If anyone is experiencing difficulty in breathing due to a deviated septum or nasal blockage, septoplasty could be the solution. However, before going for septoplasty surgery, it is necessary to understand the cost of septoplasty, what influences it, and how much one will have to pay for the surgery worldwide.
Below, find the most detailed guide that outlines everything from global price comparisons, what's included in the cost, how to minimize expenses, and, importantly, FAQs about septoplasty in 2026.
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct the nasal septum, a wall inside your nose that separates the nostrils. Your septum is made of cartilage and bone and is about 7 cm (2.5 to 3 inches) long in adults.
If your septum is deviated, meaning crooked or bent, it may partially block one or both nostrils and interfere with airflow. A crooked septum can be caused by an injury, or you may be born with it. Sometimes if this occurs, you will need a septoplasty. Other times, healthcare providers may recommend septoplasty to:
- Remove nasal polyps
- Treat chronic sinusitis or obstructive sleep apnea
- Stop recurring nosebleeds (less common)
- Address other conditions that block your nasal airway
How is Septoplasty Procedure Performed?
Septoplasty is one of the most common procedures performed by otolaryngologists, more commonly referred to as ear, nose and throat doctors, or ENTs. It's a minor, outpatient surgery. This means you will probably be able to go home on the day of your procedure.
The steps of a septoplasty procedure are as follows:
A septoplasty procedure involves the following:
Step 1 – Anesthesia Medications are administered for comfort during the surgical procedure. Choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 - The Incision Septoplasties done in isolation commonly have their incisions within the nasal cavity. In difficult septoplasties, or some of those done along with rhinoplasties, a small incision may be made across the columella-the narrow strip of tissue separating the nostrils.
Step 3 - Separation of Mucosal Lining Next, the nasal mucosal lining, which is the membrane covering the surface of the septum, is lifted away from the septum at one side. This is the critical step performed with a lot of care since the lining is fragile, which may result in a tear or hole in the lining as the mucosa is lifted away from the septum. Similarly, the mucosal lining on the opposite side is lifted away from the septum.
Step 4: Correction of the Deviated Septum Deviated septum (bone and/or cartilage) is removed but special mucosal lining is left intact.
Step 5 - Closure of the Incision The septum, now in position and straightened, has its mucous membrane lining around it repositioned and sewn together.
Average Septoplasty Cost - 2026 Overview (Global)
Septoplasty cost varies as to the type of surgery, hospital, and location. Traditional septoplasty is less expensive, whereas endoscopic and revision septoplasty procedures tend to be more expensive. Insurance will sometimes cover functional aspects if one has a deviated septum and the individual has breathing problems; however, cosmetic aspects are usually not covered.
| Countries | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| USA | $3,500 to $12,000 USD |
| UK | $5,500 to $15,000 USD |
| Turkey | $1,000 to $2,500 USD |
| India | $2,500 to $3,500 USD |
| Mexico | $1,700 to $3,750 USD |
| Thailand | $2,000 to $5,000 USD |
| Poland | $2,000 to $4,000 USD |
Factors affecting Septoplasty Cost
Type of Surgery: Traditional septoplasty remains the cheapest, while both endoscopic and revision surgeries are more expensive.
Location: This will greatly vary depending on the city and which hospital or clinic one is treated at.
Additional Procedures: If one combines septoplasty with other procedures, such as turbinate reduction or rhinoplasty, the overall cost will be higher.
Surgeon's Fees: The experience and reputation of the surgeon will affect the final price. Hospital charges: room, OT, and other facilities are charged differently in different hospitals.
Cost breakdown
While the prices differ from city to city, surgeons' seniority, and case complexity, an itemization like this makes comparisons closer to apples-to-apples:
- Surgeon's Fee: Septoplasty alone, $2,000–$7,000; more in cases where valve reconstruction or complex grafting is required. Choose a board certified plastic surgeon or a fellowship-trained ENT/facial plastic surgeon with a deep airway practice.
- Facility Fees: $1,000 to $4,000, depending on whether the case is in a hospital or accredited ambulatory center, and how long you're there.
- Anesthesia: $600–$2,000 for the anesthesiologist and medications. Most septoplasties are done under general anesthesia to make the procedure comfortable and safe for the patient.
- Pre-op Testing & Imaging: $200-$500, ordered based on age and medical history.
- Post-op Meds & Supplies: $40–$200 for saline, pain meds, and ointments.
Other procedures may include turbinate reduction, valve grafts, or external work, adding $1,000-$10,000, depending on the scope.
Is the Cost of Septoplasty Covered Under Insurance?
As a general rule, septoplasty is usually covered by health insurance because it falls under medically necessary procedures. If left untreated, a deviated septum may lead to serious health problems, such as chronic sinus infections, sleep apnea, and headaches.
When there are findings that document breathing difficulty or chronic sinusitis that is not responsive to other forms of treatment, health insurance providers in most instances cover septoplasty. Coverage requirements may vary among insurance providers depending on the patient's individual health plan.
While generally covered under health insurance, there may be out-of-pocket costs related to septoplasty, including deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. Before undergoing the surgery, patients will want to verify with their individual insurance provider as to their coverage and costs.
The most popular countries for septoplasty surgery are Thailand, Turkey, and India. These countries offer high-quality care at lower costs.
