Septoplasty at a glance
| Item | Summary |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Septoplasty (nasal septum surgery to correct a deviated septum) |
| Main structure treated | Nasal septum: cartilage and bone separating the two nasal passages |
| Main purpose | Improve nasal airflow by straightening or modifying the deviated septum |
| External shape change | Septoplasty alone does not change the external nose shape; no external scar |
| Related procedures | Functional rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, turbinate reduction, cosmetic rhinoplasty |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Typical surgery duration | 1 to 2 hours as standalone procedure; longer if combined with rhinoplasty or turbinate reduction |
| Hospital stay | Day surgery (same-day discharge typical) |
| Initial recovery | 7 to 10 days off work; internal splints (where used) removed at approximately one week |
| Airflow improvement | Typically continues to improve over weeks to months as internal swelling settles |
| Medicare eligibility | MBS item 41671 may apply where clinical criteria and documentation requirements are met |
| Consultation fee | $450 |
| Total fee range | Approximately $12,000 to $18,000 with private health insurance and Medicare contribution; up to $26,000 without insurance |
| Sydney clinics | Bondi Junction and Manly |
What is septoplasty?
Septoplasty is surgery to straighten or modify the nasal septum. The septum is the internal wall of cartilage (in the front part of the nose) and bone (in the back) that separates the left and right nasal passages. When the septum is deviated to one or both sides, it can narrow the nasal passages, reduce airflow, and contribute to a range of breathing-related symptoms.
The surgery is performed entirely through the nostrils. There is no external incision and no visible scar on the surface of the nose. During the procedure, the mucosal lining of the septum is lifted, the deviated cartilage or bone is corrected, repositioned, or selectively removed, and the lining is replaced over the corrected septum. Internal dissolving splints are sometimes used to support healing in the first week.
Septoplasty is different from cosmetic rhinoplasty. Septoplasty is internal surgery that focuses on airflow and does not intentionally change the external appearance of the nose. Cosmetic rhinoplasty, by contrast, focuses on external shape and structure. For more on the broader nasal procedure cluster, see our nose surgery hub. For combined septoplasty and rhinoplasty (septorhinoplasty), see our functional rhinoplasty Sydney page, which covers the combined procedure in clinical detail.
What causes a deviated septum?
A deviated septum can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired through nasal trauma. Both causes are common, and many patients have a degree of septal deviation without significant symptoms. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on whether the deviation is contributing to functional problems.
| Cause or symptom | What it may indicate | More relevant pathway |
|---|---|---|
| One-sided nasal blockage | Septal deviation narrowing one nasal passage | Septoplasty |
| Blockage after a nasal injury | Trauma-related septal deviation or nasal fracture | Septoplasty (or broken nose treatment if recent injury) |
| Mouth breathing or snoring | Nasal obstruction may contribute, but other factors also possible | Septoplasty assessment |
| Chronic congestion | Septum, turbinates, allergy, rhinitis, or sinus factors may contribute | Septoplasty assessment with allergy/sinus context |
| Breathing collapse during deep inhalation | Nasal valve collapse, not septum alone | Functional rhinoplasty |
| External crooked nose | External nasal structure, not septum alone | Cosmetic rhinoplasty or functional rhinoplasty |
Common symptoms associated with a clinically significant deviated septum include difficulty breathing through one nostril (often more pronounced on one side), recurrent congestion, mouth breathing (particularly at night), snoring, recurrent sinus infections, nosebleeds from a particular side, and a sensation of facial pressure. Not all of these symptoms are caused by septal deviation, which is why clinical assessment is required to identify the actual contributing cause before any surgery is considered.
Septoplasty vs cosmetic rhinoplasty
The most important distinction for patients researching septoplasty is the difference between internal septal surgery (septoplasty) and external shape surgery (cosmetic rhinoplasty).
| Question | Septoplasty | Cosmetic rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Improve internal nasal airflow by correcting the septum | Change the external shape or appearance of the nose |
| Main structure addressed | Septal cartilage and bone (internal) | Nasal bones, bridge, tip, nostrils, cartilage support (external) |
| External appearance | Usually no major change from septoplasty alone | External appearance may change |
| External scar | None | Small columellar scar with open approach |
| Medicare | MBS item 41671 may apply where criteria are met | Cosmetic-only rhinoplasty is treated as private cosmetic |
| Best next page | This page | Cosmetic rhinoplasty |
Patients who want both functional improvement and external shape change usually require septorhinoplasty (combined septoplasty and rhinoplasty), which is covered on our functional rhinoplasty Sydney page.
