Give Yourself the Gift of Better Breathing: What to Expect from Septoplasty

If a stuffy nose, loud snoring, or constant mouth-breathing are wearing you down, septoplasty can make a difference. This blog explains who benefits, what the surgery involves, and how soon you can expect to breathe easier.

The septum is the thin wall between your nostrils; when it’s bent or crooked, it narrows airflow and traps mucus. For many people, this bend can ruin sleep, limit exercise, and cause persistent headaches or sinus issues.

A septoplasty straightens that wall, improving airflow through the nose and helping you breathe better. People who have the surgery often also notice fewer sinus infections, less snoring, and better sleep. Those gains affect your energy, mood, exercise tolerance, and even your focus.

If you’ve been avoiding getting a septoplasty because it sounds like a major, invasive procedure, you should know that modern septoplasty is far simpler than you think. Knowing what to expect — from the surgery itself to recovery — can make the process feel far less intimidating.

And when you’re ready, it’s worth choosing a specialist who does this every day. Mani Zadeh, MD, is a board-certified ENT in Los Angeles who has built his practice around helping patients overcome chronic nasal obstruction and breathe better again.

Who needs a septoplasty?

Breathing well affects everything from your sleep to energy levels, mood, and heart health. Most people who decide on septoplasty have already tried other fixes, like nasal sprays, decongestants, or allergy treatments, but still struggle with:

Chronic nasal congestion or blockage
Snoring or sleep disruption
Frequent sinus infections
Pressure or pain around the face
Mouth breathing and dry mouth in the morning

When the septum is corrected, air flows freely again. People often say they didn’t realize how restricted their breathing was until after the surgery.

What happens during surgery

Septoplasty is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. It’s performed under general anesthesia or light sedation. The entire surgery typically takes under an hour. Dr. Zadeh performs the procedure through the nostrils, with no external incisions.

After correcting the deviated cartilage and bone, the nasal lining is repositioned and may be held in place with soft splints or dissolvable stitches. If you also have enlarged turbinates, Dr. Zadeh may reduce them during the same procedure for even better breathing.

What recovery feels like

You’ll likely feel stuffy for the first few days, much like you do with a bad cold. Mild swelling and drainage are normal. Most people describe the discomfort as pressure or congestion rather than sharp pain. Over-the-counter pain medicine or mild prescription medication is usually enough to stay comfortable.

Within a week, most people feel ready to return to work or everyday routines. You’ll have follow-up appointments so Dr. Zadehn can check your healing, remove any splints, and make sure your nasal passages stay clear.

Complete internal healing takes several weeks, but breathing starts improving much sooner. Many people say they notice the difference as soon as any packing or splints come out, which is often within the first week.

What you can expect long-term

By the one-month mark, most swelling is gone, and airflow feels dramatically better. Sinus pressure often disappears, and you may notice less snoring and more restful sleep. Over the following months, the nose continues to heal and strengthen.

Septoplasty results are long-lasting. Once the septum is aligned correctly, it typically stays that way for life unless an injury occurs.

How to prepare and what to bring

Before surgery, you get detailed instructions to stop certain medications that increase bleeding (aspirin, some NSAIDs, herbal supplements), arrange for a ride home, and avoid smoking for better healing. Stop shaving nasal hair or using nasal sprays unless Dr. Zadeh instructs otherwise. Bring loose, comfortable clothing and plan for a few days of extra rest.

If you’ve been living with blocked airways, restless sleep, or constant congestion, you don’t have to keep pushing through it. Septoplasty is a safe, effective way to fix the underlying problem and finally breathe the way you’re supposed to.

Easier breathing means better sleep, more energy, and fewer sinus headaches. It means waking up refreshed, not groggy, and finally feeling like yourself again. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Zadeh today to give yourself the gift of better breathing this season.