Septoplasty by a consultant ENT surgeon — for international patients from the United Kingdom who have been told their blocked nose has a structural cause. Performed in isolation or combined with rhinoplasty in a single operation.
Septum deviation surgery — known clinically as septoplasty — is a procedure to straighten a deviated nasal septum: the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two airway passages. When the septum is significantly displaced from the midline, one or both nasal passages narrow, producing obstruction, chronic congestion, disrupted sleep and reduced quality of life.
Septoplasty is performed entirely through the nostrils — no external incisions, no visible scarring. The deviated cartilage and bone are repositioned or partially removed, and the septum is stabilised in the midline. The procedure leaves the external appearance of the nose unchanged unless it is combined with rhinoplasty.
Op. Dr. Özlem Oymak is a consultant ENT surgeon — the specialist category trained specifically in nasal airway anatomy, septal surgery and its functional outcomes. Septoplasty performed by a surgeon without ENT sub-speciality training carries a higher rate of incomplete correction, mucosal tear complications, and saddle deformity from over-resection.
“Most patients with a deviated septum have lived with it for years — sometimes decades — normalising symptoms that were never normal. The change after septoplasty is often described as breathing through a new nose.”
For UK patients, the NHS pathway for septoplasty involves waiting times of twelve to eighteen months or longer in most trusts. With Dr. Oymak, the timeline from first consultation to operating slot is four to eight weeks, and twelve months of structured aftercare is included in a single written quote.
A deviated septum is not always symptomatic — and not every symptomatic septum requires surgery. These are the presentations that typically warrant surgical assessment.
Chronic difficulty breathing through one nostril — present regardless of whether you have a cold or allergy — is the most consistent indicator of structural nasal obstruction. Unlike allergic congestion, it does not respond meaningfully to antihistamines or nasal sprays.
When nasal airflow is blocked, the body defaults to mouth breathing — particularly during sleep. This produces snoring, dry mouth, poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue that many patients have normalised over years without identifying the structural cause.
A deviated septum creates turbulent airflow and exposes parts of the nasal mucosa to abnormal drying. This produces crusting and recurrent epistaxis — nosebleeds that have no apparent external cause and recur in the same location.
A significantly deviated septum can obstruct the sinus drainage pathways, causing recurrent sinusitis that fails to clear fully with antibiotics. Correcting the deviation allows normal sinus drainage and reduces the frequency of infections.
Audible breathing through the nose at rest — or difficulty breathing through the nose during mild exertion — indicates significant airway narrowing. In athletes, this can meaningfully limit performance before it becomes a recognised daily symptom.
When nasal steroids, antihistamines and decongestants have been tried for a reasonable period without adequate improvement, the underlying problem is structural rather than inflammatory. Surgery is the appropriate next step once medical management has been genuinely optimised.
Septoplasty is a precise operation with several distinct approaches — determined by where the deviation is, how severe it is, and whether aesthetic concerns need to be addressed simultaneously.
The procedure performed when breathing is the only concern. All incisions are inside the nose — no external scarring, no change to the outward appearance. The deviated cartilage and bone are repositioned, trimmed or scored and held in the midline with dissolvable sutures.
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty performed simultaneously in a single operation. For patients who have both a functional concern and an aesthetic one, combining them avoids two separate procedures, two anaesthetics and two recovery periods.
The inferior turbinates frequently enlarge in response to a deviated septum, further narrowing the airway. Turbinate reduction is performed alongside septoplasty where indicated, restoring the full width of the nasal passage.
Thin cartilage grafts placed along the middle vault to widen the internal nasal valve. Used where the valve itself contributes to obstruction, or where septal straightening risks middle vault collapse.
In complex deviations — severe caudal displacement or significant spurs — the septal cartilage is temporarily removed, reshaped on the bench and replaced in the midline. Necessary for deviations that cannot be adequately corrected in situ.
The caudal septum — the front portion — deviates independently of the posterior septum and contributes to both external nasal deviation and airway obstruction. Caudal correction requires specific surgical manoeuvres distinct from standard septoplasty.
Total Intravenous Anaesthesia markedly reduces post-operative nausea compared to inhaled anaesthesia — an important consideration for a procedure that involves nasal packing and congestion in the first 24 hours. Used as standard for all procedures.
Dissolvable internal splints rather than traditional removable packing are used as standard — eliminating the painful packing removal that patients frequently describe as the worst part of the traditional septoplasty experience.
Representative cases from Dr. Oymak's practice at Acıbadem Bursa Hospital, each published with written patient consent.