Medical Tourism and Septoplasty: Top Countries
Medical tourism for septoplasty has gained remarkable popularity in the last few years among patients looking for affordable and high-quality nasal surgery outside their home country. As healthcare costs continue to spiral upward in the U.S., U.K., and Western Europe, thousands now travel to such destinations as India, Turkey, Thailand, and Mexico, which offer world-class ENT surgeons, modern hospitals, and dramatically lower septoplasty costs.
With septoplasty abroad, international patients can typically save 50–80% on average, receive their treatment in JCI-accredited hospitals with advanced endoscopic technologies, and enjoy all-inclusive packages that include surgery, accommodation, airport transfers, and follow-up care for a seamless, hassle-free process.
In addition to the cost savings, medical tourists enjoy shorter waiting times, personalized recovery environments, and experienced surgeons who annually conduct hundreds of nasal corrective surgeries. Whether it's a deviated septum correction or a combination of functional correction with cosmetic rhinoplasty, this type of medical tourism in septoplasty offers just the right mixture of affordability, safety, and expertise in surgery to help patients breathe more easily while exploring a new country.
Here are some of the countries that top the charts for septoplasty.
- South Korea is known for advanced cosmetic surgery techniques combined with technological advancements.
- Turkey has consistently provided high-quality treatment and care and is highly regarded for rhinoplasty and septoplasty, with competitive pricing.
- India balances highly competent and trained internationally qualified surgeons with new and up-to-date facilities, at a more affordable cost.
- Poland is noted for high-quality medical care at an affordable price, modern facilities, and experienced surgeons (including cosmetic surgeons).
- Thailand is a destination for medical tourism, where more and more people are going for ENT procedures.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are minimal risks associated with septoplasty, which include :
- Mild bleeding
- Temporary numbness
- Infection (rare)
- Septal perforation (very rare)
- Persistent nasal blockage if tissue re-swells
Therefore, choosing an experienced ENT surgeon minimizes these risks and leads to optimal outcomes.
Tips to Save Money on Septoplasty
- Compare quotes from different hospitals.
- Travel to low-cost countries, such as India, Turkey, and Thailand.
- Check for insurance eligibility for functional corrections
- Book combo packages: surgery plus accommodation
- Use medical tourism facilitators for guaranteed pricing
How Long is the Recovery Time?
Initial recovery from septoplasty usually occurs within a week or two. But overall, healing of the bone and cartilage will continue over several months.
Your surgeon will have a list of instructions that can help you heal. They may include guidance about the following:
- Caring For Your Nose: Avoid blowing your nose for the first week or two after surgery. Sneeze with your mouth open. Sleep on your back with your head up.
- Care For Your Dressing: Leave the gauze in your nose until the drainage stops. This usually takes two days. If bleeding requires a gauze change every hour, call your surgeon.
- Cleaning Your Nose: Your provider will show you how to clean your nose by rinsing it with saline. If you have crusting at the nostrils, clean the outside with a cotton swab dipped in equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Never put the swab inside your nose.
- Eating: It’s best to avoid spicy foods that may cause your nose to run during the first week or two. Otherwise, you should be able to eat as you normally do.
- Medications: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers. If you have a low-grade fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit or less), your provider may recommend a fever reducer (like acetaminophen).
- Activity Levels: Rest at home for several days. Most people can resume light activities (like walking and light chores) in about a week. It may take a month before you can do strenuous activity (like working out).
In the year 2026, septoplasty still remains one of the most effective and commonly performed procedures to fix a deviated septum and improve nasal airflow. While the septoplasty cost varies a lot from country to country-from $1,000 in India to over $10,000 in the United States-the quality of care is not solely dependent upon price.
The key to making the right decision lies in understanding what is included in the cost, checking your surgeon's credentials, and considering whether medical insurance or international options can make the procedure more affordable.
For patients in whom the treatment has nothing to do with cosmetic change but functional relief, septoplasty offers long-term benefits: improved breathing, better sleep, fewer sinus infections, and an overall better quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does septoplasty cost worldwide?
Septoplasty costs are within the range of $1,000 to $11,000 worldwide, depending on the country where the operation will be performed, the doctor's fee, and the type of hospital.
Is septoplasty covered under insurance?
Yes - when it's medically necessary to improve breathing or correct nasal obstruction. Cosmetic enhancements are not covered.
How long is the recovery time?
The majority of patients recover in a period ranging from one to two weeks, with full restoration of nasal function within one month.
Which country is the cheapest for septoplasty?
India, Turkey, and Thailand are some of the countries that offer the lowest costs for septoplasty in the world and often include hospital stay and consultation.
How long does septoplasty take?
The surgery usually takes 45–90 minutes, depending on the severity of the deviation.
References
www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/septoplasty/about/pac-20384670. Septoplasty – Mayo Clinic.
emreilhan.com/en/septoplasty-cost-2025-prices-insurance-factors. “Septoplasty Cost 2025: Prices, Insurance & Factors.” Op. Dr. Emre İlhan, 9 Oct. 2025.
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17779-septoplasty. “Septoplasty.” Cleveland Clinic, 7 Aug. 2025.
www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/septoplasty/procedure. “Septoplasty Procedure Steps.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