Septoplasty vs functional rhinoplasty
The most important routing distinction in the nose surgery cluster is between septoplasty and functional rhinoplasty. Both address breathing problems, but they address different structures.
| Breathing issue | Septoplasty may be sufficient | Functional rhinoplasty may be needed |
|---|---|---|
| Deviated septum as primary cause | Yes, if the septum is the main obstruction | Sometimes, if external structural support is also affected |
| Internal nasal valve collapse | Not usually sufficient alone | Yes, requires spreader graft or similar structural support |
| External nasal valve collapse | Not usually sufficient alone | Yes, requires alar batten grafting or lateral crural support |
| Trauma-related crooked external nose | Sometimes, if internal septum is the main issue | Often, where external nasal bones and cartilage are also involved |
| Breathing problems after previous rhinoplasty | Sometimes | Often revision rhinoplasty is the appropriate pathway |
| Pure septal deviation with no external structural concerns | Yes, septoplasty alone is usually appropriate | Not required |
The simplest way to distinguish: septoplasty addresses the internal septum only and does not change external nasal structure; functional rhinoplasty addresses the broader internal and external framework that supports the airway, including the nasal valves. Where both internal septum and external structural problems are present, the procedure is septorhinoplasty (combined), and the planning detail is on our functional rhinoplasty Sydney page.
For more on how nasal valve collapse develops and why it is not addressed by septoplasty alone, see our guide to nasal valve collapse.
Turbinate reduction and septoplasty
The turbinates are bony structures covered in mucosa that sit along the sidewalls of the nasal passages. There are three pairs (superior, middle, and inferior); the inferior turbinates are the largest and most commonly involved in nasal obstruction. Their job is to warm, humidify, and filter the air you breathe in. When the inferior turbinates become enlarged (a condition called turbinate hypertrophy), they can contribute to nasal blockage alongside, or independently of, a deviated septum.
Turbinate reduction is a separate procedure that may be performed at the same time as septoplasty when both contribute to obstruction. The reduction is typically performed using techniques that reduce the bulk of the turbinate while preserving its function. The turbinates are not removed completely because they perform essential physiological functions.
Whether turbinate reduction is appropriate depends on what is found at consultation. Inferior turbinate hypertrophy that responds to medical management (such as nasal corticosteroid sprays for allergic rhinitis) does not always require surgery. Where turbinate enlargement is fixed, structural, and contributing to obstruction alongside septal deviation, combining septoplasty with turbinate reduction in the same operation is often appropriate.
Turbinate reduction is not automatically required with septoplasty, and septoplasty is not automatically required with turbinate reduction. Each is assessed on its own clinical indication.
Medicare and septoplasty
Septoplasty is one of the more commonly Medicare-eligible procedures in the nose surgery cluster because it is functional rather than cosmetic. Medicare may contribute to the procedure where the clinical criteria for MBS item 41671 are met and the appropriate documentation is in place.
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| MBS item | 41671 |
| Procedure type | Septal surgery, including septoplasty, septal reconstruction, septectomy, closure of septal perforation, and other modifications of the septum |
| Documentation typically required | Full clinical details and evidence of clinical need (which may include photographic records and/or NOSE Scale documentation) |
| Combined with rhinoplasty | Septoplasty benefits may be payable where performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty items 45632 to 45644 or 45650 |
| Excluded | Cauterisation and certain associated services are not covered under this item |
| Cosmetic components | Cosmetic-only components of a combined procedure are not Medicare-eligible |
Where Medicare applies, private health insurance with appropriate hospital cover may also contribute to hospital costs. The combination of Medicare contribution and private health insurance substantially reduces patient out-of-pocket compared with a cosmetic-only procedure. Hospital fees, anaesthetic fees, surgeon gap fees, and any cosmetic components may still apply as out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare eligibility is determined at consultation based on the clinical findings and documentation. Eligibility cannot be guaranteed before assessment, and Medicare contribution should not be the primary basis for choosing surgery. The Medicare framework exists to support clinically indicated procedures, not to fund cosmetic preference.
