Septoplasty Forum

Ol' 57 · Joined: 12 Jul 2010 Posts: 2

It will be six weeks to the day tomorrow since septoplasty, turbinate reduction and bone spur removal.

The initial recovery went well and I am still blowing out scabs, mostly on the side where he did not make the incision (I did not have splints). Previously, the side that was almost constantly blocked was the right side. That is now pretty much open, and the left side (incision side), is the side that is partially blocked.

Based on everything that I have read on this board, 6 weeks seems to be the minimum amount of time it takes to see full results. But, when I went for my check up yesterday, Doc said he was a little surprised that it was not healed by now. Scarring and swelling on the left side and the septum bowing slightly to the left (but he didn't think the bowing would obstruct breathing).

So a little frustrated but I do see SOME improvement at this point compared to before the surgery. Nose still feels tight and pulls a little when I move it, and indication to me that it's certainly not healed yet. I do saline washes nightly before bed.

Any thoughts on how to speed up recovery?

wheels5894 · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 11:47 am Post subject:

Hi there, Ol' 57, and welcome to the forum. I hope you have found some useful information within the posts here.

Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any good way of speeding healing after and it is really just a matter of waiting. I suppose the good diet would help it really does nothing much that can be done and we have to let nature take a course.

Often four weeks is enough to heal up from a septoplasty but with the bone work you have done I would have bought six weeks might still be too soon. However, rest assured the once things have healed up and swelling gone down you will be amazed by the improvement in your breathing.

Please keep us posted as to your progress as this helps people looking at the forum prior to their surgery to know what to expect.
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Tiredguy · Joined: 11 Jul 2010 Posts: 4

Hello OL'57, I will be 6 weeks post op in 4 days from septoplasty + turbinate reduction and I have a followup appointment 2 weeks from now. I can definitely breathe easier than before the surgery, but my nose is still a little tender and sore so I know it's still healing.

If you don't already use a neti-pot I highly recommend it in addition to saline rinses. Another thing I have found very useful is Mucinex D, you have to be 18 to buy it and show your license due to the pseudoephedrine content in it. Just make sure you drink plenty of water and give it a bit more time.

Ol' 57 · Joined: 12 Jul 2010 Posts: 2

Thanks Wheels & Tiredguy. When I mentioned saline rinses, I meant the use of a Neti-Pot, which I have been using for a couple years now.

Still waiting out the healing process. The doc hinted that if he does not see improvement by the time we meet in another month, he may point to allergies. I have never been told by an MD that I have allergies, but then again I have never been officially tested.

One good sign to report: Prior to the surgery, I had frequent nose bleeds, to the point where it was seriously disrupting my life (i.e. bleeding just prior to going into an important meeting, etc). Happy to report that I have not had one bleed since surgery. In fact, I was putting together a new desk a week ago, and one of the planks I was balancing shifted and struck me in the nose. If that had happened before the surgery I would have bled like a stuck pig. But now, nothing!