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BEFOREAFTERIndividual results vary. Photographs are published with the patient's written consent and are not a guarantee of your outcome. All surgical procedures carry risks, which Dr. Oymak will discuss with you in full at your consultation.
The outcomes of successful septoplasty extend beyond breathing — because the symptoms of nasal obstruction reach further than most patients realise until they are resolved.
The primary goal. For most patients, breathing through both nostrils without effort for the first time in years is described as genuinely transformative. The improvement is typically felt from the first week after surgery, once the initial swelling subsides.
When snoring is driven by nasal obstruction rather than pharyngeal collapse, septoplasty — often combined with turbinate reduction — can eliminate or significantly reduce the symptom. Partner-reported snoring reduction is one of the most consistently noted outcomes.
Restored nasal breathing reduces the arousal events caused by mouth breathing during sleep. Most patients report measurably improved sleep quality, reduced daytime fatigue and improved concentration within the first six to eight weeks post-operatively.
A deviated septum obstructs the ostiomeatal complex — the sinus drainage pathway. Correcting the deviation allows normal mucociliary clearance and reduces the frequency of sinus infections that failed to respond to repeated antibiotic courses.
Turbulent airflow over a deviated septum dries and erodes the nasal mucosa at predictable points, producing recurrent nosebleeds. Straightening the septum restores laminar airflow and allows the mucosal lining to heal and remain intact.
For patients with both a functional concern and an aesthetic one, septorhinoplasty addresses both in a single procedure — one anaesthetic, one recovery, one written quote. The septal cartilage also provides graft material for any grafting required in the rhinoplasty component.
Nasal breathing is more efficient than mouth breathing for oxygenation during exertion. Athletes and active patients frequently report improved breathing during training within the first two months post-operatively.
Isolated septoplasty produces no change to the external appearance of the nose — all work is performed through the nostrils. For patients who want their breathing corrected without altering how their nose looks, this is the appropriate procedure.
Land in Istanbul, step into a private Mercedes. Just over an hour later you are in Çekirge — Bursa's thermal district, where Dr. Oymak's practice and Acıbadem Hospital are based.
The same surgical standard UK patients travel for — without the noise of Istanbul.
Not every deviated septum requires surgery. Dr. Oymak applies these criteria before agreeing to operate on any international patient.
Cases from Dr. Oymak's practice at Acıbadem Bursa Hospital, published with written patient consent.
Individual results vary. Photographs are published with the patient's written consent and are not a guarantee of your outcome.
Every international septoplasty patient follows the same four-stage pathway. From first enquiry to operating slot: four to eight weeks.
A complimentary 20-minute private video call with Dr. Oymak — never a coordinator. We ask for two or three clinical photographs and any relevant GP letters or imaging in advance.
You leave with a clear assessment of whether surgery is the appropriate next step, what the procedure will involve, and whether a combined septorhinoplasty is worth considering.
A fully itemised written quote in GBP — surgery, anaesthesia, Acıbadem hospital stay, medication, twelve-month aftercare. No verbal extras.
A mandatory two-week reflection period applies before any deposit. We do not take same-day bookings.
Day 01 — private airport transfer, hotel check-in, pre-operative blood work and anaesthetic review.
Day 02 — septoplasty at Acıbadem Bursa under TIVA. Dissolvable packing. One night inpatient.
Days 03–05 — recovery at your hotel. In-clinic review before you fly home.
Structured video reviews at week 1, week 6, and months 3, 6 and 12 — directly with Dr. Oymak.
Direct WhatsApp access for the entire first year. Airway improvement is typically felt from week two and continues to improve through week eight.
Septoplasty is quoted individually after your video consultation. Combined septorhinoplasty is priced higher than isolated septoplasty — it involves longer operating time and may require additional cartilage work. The quote you sign is the quote you pay.
Travel and accommodation are arranged separately at preferred partner rates. No supplementary invoice on the day of discharge.
REQUEST A WRITTEN QUOTE →Verified reviews from international rhinoplasty patients — published with written consent. Aggregate rating of 4.7 from 120+ verified Google and Trustpilot reviews.
After searching countless places and doctors, I came to your clinic with a great deal of scepticism — and I found a truly professional process. I saw that you have elevated rhinoplasty to the very pinnacle of the field, regardless of gender. Meeting your expertise became a turning point in my life. I wanted to thank you for the care and attention you showed me.
Our doctor was a wonderfully warm and elegant lady. I am extremely pleased with my nose surgery and would recommend her to everyone. There was absolutely no swelling or bruising — I believe this is thanks to the state-of-the-art technology she used. I highly recommend her. She is very successful in her field.
