Recovery for Deviated Septum?

Question

I am having my Deviated Septum repaired in a couple weeks - I'm 40 years old and also had my tonsils out about 4 years ago - Recovery from that was rough! How will this compare?

Answer 1

Well, it shouldn't take you as long to recouperate, and at least you will be able to eat what you like in comfort. Rhinoplasty is usually done on a day patient basis, with you home again that evening. There isn't usually a lot of bruising afterwards, although that can happen sometimes. You will possibly have splints and packing in place though, and it will make you feel like your nose is about five feet across. The packing will stay in place for anywhere from 3-7 days, depending on your doctor and how you are doing. The splints are usually in place about 7-10 days. You may also go home with a nasal pad in place to catch any drips- if so you will get care instructions for that, and you usually only need it the first day. The first day is usually the worst painwise, and you should have pain medications to help you get through that. You will look puffy and swollen for a few weeks, but that is not usually too bad for just a septal defect repair. It's more common if they are doing a proper nose rebuild, which is not your case. But to be straight up honest, your age can work against you in the recouperation time. You, like me, are not a spring chicken anymore, and don't have the healing ability of one. It will take a few days longer for you to bounce back, but I would expect that to happen inside a few days at the most. You won't feel like partying, but you won't feel like death warmed over either. At least a big improvement over the week post-tonsillectomy. You won't likely notice a major change in how you breathe at first, since you are already not accustomed to breathing through both sides of your nose. Until all the splints and such are out, it won't feel a whole lot different than it does now. But once it's all out and you are healed, you should notice things are a lot easier and smoother breathing wise. Some folks really don't notice a lot of difference though, so don't expect something earthshaking. You will have the same amount of breathing space, just divided between two nostrils- instead of having one blocked off. Plan on a week out, with the first day or so being the worst and things getting better after that. Good luck, and happy new nose!

Answer 2

I had a deviated septum corrected 3 years ago, at 66, hospital policy was if over 60 you stayed overnight after a general. I came round with packing in my nose, this was removed the following morning, some pain, but not too bad, I read another posters report which referred to splints, I never had any of that, had to go back a week later for a clean up. No recovery problems.
I guess we are all different and mine was less severe.