The septoplasty consultation and surgical process
Every septoplasty patient follows a structured assessment process to determine whether septal deviation is the actual cause of the breathing problem and whether septoplasty alone is the appropriate procedure.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. GP referral | Required before the initial consultation; reviewed at intake |
| 2. Symptom history | Side of obstruction, mouth breathing, snoring, sleep impact, exercise limitation, recent trauma; NOSE Scale scoring where relevant |
| 3. External nasal examination | Nasal shape, evidence of previous trauma, signs of external valve collapse, structural support assessment |
| 4. Internal nasal examination | Septum position and shape, turbinate size, mucosa, internal nasal valve area, signs of obstruction |
| 5. Treatment planning | Septoplasty alone, septoplasty with turbinate reduction, functional rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, or non-surgical management discussed |
| 6. Documentation | Clinical notes, photographs, and Medicare-related documentation where applicable |
| 7. Informed consent | Risks, recovery, expected airflow improvement, and what septoplasty cannot address explained in detail |
| 8. Surgery | Performed under general anaesthesia at an accredited Sydney private hospital; same-day discharge typical |
| 9. Follow-up | Internal splint removal at 7 to 10 days; further appointments at 6 weeks and 3 months |
The structured process exists to ensure that septoplasty is recommended only when the septum is the actual primary cause of obstruction and only when surgery is likely to deliver meaningful symptom improvement.
How septoplasty is performed
Septoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia at an accredited Sydney private hospital. The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours as a standalone operation. Where combined with turbinate reduction or rhinoplasty, the total operating time is longer.
The surgical steps are:
- Internal incision: A small incision is made inside one nostril at the front edge of the septum. There is no external incision and no visible scar.
- Mucosal flap elevation: The mucosal lining is carefully lifted away from the underlying cartilage and bone on both sides of the septum.
- Septum correction: Deviated portions of cartilage or bone are corrected, repositioned, or selectively removed. Modern septoplasty preserves as much of the cartilage and bone framework as possible, working with the existing anatomy rather than removing it.
- Lining repositioning: The mucosal lining is replaced over the corrected septum.
- Internal splints (where used): Soft internal splints may be placed to support healing in the first week. These are removed at the splint-removal appointment.
Septoplasty does not involve incisions across the bridge of the nose, the nostrils, or the external skin. The external nasal shape is not intentionally changed. Any small post-operative changes to the external nose from internal swelling typically resolve as the swelling settles.
Cost of septoplasty in Sydney
Total fees for septoplasty at our Sydney practice typically range from approximately $12,000 to $18,000 when private health insurance and Medicare contribution apply. Without private health insurance, the total cost can rise to approximately $26,000. This is the same cost framework that applies to functional rhinoplasty, because both procedures rely on the same MBS item structure for Medicare contribution.
The total fee typically includes:
- Surgical fee (Dr Turner)
- Anaesthetist fee
- Hospital admission (typically day surgery)
- Standard post-operative follow-up appointments at 6 weeks and 3 months
The initial consultation fee is $450. The second consultation, required before any surgery is scheduled, is included in this fee.
Where the patient has private health insurance with appropriate hospital cover, the insurance contribution to hospital costs combined with Medicare contribution under MBS item 41671 substantially reduces the out-of-pocket cost. Where the patient does not have private health insurance, the full hospital cost falls to the patient, and the total fee is correspondingly higher.
Where septoplasty is combined with turbinate reduction or rhinoplasty (septorhinoplasty), the total fee changes based on the additional work performed. Combined procedures with a cosmetic component are partially private even where the functional septoplasty portion is Medicare-eligible.
For a detailed cost breakdown across nose surgery procedures, see our rhinoplasty and septoplasty cost guide.
Septoplasty recovery
Recovery from septoplasty is typically more straightforward than recovery from rhinoplasty because there is no external splint or bruising. Most patients have congestion and internal swelling for the first week or two, followed by gradual airflow improvement.
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Internal congestion, possible internal splints, mild bleeding or crusting. Most patients take 7 to 10 days off work. |
| End of week 1 | Internal splint removal (where used). Congestion gradually improves. |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Most patients return to office-based work and routine activities. Strenuous activity still restricted. |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Light exercise typically resumes from week 4 depending on Dr Turner’s advice. Avoid contact sport and any activity that risks impact to the nose. |
| 3 months | Internal swelling continues to settle. Airflow may continue improving over this period. |
Patients are seen for follow-up at splint removal (where used), then at 6 weeks and 3 months. Where septoplasty is combined with turbinate reduction or rhinoplasty, the recovery timeline extends accordingly. For a more detailed recovery breakdown across nose surgery procedures, see our rhinoplasty recovery timeline guide.
Are you a suitable candidate for septoplasty?
Septoplasty is appropriate for patients whose nasal obstruction is primarily caused by a deviated septum and where the deviation is contributing to functional symptoms.
Clinical suitability
- Diagnosed or suspected deviated septum on clinical examination
- Nasal obstruction or breathing symptoms (one-sided blockage, mouth breathing, snoring, chronic congestion)
- Symptoms have not adequately responded to non-surgical management where appropriate (e.g., trial of nasal corticosteroid for inflammatory components)
- Good general health, with any chronic conditions well controlled
- Non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking for a defined period before and after surgery
- GP referral and documentation in place where Medicare assessment is required
- Realistic understanding of what septoplasty can and cannot achieve
When septoplasty may not be enough
Septoplasty addresses the septum only. Several situations indicate that a different procedure or a combined approach is more appropriate:
- Nasal valve collapse: Internal or external valve collapse is structural and is not addressed by septoplasty alone. Functional rhinoplasty is the relevant procedure.
- External nasal deformity: A crooked or asymmetric external nose is not changed by septoplasty alone. Cosmetic rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty may be required.
- Turbinate hypertrophy as dominant cause: Where turbinates are the main contributor to obstruction, turbinate reduction may be more relevant, with or without septoplasty.
- Allergy or rhinitis as dominant cause: Inflammatory causes of congestion respond to medical management rather than surgery.
- Sinus disease: Sinus-related obstruction is assessed and treated separately.
- Breathing problems after previous rhinoplasty: Revision rhinoplasty is usually the appropriate pathway. See our revision rhinoplasty Sydney page.
- Cosmetic shape concerns: Septoplasty does not change external nasal shape.
Where these factors apply, Dr Turner will explain the alternative pathway at consultation.
Septoplasty risks and complications
All surgery carries risk. The specific risks of septoplasty include:
- Bleeding: Mild bleeding or crusting is common in the first week; significant post-operative bleeding is uncommon
- Infection: Antibiotic prophylaxis is used; infection remains a recognised risk
- Septal perforation: A small hole between the left and right nasal passages can develop; modern technique minimises but does not eliminate this risk
- Adhesions or scar bands: Internal scar tissue may form between the septum and the turbinate, potentially affecting airflow
- Septal haematoma: Bleeding under the mucosa of the septum, requiring drainage if it occurs
- Persistent or recurrent obstruction: Septoplasty improves airflow when the septum is the main cause; obstruction caused by other factors (valves, turbinates, allergy) may not improve
- Crusting or dryness: Common in the early weeks, usually resolves
- Changes in nasal sensation: Temporary numbness of the front teeth or upper lip is common; persistent sensory change is uncommon
- Changes in smell: Temporary changes in smell can occur; persistent change is uncommon
- Need for further surgery: A small proportion of patients require further intervention
- General anaesthetic risks: Reactions to medications, breathing difficulties, and rarely more serious complications
The individual risk profile for your case depends on your anatomy, medical history, smoking status, and the specifics of the surgical plan. Dr Turner discusses the risks relevant to your case in detail at consultation.
Related nose surgery procedures
If septoplasty is not the right pathway for your concerns, the pages below cover related procedures.
| Related page | When to read it |
|---|---|
| Nose Surgery Hub | If you are not yet sure which nasal procedure applies to your concerns |
| Functional Rhinoplasty | If nasal valve collapse or external structural breathing problems are present, or for septorhinoplasty (combined procedure) |
| Cosmetic Rhinoplasty | If external shape or profile change is also a concern |
| Revision Rhinoplasty | If breathing problems followed a previous rhinoplasty |
| Broken Nose | If septal deviation followed a recent nasal injury |
| Tip Rhinoplasty | If the concern is isolated to the nasal tip and no breathing problem is present |
| Alarplasty | If nostril width or alar base shape is the main concern |
| Ethnic Rhinoplasty | If anatomical considerations specific to non-Caucasian backgrounds apply |
| Male Rhinoplasty | If male-specific structural and aesthetic considerations apply |
Helpful guides about septoplasty and nose breathing
The articles below provide deeper context on the considerations that often come up in septoplasty assessment.
- Nasal valve collapse: How nasal valve collapse develops, why it is not addressed by septoplasty alone, and when functional rhinoplasty is required instead
- Cosmetic vs functional rhinoplasty: Detailed comparison of cosmetic and functional nasal procedures, including how septoplasty fits within the functional category
- Breathing problems after rhinoplasty: The structural causes of breathing difficulty after a previous rhinoplasty
- Rhinoplasty and septoplasty cost in Sydney: Detailed breakdown of fees, including Medicare and insurance contributions
- Nose surgery recovery timeline: Week-by-week recovery guide applicable to septoplasty and combined procedures
- How to choose a rhinoplasty surgeon: What credentials, experience, and consultation signals to look for
Frequently Asked Questions
What is septoplasty?
Septoplasty is surgery to straighten or modify a deviated nasal septum, the internal wall of cartilage and bone that separates the left and right nasal passages. It is performed entirely through the nostrils, with no external incision and no visible scar on the surface of the nose. Septoplasty is a functional procedure performed to improve nasal airflow; it does not intentionally change the external shape of the nose.
What is a deviated septum?
A deviated septum is a septum that is bent, displaced, or shaped in a way that narrows one or both nasal passages. It can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired through nasal trauma. Many people have some degree of septal deviation; surgery is considered only where the deviation is clinically significant and contributes to functional symptoms such as one-sided blockage, mouth breathing, chronic congestion, or breathing difficulty.
Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?
No. Septoplasty addresses the internal septum only and is not designed to change the external appearance of the nose. There is no external incision and no visible scar. Any small post-operative changes to the external nose from internal swelling typically resolve as the swelling settles. Where the patient wants both functional improvement and external shape change, septorhinoplasty (combined septoplasty and rhinoplasty) is the relevant procedure, and is covered on our functional rhinoplasty page.
Does Medicare cover septoplasty in Australia?
Medicare may contribute to septoplasty where the clinical criteria for MBS item 41671 are met and appropriate documentation is in place. MBS item 41671 covers septal surgery including septoplasty, septal reconstruction, septectomy, closure of septal perforation, and other modifications of the septum. Medicare eligibility is determined at consultation based on the clinical findings. Where Medicare applies, private health insurance with appropriate hospital cover may also contribute to hospital costs.
How much does septoplasty cost in Sydney?
Total fees for septoplasty at our Sydney practice typically range from approximately $12,000 to $18,000 when private health insurance and Medicare contribution apply. Without private health insurance, the total cost can rise to approximately $26,000. The initial consultation fee is $450. Where septoplasty is combined with turbinate reduction or rhinoplasty, the total fee changes based on the additional work performed.
How long does septoplasty recovery take?
Most patients take 7 to 10 days off work after septoplasty. Internal splints (where used) are removed at approximately one week. Congestion improves gradually over the first two to three weeks. Light exercise typically resumes from week 4 depending on Dr Turner’s advice, with strenuous activity and contact sport avoided until cleared. Internal swelling continues to settle over the first three months, and airflow may continue improving over this period.
Can septoplasty fix nasal valve collapse?
Not usually. Nasal valve collapse is a separate structural problem affecting the internal nasal valve (the narrowest part of the nasal airway) or the external nasal valve (the nostril sidewall). It is addressed by functional rhinoplasty using spreader grafts, alar batten grafts, or other structural support techniques. Septoplasty addresses the septum only and does not provide structural support to the nasal valves. Where both septal deviation and nasal valve collapse are present, septorhinoplasty (combined) may be appropriate.
Can septoplasty and turbinate reduction be performed together?
Yes, septoplasty and turbinate reduction are commonly performed in the same operation when both the septum and the inferior turbinates contribute to nasal obstruction. The two procedures address different structures (the septum is the central wall; the turbinates are the side structures), and combining them is often more effective than addressing one alone. Whether turbinate reduction is appropriate depends on the clinical findings at consultation.
Important information about septoplasty
Septoplasty is an invasive surgical procedure and carries risks. These risks include bleeding, infection, septal perforation, adhesions or scar bands, septal haematoma, persistent or recurrent obstruction, crusting, changes in nasal sensation, changes in smell, and the need for further surgery. General anaesthetic risks also apply. Septoplasty may improve airflow when the septum is a major cause of obstruction, but it may not resolve symptoms caused by allergy, rhinitis, sinus disease, turbinate enlargement, nasal valve collapse, or other non-septal factors. Suitability, recovery, and outcomes vary between patients, and Medicare eligibility is determined at consultation based on the clinical findings and documentation. A consultation with Dr Turner is required to assess whether septoplasty is the appropriate procedure for your anatomy, your symptoms, and your goals.
Schedule a clinical evaluation with Dr Turner
If you have nasal obstruction, a suspected deviated septum, breathing difficulty after an injury, or questions about whether septoplasty is the right procedure for your symptoms, a consultation is required to assess your nasal anatomy, identify the actual cause of obstruction, and determine whether septoplasty alone is appropriate or whether functional rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, turbinate reduction, or non-surgical management is more relevant. Dr Scott Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) who consults with patients about septoplasty, functional nasal surgery, and related nose surgery procedures at his Bondi Junction and Manly clinics.
To schedule a clinical evaluation, contact our team.
Phone: 1300 437 758 Email: [email protected] Bondi Junction: 39 Grosvenor Street, Bondi Junction NSW Manly: Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW
Two consultations are required before any cosmetic component of surgery is scheduled, in line with Medical Board and AHPRA requirements.
