From the Guidelines
The typical recovery time for deviated septum surgery is about 1-2 weeks for most patients, though complete healing takes 3-6 months. During the first week, patients experience congestion, swelling, and mild pain manageable with prescribed pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen 1. Nasal packing may be removed after 24-48 hours, and splints (if used) are typically removed at a follow-up appointment 7-10 days after surgery. Most people can return to work or school within 1-2 weeks, though strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for 3-4 weeks.
Some key points to consider during recovery include:
- Sleeping with the head elevated to reduce swelling
- Avoiding blowing the nose for the first week to prevent bleeding and promote healing
- Using saline sprays as directed to keep nasal passages moist
- Taking all prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection
- Attending all follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process
Recovery varies between individuals based on the extent of the surgery, overall health, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. The surgery addresses the structural issue of a deviated septum by straightening the cartilage and bone that separates the nasal passages, which improves breathing and reduces symptoms like congestion and recurrent sinus infections 1. It is essential to follow the surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
From the Research
Recovery Time for Deviated Septum Surgery
The typical recovery time for deviated septum surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's overall health and the complexity of the procedure.
- Recovery time is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, however, the studies do discuss the outcomes and effectiveness of septoplasty at various follow-up times, such as 3,6, and 12 months 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in 2025 found that septoplasty significantly improved nasal obstruction symptoms at 6 and 12 months of follow-up, with a low rate of complications 4.
- Another study published in 2019 found that septoplasty resulted in a significant improvement in health-related quality of life at 12 months, with a mean difference of 8.3 on the Glasgow Health Status Inventory 3.
- While the provided studies do not directly address the typical recovery time for deviated septum surgery, they do suggest that the procedure can be effective in improving nasal obstruction symptoms and quality of life, with a relatively low risk of complications 2, 3, 4, 5.