of the nose for a few days is common; the splints are not visible externally. One percent of patients can experience excessive bleeding afterwards — the risk period lasts up to two weeks. This could require packing or cautery, but is generally handled safely and without compromise of the ultimate surgical result. Septal perforation and septal hematoma are possible, as is a decrease in the sense of smell. Temporary numbness of the front upper teeth after surgery is common. Sometimes the numbness extends to the upper jaw and the tip of the nose. This almost always resolves within several months. The nasal tissues should mostly stabilize within 3-6 months post-surgery, although shifting is still possible for up to and over a year afterwards. Complications of septoplasty Nasal septum perforation due to the bilateral trauma of the mucoperichondrial flaps opposite each other. Septal hematoma and septal abscess. Adhesions and synechiae between septal mucosa and lateral nasal wall. Saddle nose due to over-resection of the dorsal wall of the septal cartilage. Dropped nasal tip due to resection of the caudal margin. See also Rhinoplasty, surgery involving the entire nose Turbinectomy Empty nose syndrome Nose References External links A brief and concise Septoplasty entry on MedlinePlus, a public health encyclopedia A more in depth Septoplasty and accompanying Turbinates entry on the American Rhinologic Society's website Nose surgery