Purpose:
Septoplasty is generally recommended in the following cases:

• Deviated septum
• Nasal obstructions
• Nasal polyps (painless, non-cancerous growths in the nasal passages and sinuses)
• Chronic sinusitis (long-lasting sinus infection and swelling)
• Chronic, recurrent nosebleeds (loss of blood from tissue lining the inside of the nose)

Symptoms:
The following symptoms could indicate the need for a septoplasty:

• Breathing problems
• Nosebleeds
• Lack of sleep 
• Sleep apnea (a breathing disorder in which the breathing stops and starts while sleeping)
• Facial pain
• Severe headaches
• Chronic nasal problems like frequent sneezing, persistent nasal dripping, constant feeling of coldness

1. Physical examination: The doctor will evaluate the inside and outside of the nose. The doctor may also take some photographs of the nose from different angles for reference. Your medical history and symptoms will also be noted.
2. Endoscopic examination: The doctor will examine the inside of the nose using a small tube with a camera on one end, known as an endoscope.
3. Imaging tests: Imaging tests like CT scans and MRI scans help in obtaining images of the internal part of the nose and confirming the diagnosis of a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
4. Blood tests: The different blood parameters can be evaluated and certain medical conditions can be diagnosed using blood tests.
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG): The heart’s electrical activity can be recorded using this test.
6. Chest x-ray: The condition of the heart and lungs can be checked by the doctor using a chest x-ray.

1. The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia (the treatment area is numbed) or general anesthesia (the patient will be put to sleep during the procedure).
2. The surgeon will make an incision or cut inside the nasal cavity.
3. The fragile membrane that covers the septal surface, known as the mucosal lining, is carefully lifted away from the septum to one side. This procedure is performed on both the sides of septum.
4. The bone and cartilage of the deviated septum are then removed, reshaped, and repositioned.
5. Once the corrected, straightened septum is in its desired place, the surgeon will bring the nasal mucosal lining back to its place around the septum. 
6. The mucosa is sutured back together.
7. Splints or packing are then used to keep the repositioned and reconstructed septum in its place. These will be removed in a few days after surgery.
8. The internal sutures usually dissolve on their own with time.
9. The entire procedure takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete.

The complications associated with septoplasty are:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Numbness of teeth or nose
• Toxic shock syndrome (a rare, life-threatening condition)
• Hyposmia (loss of ability to smell)
• Intranasal adhesion
• Scarring
• Septal perforation (a hole created in the nasal septum)
• Spinal fluid leakage (leakage of the fluid from the brain and spinal cord)
• Persistent symptoms like facial pain, bruising, and swelling around the eye

1. You will most likely go home on the same day of the surgery.
2. You can expect mild to moderate discomfort after surgery, which may include some pressure and pain around the eyes, across the cheeks, forehead, and upper teeth. This usually fades away on its own within a few days.
3. The doctor will instruct you on how to manage your pain, swelling, and bleeding after surgery.
4. Initial recovery from surgery may take a week or even less. However, complete bone and cartilage healing may take many months or even one year.

Home remedies:

• Take rest for several days after surgery.
• Keep your head elevated while sleeping.
• A gauze will be placed under the nose till the bleeding stops, which is usually two days after surgery.
• Soft splints or packing may be placed inside the nose. This packing will usually dissolve on its own. If it does not dissolve on its own, the doctor will remove it during your first follow-up visit after surgery.
• If you have splints, avoid getting the splints wet in the shower. The doctor will mostly remove the splints within one week. If you do not have splints, you can take a bath the next day after surgery.
• The doctor may prescribe pain-relieving medications and antibiotics to ease your discomfort and reduce the chances of infection.
• Keep the surgical area clean. Rinse the inside of the nose using saline.
• Do not blow your nose for many weeks after surgery.
• Sneeze with your mouth open in the first week after surgery.
• Wear those clothes that can be opened or closed from the front. Avoid clothes that need to be worn over the head, like sweaters or t-shirts.
• You can resume light activities after one week of surgery.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities like jogging and aerobics for at least five weeks after surgery to prevent a nosebleed.

Benefits:

Septoplasty has the following advantages:

• Improved airflow through the nasal passages
• Treatment of breathing problems 
• Reduces or eliminates snoring
• Better sleep
• Fewer sinus infections 

Cost of septoplasty in India- 

The cost of septoplasty in Mumbai is between INR 55,000 to INR 65,000.
The cost of septoplasty in Delhi is between INR 50,000 to INR 60,000.
The cost of septoplasty in Bangalore is between INR 50,000 to INR 60,000.
The cost of septoplasty in Chennai is between INR 45,000 to INR 55,000.