ENT SURGERY
Septoplasty Nairobi
If you have always struggled to breathe through your nose, find yourself sleeping with your mouth open, snoring, or suffering from recurring sinus infections and headaches, a deviated nasal septum may be the cause. Septoplasty is a safe, well-established surgical procedure that straightens the nasal septum, restoring normal nasal airflow and bringing lasting relief to patients who have spent years breathing poorly.
At Royal Eye & Ear Hospital, our ENT specialist performs septoplasty using proven endoscopic and open techniques to deliver the significant breathing improvement you deserve. The goal is not to change the outside appearance of your nose but to improve how it functions, opening the airway so you can breathe freely, sleep soundly, and live without the constant burden of nasal obstruction.
How It Works
Septoplasty involves the following steps:
- Anaesthesia: Septoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. You are completely asleep and feel nothing throughout the procedure.
- Internal incision: The surgeon makes a small incision inside the nose, on the lining of the septum. There are no external cuts and no visible scars.
- Correction: The deviated portions of the septal cartilage and bone are carefully reshaped, repositioned or partially removed to create a straighter, more central septum that allows free airflow through both sides of the nose.
- Closure: The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. In some cases, small internal splints or soft packing may be placed inside the nose to support the septum during the initial healing period.
The procedure usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the deviation. It is performed as a day procedure with same-day discharge in most cases.
Why Choose Royal Eye & Ear Hospital for Cataract Surgery?
Septoplasty requires precise surgical judgment inside a small, confined space. The right surgeon and the right clinical environment make all the difference. Here are why patients across Nairobi trust Royal Eye & Ear Hospital for septoplasty:
- 🏥 Dedicated ENT Specialists: We are a specialist eye and ear hospital focused exclusively on ear, nose and throat conditions. Septoplasty is a core part of our ENT surgical programme, performed with the skill and precision this delicate procedure requires.
- 👁️ Experienced ENT Surgeon: Dr. Mohamed Arab has extensive surgical experience performing septoplasty across two decades of ENT practice in Egypt, Somalia and Kenya. His specialist training includes a Basic Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Course from Cairo University, directly relevant to intranasal surgical technique.
- 📍 Conveniently Located in Nairobi Based on 3rd Parklands Avenue, we serve patients from Westlands, Parklands, Gigiri, Muthaiga, and across the greater Nairobi region.
- 💊 Thorough Pre-Operative Assessment: A detailed nasal endoscopy and clinical evaluation before surgery confirms that the septum is the primary cause of your symptoms and that surgery is genuinely indicated.
- 🔬No External Incisions: Septoplasty at Royal Eye & Ear Hospital is performed entirely inside the nose. There are no external cuts, no visible scars and no change to the external appearance of the nose.
Benefits of Septoplasty
Significantly Improved Nasal Breathing
The primary and most immediate benefit of septoplasty is restored nasal airflow. Patients who have spent years breathing through their mouth or struggling with a blocked nose frequently describe the improvement as transformative.
Better Sleep Quality
Many patients report reduced snoring and fewer sleep disturbances following septoplasty, leading to increased daytime energy levels, better concentration and improved mood. Nasal obstruction is a major contributor to mouth breathing during sleep, which worsens snoring and sleep quality.
Fewer Sinus Infections
A deviated septum impairs normal sinus drainage and creates turbulent airflow that dries the nasal lining and promotes infection. Correcting the septum can reduce the frequency of sinus infections in patients where obstruction is a contributing factor.
No External Scarring
Septoplasty is performed entirely inside the nose. There are no cuts on the face, no visible scars and no change to how your nose looks from the outside.
Enhanced Quality of Life
From exercise to daily activities, being able to breathe freely through the nose has wide-ranging benefits for energy, performance, sleep and overall wellbeing.
Long-Lasting Results
Septoplasty provides structural correction of the nasal septum. The results are lasting and durable, without the need for ongoing medication or repeated procedures in most cases.
