High-Precision Septoplasty & Functional Septorhinoplasty
Medically reviewed by Dr. Iván Méndez-Benegassi Silva · ENT & Sleep Medicine Specialist · HM Hospitales, Madrid · License No. 282855946
The nasal septum is the wall of bone and cartilage dividing the nasal passages. When deviated, it prevents laminar airflow. In our clinic, we perform this correction using high-resolution optical microscopy, providing superior visualization compared to traditional techniques.
What Sets Us Apart
Microscope Use
Allows identification of deep posterior deviations and minimal incisions, maximally preserving nasal mucosa.
Functional Septorhinoplasty
If besides the internal deviation there is an external deformity or nasal valve collapse, we correct the entire structure to restore respiratory function without neglecting aesthetic harmony.
No Uncomfortable Packing
Thanks to microscope precision and internal suture techniques, in most cases we avoid the uncomfortable traditional packing.
The septum, your breathing and apnea
A deviated septum — or a collapsing nasal valve — raises the resistance to airflow and pushes you towards mouth breathing during sleep. That feeds snoring, dries the throat and is one of the most common reasons patients cannot tolerate CPAP: leaks, the need for higher pressure and a feeling of suffocation under the mask.
Honest framing: straightening the septum does not by itself cure sleep apnea. It restores nasal breathing, which usually allows a lower CPAP pressure and a far better tolerance of CPAP or the mandibular advancement device (MAD). It is the step that makes the rest of the treatment viable.
When we recommend it
- A symptomatic deviated septum: persistent blocked nose, especially one-sided.
- Nasal valve collapse, where the side wall of the nose draws in on inspiration.
- Mouth breathing and nasal-origin snoring that disturb rest.
- Poor CPAP tolerance due to nasal obstruction, before optimising the device pressure.
When the deviation also involves the nasal valve or an external deformity, functional septorhinoplasty corrects the whole structure so that breathing — not just appearance — improves.
Recovery and risks
It is usually an outpatient or short-stay procedure: you go home the same day or after a brief stay. Most people return to office work and normal daily activities within about a week, avoiding physical exertion, blowing the nose hard and sun exposure in the first days. Nasal congestion from internal swelling is normal at first and improves over the following weeks. When we avoid traditional packing, the postoperative course is considerably more comfortable.
It is a well-established surgery, but like any operation it has possible risks: bleeding, infection, temporary nasal congestion, a small residual deviation or, rarely, a septal perforation or changes in smell. We assess each case individually beforehand to minimise them and explain them honestly during the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have nasal packing afterwards?
In most of our cases, no. Thanks to microscope precision and internal suture techniques, we usually avoid the uncomfortable traditional packing. Small soft silicone splints may sometimes be left for a few days to protect the septum, but they are far better tolerated than classic gauze packing.
How many days of recovery or sick leave will I need?
You go home the same day or after a short stay. Most people return to office work and normal daily activities within about a week, avoiding physical exertion, blowing the nose hard and sun in the first days. Nasal congestion from internal swelling is normal at first and improves over the following weeks.
Will it improve my snoring or help me tolerate CPAP?
Straightening the septum does not by itself cure sleep apnea, but it restores nasal breathing. That usually reduces nasal-origin snoring and, very often, allows a lower CPAP pressure and a far better tolerance of CPAP or the mandibular advancement device. It is the step that makes the rest of the treatment viable.
Will it change the shape of my nose?
A pure functional septoplasty works inside the nose and does not change its external appearance. If there is also an external deformity or nasal valve collapse, a functional septorhinoplasty corrects the whole structure: the priority remains breathing, and any change in shape is discussed beforehand and aimed at natural harmony, not a purely cosmetic result.
What are the risks?
It is a well-established surgery, but like any operation it has possible risks: bleeding, infection, temporary nasal congestion, a small residual deviation or, rarely, a septal perforation or changes in smell. We assess each case individually beforehand to minimise them and explain them honestly during the consultation.