Deviated Septum & Septoplasty in Lahore

If one side of your nose is always blocked, you breathe through your mouth at night, or sinus infections keep returning, a deviated septum is the likely reason. Septoplasty straightens it — permanently.

About deviated nasal septum

The septum is the central wall of cartilage and bone dividing the two sides of your nasal cavity. In most people it is slightly off-centre; in many it is bent sufficiently to impede airflow on one or both sides. This obstruction may be present from birth or follow a facial injury or sports mishap.

A deviated septum does not straighten with sprays or medicines. When it causes real breathing restriction, septoplasty is the definitive surgical solution: a short, internal operation performed entirely through the nostrils.

Symptoms

  • Persistent nasal blockage on one side or alternating sides
  • Mouth breathing, dry throat in the morning, and broken sleep
  • Loud snoring or partner noticing pauses in breathing
  • Recurrent sinus infections due to impaired drainage
  • Frequent nosebleeds from dry mucosal airflow on the deviated side
  • Facial heaviness and recurring frontal headaches
  • Noisy breathing or shortness of breath during exercise

Common causes

  • Congenital deviation — uneven growth during childhood development
  • Nose injury (sports, road accidents, falls)
  • Growth changes during adolescence
  • Enlarged inferior turbinates compounding the structural blockage

How it is diagnosed in clinic

Dr. Sajid examines the nasal cavity with an illuminated speculum and a high-definition nasal endoscope. This identifies the exact location and angle of the deviation, assesses turbinate enlargement, and rules out co-existing polyps or sinus disease. A topical decongestant test reveals how much of the blockage is structural (septal bone/cartilage) versus mucosal swelling, determining if combined turbinoplasty will optimize airflow.

Treatment options

Medical treatment (first line)

  • Intranasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce mucosal swelling
  • Oral or topical antihistamines when allergic rhinitis co-exists
  • Regular saline nasal irrigation to maintain clear airway hygiene
  • Nasal dilator strips at night for mild temporary relief
  • Note: Medical management controls swelling but cannot straighten deviated cartilage

Surgical treatment — Septoplasty

Septoplasty is performed entirely through the nostrils under general anaesthesia (or local with sedation). The deviated portions of cartilage and bone are delicately reshaped or repositioned in the midline. When the inferior turbinates are enlarged, turbinate reduction is performed concurrently. There are no external cuts, no bruising, and no change to the external appearance of your nose.

What to expect: step by step

1

Before surgery

Routine blood work and pre-anaesthesia evaluation. Discontinue blood-thinning medications as advised. Fasting from midnight.

2

The operation

45–75 minutes at the hospital. Soft silicone internal splints or light dissolvable packs support the straightened septum.

3

Day 0–2

Return home the same afternoon or following morning. Expect mild congestion similar to a cold. Sleep with head elevated.

4

Day 5–7

Quick, painless in-clinic removal of silicone splints. Immediate, noticeable improvement in nasal breathing.

5

Week 2–6

Internal mucosal healing stabilizes; full breathing benefit felt by 4–6 weeks. Contact sports avoided for 6 weeks.

Cost of treatment in Lahore

Septoplasty cost in Lahore depends on hospital tier, anaesthesia type, and whether concurrent turbinate reduction or sinus clearance is required. Following clinical examination and endoscopy, you receive an itemised estimate with no hidden extras. Consultation fee: PKR 4000.

Ready to get it sorted? Book a consultation with Dr. Sajid Iqbal at Horizon Hospital, Johar Town, Lahore — call 0321 4496160 or WhatsApp.

Deviated Septum & Septoplasty — Frequently Asked Questions

No. Septoplasty works entirely on the internal septum and leaves your outer appearance unchanged. If cosmetic reshaping is also desired, that is a septorhinoplasty and is planned separately.

Most patients experience mild pressure and nasal stuffiness rather than sharp pain. Routine paracetamol or mild analgesics are generally sufficient during the first few days.

Typically after facial bone growth is complete (around 16–17 years of age), unless severe nasal obstruction warrants earlier conservative intervention.

If your snoring is primarily caused by nasal obstruction and mouth breathing, septoplasty usually leads to significant improvement.

Once the cartilage and bone heal in the midline position, the correction is permanent unless a new physical nasal trauma occurs.

Book a consultation

Same-week appointments at Horizon Hospital, Johar Town, Lahore.

Timings: Mon – Thu 9pm – 10pm

Consultation Fee: PKR 4000

ENT services

About the doctor

Dr. Sajid Iqbal, MBBS, MS-ENT, is a consultant ENT surgeon with 20+ years of experience treating patients in Lahore. Read his profile →

Book a consultation with Dr. Sajid Iqbal

Clinic in Johar Town, Lahore, Mon – Thu 9pm-10pm