Services at Kogarah

Septoplasty and turbinate reduction for a blocked nose

When a blocked nose is caused by a bent septum or enlarged turbinates rather than by inflammation, surgery to straighten the septum and reduce the turbinates can restore nasal breathing. The decision rests on examination, a trial of medical treatment and, at Kogarah, objective airflow testing.

Septum and turbinates

The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone dividing the two sides of the nose; a deviated septum narrows one or both sides. The turbinates are shelves of tissue on the side walls that warm and humidify air; they swell with allergy, rhinitis and some medicines, and can become permanently enlarged. Either, or both, can cause persistent nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, snoring and disturbed sleep.

How we decide

Not every bent septum needs surgery. Your surgeon will examine the nose with an endoscope, treat any inflammation or allergy first — often with allergy testing and nasal sprays — and measure how well you actually breathe through the nose in our nasal airway laboratory. Surgery is offered when the obstruction is structural and significant.

The operation and recovery

Septoplasty is performed through the nostrils under general anaesthetic, usually as a day procedure or overnight stay at St George Private, Macquarie University or St Vincent’s Hospitals. The deviated parts of the septum are repositioned or removed and the lining repaired; the turbinates are reduced at the same time if needed. There is no external bruising. Most people are back at desk work within a week, with the nose feeling clearer over two to six weeks as swelling settles. Where the outside shape of the nose also contributes, a functional rhinoplasty may be discussed instead.

Common questions

Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?

No. Septoplasty works inside the nose and does not alter its external appearance. If the shape is part of the problem, that is a separate discussion about functional rhinoplasty.

Is nasal packing used?

Most of our surgeons avoid traditional packing; soft splints or dissolving material are used where needed and removed at the first follow-up.

How do I know the blockage is structural rather than allergy?

Examination, a trial of treatment and objective airflow testing in our nasal airway laboratory separate the two. Many people have both, and both are treated.

Is septoplasty covered by Medicare and health funds?

Septoplasty and turbinate surgery for nasal obstruction have Medicare item numbers; your surgeon’s rooms will provide a written quote including hospital and anaesthetic fees.