Septoplasty Surgery in Singapore

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct a deviated septum – a condition where the thin wall of bone and cartilage separating your nasal passages is significantly off-centre or crooked.

This misalignment can make one nasal passage smaller than the other, often leading to breathing difficulties. By straightening and repositioning the nasal septum, septoplasty effectively alleviates nasal obstruction and related symptoms, improving airflow and overall nasal function.

doctor img
Dr Gan Eng Cern

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

Septoplasty Surgery in Singapore Septoplasty Surgery in Singapore
Septoplasty Surgery in Singapore Septoplasty Surgery in Singapore

Indications for Septoplasty

The following medical indications often signal the need for surgical correction.

  • Severe Nasal Obstruction: Significant blockage of one or both nasal passages that persistently affects breathing and does not respond to conservative treatments.
  • Chronic Sinusitis: Recurring sinus infections resistant to medical management, particularly when caused by poor drainage due to septal deviation, may require surgical intervention.
  • Recurrent Nosebleeds: Frequent nosebleeds caused by abnormal airflow patterns over the deviated septum can indicate the need for surgery. The irregular air turbulence often leads to drying and crusting of the nasal tissue, increasing bleeding risk.
  • Chronic Mouth Breathing: Persistent need to breathe through the mouth due to inadequate nasal airflow suggests surgical necessity. This compensation mechanism often leads to dry mouth, throat irritation, and potential dental problems.

Benefits of Septoplasty

The following benefits represent the common positive outcomes of septoplasty.

  • Improved Breathing Function: Correction of the deviated septum enhances nasal airflow, leading to easier breathing during both day and night. This improvement affects overall respiratory efficiency and physical endurance.
  • Enhanced Sleep Quality: Better nasal breathing reduces nighttime breathing difficulties and decreases mouth breathing, leading to improved sleep patterns. Many patients experience reduced snoring and better sleep quality.
  • Reduced Sinus Problems: Proper alignment of the nasal passages improves sinus drainage and ventilation, reducing the frequency and severity of sinus infections. This also leads to decreased nasal congestion and associated symptoms.
  • Improved Sensory Function: Many patients experience an enhanced sense of smell and better response to allergy treatments due to improved airflow patterns through the nose. This can also positively affect taste perception.

Health Considerations

Recognising potential health factors that may affect eligibility for septoplasty is necessary for ensuring safe and successful outcomes. These include:

Acute Respiratory Conditions: Active infections or inflammatory conditions of the respiratory tract require resolution before surgery can proceed. These conditions increase surgical risks and can compromise healing.

Uncontrolled Medical Conditions: Disorders affecting blood clotting or blood pressure must be stabilised prior to surgery. These conditions can increase the risk of surgical complications and affect healing outcomes.

Age Considerations: Facial growth must be complete before performing septoplasty, typically meaning adolescence should be finished. Early intervention could affect normal facial development and require revision surgery.

Nasal specimen collection by Dr Gan Nasal specimen collection by Dr Gan

Pre-Surgical Preparation

  • Medical Evaluation: A thorough physical examination and testing are required to ensure readiness for surgery. This includes blood tests to check for proper clotting function and overall health status, imaging studies to examine your nasal anatomy, and a review of your medical history with particular attention to previous surgeries and allergies.
  • Medication Adjustment: Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin typically need to be discontinued several weeks before the procedure. Some medications may need dosage adjustments, while others, such as antibiotics, might be added to your regimen.
  • Pre-Operative Guidelines: In the final days before surgery, you should follow specific clinic protocols, including fasting after midnight the day of surgery and stopping smoking at least two weeks beforehand. Your ENT doctor will provide instructions for proper hygiene preparation, including washing with antiseptic soap before the procedure.

Step-By-Step Procedure

Anaesthesia Administration

The surgery begins with the administration of general anaesthesia, ensuring patient comfort. Vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the procedure.

Surgical Access

The surgeon makes incisions inside the nostrils, creating careful access to the underlying septal cartilage and bone. These internal incisions eliminate visible external scarring while providing necessary surgical exposure.

Septal Correction

Through meticulous dissection, the surgeon identifies and addresses deviated portions of the septum. The cartilage and bone are carefully straightened, reshaped, or partially removed while maintaining structural support of the nose.

Tissue Realignment

Once the septal structure is corrected, surrounding tissues are repositioned to ensure proper healing. The surgeon places dissolvable internal sutures to hold tissues in their new position during the healing process.

