Nasal septum surgery
Septoplasty in Gangnam, Seoul
a clear airway, a stable nose.
Septoplasty straightens the nasal septum to relieve blockage and improve airflow. At ONYX in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Yoo performs it with the outside shape in mind, keeping enough septum to support the bridge and tip, and reusing healthy cartilage when rhinoplasty is planned at the same time.
- 01 1:1 consultation with the operating surgeon
- 02 3D CT scan & virtual simulation before surgery
- 03 Structure-first design with your own cartilage
- 04 English-friendly support via WhatsApp
What is septoplasty?
Septoplasty is surgery inside the nose that corrects a bent septum, the partition of cartilage and bone between the two nasal passages. It is a functional operation whose main goal is easier breathing.
Because the septum also holds up the bridge and tip, a careful septoplasty leaves a strong L-shaped support in place. Healthy cartilage that is removed can be used as graft material for rhinoplasty.
| Surgery time | About 1 hour (on its own) |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| External change | None, unless combined with rhinoplasty |
| Splints | Internal splints for about 5–7 days |
| Stay in Seoul | About 7 days |
| Full airflow | Usually within 1–3 months |
Is septoplasty right for you?
- Constant blockage on one or both sides
- Difficulty breathing during exercise or sleep
- Recurring sinus problems linked to blockage
- A septum that bends visibly inside the nostril
- You plan rhinoplasty and also want to breathe better

How septoplasty is performed
- STEP 01
Assess
Endoscopic examination and CT show the shape of the septum.
- STEP 02
Lift the lining
The lining is lifted from the septum through an incision inside the nose.
- STEP 03
Correct
The bent section is removed or straightened, keeping an L-strut for support.
- STEP 04
Splint
Soft internal splints hold the septum in the midline while it heals.
Septoplasty or septorhinoplasty?
| Septoplasty | Septorhinoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Breathing | Breathing and appearance |
| Outside change | None | Yes |
| Typical length | About 1 hour | About 2–3 hours |
| Cartilage reuse | Not needed | Removed septum used for the tip |
Septoplasty recovery
Typical timeline only. Healing varies with the procedure, skin thickness and materials used.
- Day 1–3 Congestion and some drainage; sleep with your head raised.
- Day 5–7 Internal splints removed.
- Week 2–4 Saline rinses clear crusting; breathing improves.
- Month 1–3 Airflow reaches its best as the lining heals.
Septoplasty in Seoul: your questions answered.
Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?
No, septoplasty alone works inside the nose. If you also want an external change, it can be combined with rhinoplasty.
Is my septum needed for rhinoplasty?
Healthy septal cartilage is the preferred graft for tip support. If it has been used up, ear or rib cartilage is an alternative.
Will I have nasal packing?
ONYX usually uses soft internal splints rather than heavy packing; they are removed after about a week.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
About 7 days so the splints can be removed before you fly.
When can I exercise again?
Light activity after about 2 weeks; contact sports only after your surgeon clears you, usually after 1–3 months.
Often considered together
Plan your septoplasty consultation in Gangnam, Seoul.
Address
8F, 18 Gangnam-daero 94-gil
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Getting here
Near Gangnam Station
Line 2 · Shinbundang Line
Hours (KST)
Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00
Sat 10:00–16:00
Closed Sundays & public holidays
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