Septoplasty: 6 Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Your Procedure

Septoplasty is surgery to straighten a deviated septum, which is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates your nostrils. When this wall is crooked, bent, or has bony spurs, airflow narrows, often leaving one or both sides of your nose feeling constantly blocked. That can then cause chronic stuffiness, mouth breathing at night, snoring, or recurring sinus issues.

If you’ve been told you may need septoplasty, you’ll certainly have a ton of questions. Going into any procedure with clarity helps you set expectations and feel confident in your choice. However, effective results depend not just on the surgery itself but also on the skill and approach of the surgeon performing it. 

Mani Zadeh, MD, is a board-certified ENT who uses a precise, tissue-preserving technique while carrying out a septoplasty and provides clear post-op plans, so you get the best results. Here, we look at six important questions you should ask before committing to surgery, and the kind of answers you should expect.

1. Do I really need septoplasty?

Some people live with a mild deviation for years without major problems, while others struggle their entire lives with breathing issues. Dr. Zadeh shows you where and how the septum is deviated with a nasal endoscopy in the clinic and, when appropriate, a CT scan. 

You will see exactly which areas are narrowing airflow (a bend, a spur, contact with a turbinate) and how straightening them will improve the airway. 

2. Will anything else be treated during surgery?

A deviated septum often co-occurs with swollen turbinates, weak nasal valves, or chronic sinus issues, which can add to congestion. Sometimes, combining septoplasty with minor procedures like reducing enlarged turbinates leads to the best outcome. Ask Dr. Zadeh if addressing these issues at the same time would make sense for you. 

The benefit is avoiding multiple surgeries and recoveries, while ensuring the root cause of your breathing problems is fully treated.

3. What’s your technique and experience, and what are the risks?

Technique and experience matter. Septoplasty is usually done through the nostrils, without external incisions, which means results depend entirely on precision inside a very small space. Dr. Zadeh is adept at preserving the structure of your nose while carefully correcting whatever is blocking the airflow. This method prevents collapse later on and reduces the chance of revision surgery.

It’s fair to ask how many septoplasties your surgeon performs, how they keep complication rates low, and how they handle complex deviations. Every surgery carries risk. With septoplasty, the more common issues are temporary congestion, swelling, and mild bleeding. 

Less common risks include infection, septal perforation, or a persistent deviation that needs revision. 

4. What will surgery day be like?

Most septoplasties are outpatient procedures under general anesthesia or deep sedation with local numbing. You check in, meet the anesthesia team, confirm the plan, and are in the operating room for roughly 45-90 minutes, depending on complexity. 

After a short stay in recovery, you go home the same day with written instructions and a number to call if questions come up.

5. How long will recovery take?

Recovery is usually easier than most patients expect. Many people are back to desk work within a week.

Most people can resume light exercise after a week. For strenuous workouts and heavy lifting, it’s recommended to wait two weeks. Additionally, contact sports or activities with a facial risk should be delayed by four to six weeks. 

If splints are placed, they’re commonly removed around day five to seven.

Dr. Zadeh gives you a clear recovery timeline, along with aftercare instructions like saline rinses, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. These all make a big difference in how smooth your healing feels and how well the results last.

6. How we protect the results and make them last

Surgery fixes the structure, but good habits protect the results. If allergies, sinusitis, or irritants like smoke contributed to your problems, Dr. Zadeh discusses long-term management options with you. 

Your options could include medications, environmental changes, or periodic check-ups. Dr. Zadeh doesn’t just focus on the operation itself; he works with you to make sure your breathing stays clear for years to come.

Asking questions before septoplasty is essential. You should be able to confirm the diagnosis and understand your recovery before going in. One decision — picking the right surgeon — can make the whole process easier from day one. 

If you’re considering septoplasty, schedule a consultation with Dr. Zadeh, where you’ll get clear answers, expert surgical care, and the support you need for lasting relief.