Procedure Completion

The surgery concludes with the placement of soft nasal packing and external tape or splints to support the newly positioned structures. These temporary supports protect the surgical site and help reduce swelling during initial healing.

Post-Operative Care & Recovery

Immediate Post-Operative Care

  • Pain Management: The first few days after surgery require careful attention to pain control through prescribed medications and comfort measures. Ice packs applied to the cheeks and bridge of the nose help reduce swelling and discomfort. Keeping your head elevated, even during sleep, helps minimise both pain and swelling.
  • Activity Restrictions: Strict limitations on physical activity are necessary during the initial healing phase to prevent complications and optimise results. Avoid bending, lifting heavy objects, and any activities that could raise blood pressure or cause nasal trauma. These restrictions typically remain in place for 2 to 3 weeks, with a gradual return to normal activities as approved by your surgeon.

Recovery Process

  • Initial Phase: Swelling begins to subside and breathing begins to normalise in the first two weeks. Nasal congestion and pressure sensations are common during this time but typically improve significantly after nasal packing removal. Your surgeon will provide specific care instructions for gentle nasal cleaning and maintenance during this period.
  • Long-Term Recovery: Complete healing occurs gradually over 3 to 6 months, with regular follow-up visits allowing your surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns. During this time, you will notice continued improvements in breathing function and decreasing sensitivity of the nasal tissues. The final results of your surgery become apparent as all residual swelling resolves, typically within 6 to 12 months post-operation.

Are Your Symptoms Affecting Your Quality of Life?

Consult our MOH-accredited specialist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.

human head showing sinus structure

Potential Risks and Complications

Potential risks include common temporary effects like nasal congestion, swelling, and mild discomfort to less frequent complications such as infection, nosebleeds, septal perforation (a small hole in the septum), or adhesions (scar tissue formation). Though rare, serious complications may include severe bleeding, spinal fluid leakage, or breathing difficulties. Your doctor will take necessary precautions to minimise these risks, and most can be effectively managed when identified early. Following post-operative instructions carefully significantly reduces the likelihood of complications.

For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents

Medisave & Insurance Shield Plan approved

Your ENT procedure may be eligible for Medisave claims, with the claimable amount varying based on the procedure’s complexity. For additional options, including the use of your insurance or Integrated Shield Plan, reach out to our friendly clinic staff today for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will I have visible scars after septoplasty?

Septoplasty typically leaves no visible scarring as incisions are made inside the nose. In rare cases where external incisions are necessary, they are carefully placed in natural creases to minimise visibility.

How long should I take off work?

Most patients return to work or school within 7 to 10 days after surgery, though those with physically demanding jobs may require additional recovery time. Office workers can often return sooner, while those in manual labour positions may need 2 to 3 weeks before resuming full duties.

Will my voice change after septoplasty?

While temporary changes in vocal resonance may occur during initial healing due to swelling, permanent voice changes are extremely rare. Once healing completes and normal airflow is established, any minor voice changes typically resolve.

Dr. Gan picture

Dr Gan Eng Cern

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

With over 15 years of experience, Dr Gan specialises in the comprehensive management of a broad range of conditions related to the ear, nose and throat (ENT), and head and neck.

Dr. Gan has contributed to the academic field as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He is recognised for his extensive research work, with numerous contributions to reputable international ENT journals. Dr Gan is also highly sought after as a speaker and has shared his surgical knowledge as a surgical dissection teacher at various prominent ENT conferences and courses.

  • 2020 – Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Best ENT Specialist (Expat Living Singapore)
  • 2016 – Best Educator Award (Eastern Health Alliance)
  • 2016 – “Wow” Award (Patient Compliment)
  • 2014 – Eastern Health Alliance Caring Award – Silver
  • 2014 – 19th Yahya Cohen Memorial Lectureship (awarded by the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore for best scientific surgical paper)
  • 2012 – Human Manpower Development Award (Ministry of Health, Singapore)
  • 2007 – Singhealth Best Doctor Award

Qualifications

  • MBBS – Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)
  • MRCS (Edin) – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • MMed (ORL) – Master of Medicine in ENT (National University of Singapore)
  • FAMS – Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore
Dr Gan performing sinus procedure

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    A Specialist Clinic for Sinus, Snoring & ENT

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    Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
    Singapore 329563

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