What to Expect After Septoplasty
Timeline:
Day 1-2: Your nose will feel very blocked immediately after surgery due to internal swelling and any packing placed. This is normal and expected. You may have mild bloody nasal discharge. Rest at home with your head elevated.
Days 3-7: Swelling gradually improves. You may begin to notice some improvement in breathing as swelling reduces. Nasal saline spray helps keep the nasal passages moist and clear. Most patients return to light desk-based work within a week.
Week 2: Significant improvement in comfort and breathing. If internal splints were placed, these are typically removed at your follow-up appointment during this period. Most people return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks.
Weeks 3-8: Continued improvement as deeper internal swelling settles. Full healing of the nasal septum takes several weeks to months, and the full benefit of surgery may not be experienced until 4-8 weeks after the procedure.
Recovery Do's and Dont's:
✅ Use nasal saline spray regularly to keep nasal passages moist and support healing
✅ Keep your head elevated when resting, especially in the first few days
✅ Take prescribed pain relief as directed
✅ Attend your follow-up appointment for splint removal and assessment
✅ Rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least 1-2 weeks
❌ Do not blow your nose for at least one week after surgery
❌ Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief; use paracetamol instead
❌ Do not do strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or contact sports for 2-3 weeks
❌ Do not wear glasses that rest on the nose for several weeks if nasal bones were adjusted
❌ Do not smoke; smoking severely impairs nasal healing
RESULTS
What Results Can You Expect?
1
Improved Nasal Breathing
The most consistent and significant result of septoplasty is improved nasal airflow. Patients with confirmed structural obstruction from a deviated septum typically experience meaningful improvement in breathing through their nose.
2
Better Sleep and Reduced Snoring
Many patients report reduced snoring and fewer sleep disturbances, leading to increased daytime energy levels and improved quality of life.
3
Reduction in Sinus Infections
Patients who suffered from recurring sinus infections related to poor nasal drainage frequently notice a significant reduction in infection frequency after septoplasty.
4
Long-Lasting Structural Correction
Septoplasty provides a permanent structural correction of the nasal septum. Unlike nasal sprays or decongestants which provide only temporary relief, the surgical results are durable and lasting in the vast majority of patients.
Risks & Considerations of Septoplasty⚠️
Septoplasty is a minor, low-risk procedure. At Royal Eye & Ear Hospital, our ENT surgeon takes every precaution to minimise risk. As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks to be aware of.
1
Bleeding
A small risk of post-operative nosebleed exists. Most bleeding is minor and settles with simple pressure. Significant post-operative bleeding requiring further intervention is uncommon.
2
Infection
A small risk of infection inside the nose or sinuses after surgery. Prescribed nasal drops and antibiotics where appropriate significantly reduce this risk.
3
Septal Perforation
A rare complication where a small hole develops in the septal cartilage. Small perforations are usually asymptomatic. Larger ones may cause crusting, bleeding or a whistling sound and may require repair.
Patient outcome note:
Your ENT surgeon will discuss all potential risks clearly during your pre-operative consultation. For patients with confirmed structural nasal obstruction causing significant symptoms, the benefits of septoplasty consistently outweigh these small surgical risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a functional procedure that corrects the internal structure of the nasal septum to improve breathing. It does not change the external shape or appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that changes the external shape of the nose. The two procedures can be combined (septorhinoplasty) when both functional and cosmetic correction are desired.
If you have persistent nasal obstruction on one or both sides that does not improve with nasal sprays, antihistamines or decongestants, and a nasal endoscopy confirms a significant deviated septum is the cause, septoplasty may be recommended. Not every deviated septum requires surgery. Mild deviations without significant symptoms do not need treatment. Your ENT surgeon will advise based on a thorough assessment.
No. Septoplasty is performed entirely inside the nose and does not alter the external shape or appearance of the nose in any way. If you also wish to change the appearance of your nose, this would be discussed as a separate or combined procedure.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia so you feel nothing during surgery. After surgery, you will have a stuffy, blocked feeling in the nose and possibly mild discomfort, but significant pain is uncommon. Prescribed paracetamol manages post-operative discomfort effectively in most patients.
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