Septoplasty is one of the most commonly requested procedures in functional nasal surgery, especially among patients seeking to improve their breathing and resolve discomfort associated with a deviated nasal septum. This article explains what septoplasty is, when it is recommended, how it is performed, and what factors should be considered before undergoing this procedure. Mallorca Medical Group presents this guide as an informative resource for those researching plastic surgery in Mallorca and seeking a clear and prudent medical perspective on this procedure.

What is septoplasty, and how does it differ from rhinoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure whose primary goal is to correct a deviated nasal septum, the cartilaginous and bony structure that divides the nasal passages. Unlike rhinoplasty, which focuses primarily on the external shape of the nose, septoplasty has a predominantly functional purpose: to improve airflow and relieve nasal obstruction.

When a deviated septum also affects the appearance of the nose, septorhinoplasty may be considered, which combines functional correction of the septum with an aesthetic and structural approach. From a plastic surgery perspective, this combined approach allows for coordinated planning of both the respiratory and aesthetic outcomes, with an individualized assessment of each case.

Causes and Symptoms of a Deviated Nasal Septum

A deviated nasal septum may be congenital or may develop following a nasal injury—even a minor one—that occurred during childhood or adulthood. In many patients, the deviation goes unnoticed for years until the symptoms become more apparent.

• Persistent nasal congestion, unilateral or bilateral
• Difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or sleep
• Snoring or episodes of mouth breathing at night
• Recurrent sinusitis or chronic nasal congestion
• A sensation of a “stuffy” nose that does not improve with medical treatment
• Occasional nasal dryness or bleeding caused by airflow turbulence

Not all patients with a deviated septum experience significant symptoms; therefore, the decision to perform surgery should always be based on an individualized medical evaluation and not solely on imaging findings.

Diagnosis and Individualized Medical Evaluation

The diagnosis of a deviated septum is based on a clinical examination, nasal endoscopy, and, when necessary, imaging studies such as computed tomography. This evaluation makes it possible to determine whether the obstruction is caused solely by the septum or whether other structures, such as the nasal turbinates, are involved.

It is common for turbinate hypertrophy to occur alongside a deviated septum, so it is sometimes recommended to combine septoplasty with turbinoplasty. The following table summarizes the main differences between procedures related to the nasal airway:

Procedure	Main Objective	Structure Discussed
Septoplasty	Correcting a deviated nasal septum	Septal Cartilage and Bone
Turbinoplasty	Reducing Obstruction Caused by Turbinate Hypertrophy	Nasal turbinates
Septorhinoplasty	Combining Respiratory Function and Nasal Aesthetics	Nasal septum, nasal pyramid, and nasal tip

The choice of the appropriate procedure depends on each patient’s anatomy; therefore, a personalized medical evaluation is always recommended before finalizing the surgical plan.

Surgical Technique: How Septoplasty Is Performed

Septoplasty is typically performed endonasally, without visible external incisions, through a small internal incision in the mucosa that provides access to the septal cartilage and bone. The surgeon repositions or reshapes the deviated portion, taking care to preserve the nose’s supporting structure so as not to compromise its stability or shape.

When the procedure is approached from a plastic surgery perspective, the planning incorporates both the functional goal and the relationship of this structure to the nasal tip, the nasal dorsum, and overall airway ventilation. This approach is particularly relevant when considering a septorhinoplasty, in which respiratory and aesthetic goals must be coordinated within a single, personalized surgical plan.

The procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or with sedation and local anesthesia, depending on the case, and typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, though it may take longer if combined with other nasal procedures.

Recovery and postoperative care

After septoplasty, it is common for patients to experience nasal congestion, a sensation of pressure, and some swelling during the first few days. In many cases, internal splints or absorbable packing are used, which are removed or dissolve within the first week.

Most patients can return to low-effort work activities in about 7–10 days, although full functional recovery of breathing typically occurs gradually over several weeks, as the internal inflammation subsides. It is recommended to avoid intense physical exertion, direct sun exposure to the area, and accidental blows during the initial recovery period.

Postoperative follow-up with scheduled checkups allows for an assessment of the nasal mucosa’s healing progress and confirmation that the airway is recovering as expected for each patient.

Ideal Candidate and Safety of the Procedure

Patients with a confirmed deviated septum that causes significant nasal obstruction and who have not responded adequately to conservative medical treatments are candidates for septoplasty. To ensure patient safety, a complete medical history, an assessment of the patient’s medical background, and, if necessary, additional tests must be performed prior to surgery.

As with any surgical procedure, there are associated risks—such as bleeding, infection, or partial persistence of symptoms—which must be clearly explained during the informed consent process. Results vary depending on each patient’s anatomy and recovery, so it is recommended to maintain realistic expectations and always request an individualized assessment before making a decision.

“A well-planned septoplasty does not seek merely to open the airway, but to do so while preserving the structural balance of the nose. When approached from a plastic surgery perspective, functional and aesthetic considerations must always go hand in hand.” — Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP

Conclusion

Septoplasty is a procedure with a well-defined functional indication, aimed at improving breathing in patients with a deviated nasal septum. Its individualized planning—especially when combined with other procedures such as turbinoplasty or rhinoplasty—allows for respiratory improvement that is proportionate and consistent with each person’s anatomy. Mallorca Medical Group recommends that any decision regarding this type of surgery be based on a personalized medical evaluation performed by a specialist.

Anyone who would like to find out if they are eligible for this procedure can request a personalized medical evaluation at Mallorca Medical Group. Book your evaluation at mallorcamedicalgroup.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Septoplasty

How long does recovery from a septoplasty take?

Initial recovery typically takes between 7 and 10 days for low-effort daily activities, although full functional improvement in breathing may occur gradually over several weeks, depending on each patient’s progress.

Is septoplasty painful after surgery?

The postoperative period is usually associated more with a feeling of nasal congestion and pressure than with severe pain. The medical team prescribes a pain management plan tailored to each patient to promote a more comfortable recovery.

Can septoplasty be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty?

Yes, this combination is known as septorhinoplasty and allows for both respiratory function and nasal aesthetics to be addressed in a single procedure, always as part of a personalized surgical plan developed following a medical evaluation.

Is septoplasty covered by Social Security or health insurance?

It depends on each individual case, the healthcare system, and each patient’s insurance policy, since this is a procedure performed for functional reasons and may be assessed differently than a procedure performed solely for cosmetic purposes. It is recommended to discuss this matter on a case-by-case basis.

Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP,
Mallorca Medical Group — Palma de Mallorca

---

Medical Review and Editorial Transparency

Medical Review: Dr. García Ceballos, 070707779, specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery

Last revised: August 19, 2026

This content has undergone human review and editorial oversight prior to publication. Mallorca Medical Group may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with certain stages of content creation, organization, translation, or editing. These tools do not replace medical review or professional judgment, and Mallorca Medical Group retains editorial responsibility for the published content.

The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for an individualized medical evaluation.

Review our Editorial Policy and Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence