Risks

As with any major surgery, septoplasty carries risks, such as bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to the anesthetic. Other possible risks specific to septoplasty include:

• Continued symptoms, such as nasal obstruction
• Excessive bleeding
• A change in the shape of your nose
• A hole in the septum
• Decreased sense of smell
• Clotted blood in the nasal space that has to be drained
• Temporary numbness in the upper gum, teeth or nose

You may need additional surgery to treat some of these complications. You may also need additional surgery if the outcome of septoplasty doesn't match your expectations. Talk to your doctor about your specific risks before surgery.