Septoplasty Recovery - Time, Tips, How Long?

Recovering from a septoplasty is not as terrible as you might thing. The first 48-72hrs you can expect some dull pain and you may have a headache. The biggest thing you can do during that time is head elevation, rest and ice. Most patients can switch to tylenol at that point and get back to work. 
Most patients will have some bruising and swelling, but not as much as a rhinoplasty patient. The head elevation and ice help with this. 
Nasal congestion is normal after septoplasty since the nasal mucosa is inflamed. This can take 2-6 weeks to improve. 
You can do light activity but I don't want patients to do heavy exercise for 6 weeks. 

Septoplasty alone is an easier, quicker recovery than the rhinoplasty. Septoplasty alone includes removal of the angled portion of the septum (bone and cartilage) and repositing the septum in the midline. 
Post-op, there will be an internal silicone splint stabilizing the septum for about 10 days. The splint has a tube that extends from inside the nostril to the posterior aspect of the nose so you can breathe easily.
A rhinoplasty will include a septoplasty as well. There is a lot more internal procedures done at the same time and the recovery is longer for the swelling to subside. 
Downtime for a septoplasty is minimal, no increased exertion for 7-10 days; pain should be well controlled with moderate pain meds and then Tylenol for a couple of days. 

Hello Ivan and thanks for your question.
Septoplasty can cause some discomfort. However, it responds nicely to pain meds. We use a soft splint which speeds up recovery.Most pateints are very pleased with the improvement in the breathing.Please note that a number of factors can lead to breathing difficulty through the nose.Given that the nose and nasal breathing passages are three dimensional structures, a complete examination is needed to determine the diagnosis and the exact reason for breathing difficulty. In our office we used a headlight and other instrument to come up with the exact cause for this issue.  
The following are the 3 main reason for mouth breathing and difficulty breathing through the nose:
1. Septal deviation
2. Turbinate enlargement
3. Nasal Valve collapse
4. Major allergic rhinitis
5. Any combination of the above.
For patients who are searching for answer regarding above or septoplasty, I would highly recommend visiting a few plastic surgeons who specialize in this exacting and artistic procedure. In our office we provide patients with a personalized, individualized and complementary consultation to address these similar issues.

For more information and many before and after examples please see the link below.
Best wishes and good luck.
Dr. Sajjadian