Özlem Hanım is a doctor who truly loves her work and values her patients. She was very attentive throughout the consultation, explained everything step by step and put me completely at ease. Her warm smile and patient manner made me feel entirely comfortable. The practice itself is spotless and tranquil. I am so glad I chose her.
I had my surgery approximately one and a half months ago and I was quite anxious beforehand. My doctor took away all of that nervousness and worry. Her warm approach and willingness to answer every question at any moment made me especially happy. I am very satisfied.
After lengthy research, I had my surgery on 2nd July. Both the surgical process and the post-operative period were managed beautifully. Whenever I called, I could reach someone, and my questions were answered in a way that truly put my mind at rest. I can recommend her with complete confidence.
I have seen many doctors, but Özlem Hanım is the one who satisfied me in every way — I am truly grateful to her. I was having difficulty breathing and that problem is now gone. On top of that, the shape of my nose has changed dramatically. I have not had a single negative response from anyone around me.
I went to Özlem Hanım in October with complaints of being unable to breathe and a crooked bone. Compared to other doctors in the field, I think she performs her work with greater care and precision. It has been five months since my surgery and I am personally very pleased with my nose. I am so glad I trusted her.
After the disappointment I experienced with a previous doctor in Istanbul, I am so glad I found you. Thanks to you, I can now look in mirrors again and enter social settings with confidence. Your support throughout the process was also very important from a psychological standpoint. Thank you for everything — I am so glad you exist.
I had my surgery with Özlem Hanım two months ago. I had quite a problematic nose — there was no perfect wait, but the result turned out even more beautiful and natural than I had imagined. I had no issues whatsoever after the operation. Her attention and care are excellent. I recommend her wholeheartedly.
It has been exactly one year since my nose surgery. The recovery was very comfortable — no bruising at all and very minimal swelling. The result turned out even more beautiful than I had anticipated. I cannot thank her enough; it was the best decision I have ever made in my life.
The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two passages. A deviated septum is one that is displaced from the midline — either towards one side consistently, or with a spur or bend that narrows the airway at a specific point. Significant deviation produces symptoms: persistent nasal obstruction on one or both sides, disrupted sleep, recurrent nosebleeds, or chronic sinusitis.
Isolated septoplasty does not change the external appearance of the nose. All work is performed through the nostrils, with no external incisions. The nasal bones and external soft tissue are untouched. If you also have an aesthetic concern, a combined septorhinoplasty addresses both simultaneously — one anaesthetic, one recovery, one written quote.
Septoplasty is associated with minimal pain. Patients typically describe the first 24–48 hours as pressure and congestion rather than acute discomfort — managed with prescription analgesia provided on discharge. TIVA anaesthesia significantly reduces post-operative nausea. Dissolvable packing eliminates the painful removal procedure associated with traditional nasal packing.
Most patients return to desk work within one week. The nasal passages feel congested for the first two to three weeks as internal swelling resolves — this is normal. Full airway benefit is typically felt at six to eight weeks post-operatively. Strenuous exercise resumes at four to six weeks.
Yes — and for patients with both concerns, combining them is almost always the better option. Septorhinoplasty addresses the functional and aesthetic components simultaneously: one anaesthetic, one recovery. The septal cartilage harvested during correction provides graft material for the aesthetic component at no additional cost. Operating time increases to two to three hours; recovery is broadly similar to a full rhinoplasty.
Septoplasty with Op. Dr. Özlem Oymak is quoted on an individual basis following your video consultation. Combined septorhinoplasty is priced higher than isolated septoplasty. Your written quote covers surgery, anaesthesia, Acıbadem hospital stay, all materials, medication and twelve months of aftercare — provided before any payment is requested. NHS septoplasty waiting times are typically twelve to eighteen months; private septoplasty in the UK from a consultant ENT surgeon typically costs significantly more.
A well-performed septoplasty produces a lasting correction in the vast majority of cases. Re-deviation is uncommon and typically occurs only following further nasal trauma after surgery. Scar tissue forms as the septum heals and stabilises it in the corrected position.
Op. Dr. Özlem Oymak is a consultant ENT surgeon — the appropriate specialist for septal surgery — operating at JCI-accredited Acıbadem Bursa Hospital. The package is all-inclusive, with a four-to-eight week timeline from first consultation to operating slot. NHS waiting times for septoplasty currently exceed twelve months in most UK trusts. The journey from Istanbul airport is approximately one hour fifteen minutes.
A complimentary 20-minute private video consultation. You will receive an honest assessment of whether surgery is the right next step, an itemised written quote, and — if you choose to proceed — a clear plan for your time in Bursa.
Share your details and our patient coordinators will contact you to guide your personalized treatment journey with Dr. Özlem Oymak.