired outcome. Most clients from CIS countries want a slim, straight, and slightly upturned nose (among doctors, it is called a half-moon). If you want a different shape, be sure to inform the coordinator.

• If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, we will perform all the necessary tests in Korea.

• Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or help you after the operation if you plan to come by car.

• Place items next to your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone.

How septoplasty surgery is performed

After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon makes a precise incision on the inner side of the nostrils and the columella and lifts the upper part of the nose to expose the cartilage and the base of the bone.

Next, depending on the chosen surgical technique and the patient’s case, the surgeon adjusts the position of the cartilage and may transplant them if necessary.

At the end of the operation, sutures are placed on the columella and the inner part of the nostrils, cotton swabs and silicone plates may be inserted into the nose, and medical tapes are attached to the bridge.

What to expect after rhinoplasty

After the operation, a translator or medical nurses will wake you up and assist you to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, and it seems to them that they woke up already in a warm bed – this is the effect of anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel chills, but this will quickly pass. There is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There is minimal pain on the first day, as it is dulled by painkillers and medications used during the operation. However, you may feel swelling in the nose, cheeks, eyes, and even the forehead – this is normal, as the shape of the cartilage was altered during the surgery, and the body is starting to regenerate.

The most significant discomfort is caused by gauze swabs and silicone plates (they may not be used in some septoplasty cases) – they can obstruct breathing, and you may need to breathe through your mouth, which can cause dry lips (be sure to bring lip balm with you to the operation).

A cold compress will be brought to you within a few minutes after waking up. You can apply it not only to the areas around the nose but also to other parts of your face. The more you use the compress in the first week after the operation, the faster the swelling will go down.

You will stay in the clinic for another 1-2 hours after the operation, with a catheter in your arm and medications being administered. After the end of the intravenous drip and the removal of the catheter, the coordinator and medical nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change clothes, pick up medications, and follow post-operative recommendations.

By evening, the pain may intensify. Be sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the painkillers prescribed by the surgeon. Apply the cold compress every few minutes. Fluid may flow from your nose (gently wipe it with a tissue), and you may feel tingling and mild headaches in the surgical area – these symptoms are completely normal. Your main task is to be patient and endure for a few days.

alarmed and continue to apply a cold compress and follow the rehabilitation rules. After the removal of swabs or plates (depending on the patient’s case, they may stay inside for 1 to 7 days), you will find it much easier to breathe. However, your nose may continue to run; continue to gently wipe away the fluid, and do not blow your nose or pick at the crusts inside the nose. Medical nurses will remove them during the clinic check-up. By the end of the week, the swelling will start to subside, and you will feel much better and be able to return to your normal life.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Recovery Process

Immediately after the procedure: After the rhinoplasty procedure, your nose will have packing and silicone plates (not used in some types of septoplasty), and medical tapes on the bridge of the nose. Pain is minimal in the first few hours, and there may be some fluid discharge from the nose. You can leave the clinic within 1-2 hours after the operation if you feel well.

Days 1-2: The surgeon may remove the packing and silicone plates (if present) on the first or second day. By the end of the second day, you may experience the peak of swelling, which can affect not only the nose but also the eyes and even the forehead. Try to apply cold compresses frequently and sleep with your head elevated.

Days 3-7: Swelling begins to decrease. Avoid sports and any activities that require you to lower your head. On the 6th or 7th day, the surgeon examines and removes tapes and stitches, and the nurses clean the nose and remove scabs.

Days 7-14: Swelling continues to reduce, and you can gradually return to your normal life. Regular long walks are recommended for faster recovery.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. However, it’s still advisable to avoid intense workouts and physical exercises.

Days 21-30: The nose may occasionally swell, depending on which side you slept on. The swelling may shift from left to right or vice versa, and it varies from day to day. Don’t be alarmed; this is normal.

Days 31-60: The scar on the columella (the skin between the nostrils) almost disappears, and you will start to forget that you had surgery. You can gradually begin light physical activities.

Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, but try not to dive to avoid injuring the nose. During this period, it may still swell in the mornings, but the final swelling subsides a year after the operation.

1 year after the operation: Complete rehabilitation.