Getting Ready for Balloon Septoplasty

How is the procedure done?

• The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone between the two sides of the nose. When it is bent, it can block airflow on one or both sides.
• A small balloon is placed in the nose and gently inflated to reshape the bent part of the septum, with the goal of making more room for air to move. There are no incisions, and no cartilage or bone is removed.
• It takes about 10 minutes and is done under local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will tell you which, and where it will be done.
• It is often done together with other nasal procedures, such as turbinate reduction, ClariFix or RhinAer. If you are having more than one procedure, you will get a guide for each.
• A balloon is not the right fit for every bent septum. Your surgeon will tell you whether balloon septoplasty or traditional septoplasty fits your nose.

Our septoplasty page explains when straightening the septum helps.

What are the risks?

Every procedure has risks. We will go over them with you, and you can ask about any of them.

• Sedation or general anesthesia, if it is used, is safe, but it has some risks. The anesthesia team can go over them with you. Tell us if anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia.
• Pain, bleeding and infection are risks of any procedure.
• Numb upper front teeth. This is usually temporary.
• Some blockage may remain. Some people still have some blockage afterward, and another procedure, such as traditional septoplasty, may be needed.
• Loss of smell is rare.
• A hole in the septum (septal perforation) is rare. It often causes no symptoms, but it can cause crusting, bleeding or a whistling sound when you breathe, and may need to be repaired.
• A blood clot in the septum (septal hematoma) can damage the cartilage and make the top of the nose sink if it is not treated. Call us right away for new, worsening pain or pressure in the nose, or a nose that is completely blocked on both sides.
• Toxic shock syndrome is very rare, but it can be life-threatening.
• If turbinate reduction is also done: the turbinates can grow back over several years, and the blockage can return. Empty nose syndrome, a feeling that the nose is blocked or dry even though there is plenty of room, is rare with modern techniques.

How do I get ready?

• Before the procedure

  • Give us a list of every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take.
  • If you take aspirin or a blood thinner, tell us. Do not stop it on your own; we will tell you whether you need to.

• Eating and drinking

  • You can eat and drink as usual on the day of the procedure, unless you are having sedation or general anesthesia.
  • If you are having sedation or general anesthesia: follow the eating and drinking instructions we give you exactly, and arrange for an adult to drive you home.

• The day of the procedure

  • If it is done in our office, arrive 15 minutes before your procedure time, or 30 minutes before if you are having sedation. If you are having general anesthesia, follow the arrival time we give you.
  • Bring your photo ID, insurance card and list of medicines.

What happens after the procedure?

• Some bleeding from the nose for 1 to 2 days is normal. Call us if bleeding does not stop, or for any bleeding that worries you.
• Most people go back to work the same day.
• After general anesthesia, we recommend having an adult stay with you the first night.
• No nose blowing, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise or flying for 1 week. Use saline spray as directed.
• Your follow-up visit is usually about 1 week after the procedure.

The Balloon Septoplasty Recovery Guide has everything you need after the procedure, including when to call us.

When should I call before the procedure?