Surgery may also improve nasal breathing when the septum is deviated or the patient suffers from allergies, snoring, or sinus problems. An anesthetic is used to allow the patient to sleep during surgery, which takes from one to two hours. All incisions are internal except, rarely, where the base of the nose is narrowed. There is minimal pain after nasal surgery and it is usually controlled with mild analgesics. Some swelling and bruising may occur around the eyes.
Ice is used to keep swelling to a minimum.
A splint or cast is placed on the nose for approximately four to five days. After the splint is removed there may be some nasal swelling, but this resolves quickly so that it is not obvious to friends and acquaintances. The patient is restricted from strenuous physical activities for approximately two to three weeks. With nasal surgery, minor contour irregularities or asymmetries are possible, but they usually resolve with time. Occasionally, a minor secondary procedure is required.