Septal Perforation Closure
A hole in the nasal septum — known as a septal perforation — can cause symptoms such as whistling, crusting, nosebleeds, and nasal obstruction. For some people, it can also lead to persistent dryness and discomfort.
At Hampshire ENT clinics, we offer modern surgical and non-surgical treatments to repair septal perforations and restore normal nasal function.
👃 What Is a Septal Perforation?
The nasal septum is the thin wall that separates the two sides of your nose. A perforation is a hole in this wall, which can vary in size and location.
Common causes include:
Previous nasal surgery
Trauma or injury
Nasal cautery or repeated nosebleeds
Long-term use of nasal sprays or recreational drugs
Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
⚠️ What Symptoms Can It Cause?
While small perforations may cause no symptoms, larger ones can lead to:
Nasal crusting and dryness
Whistling noises when breathing
Nosebleeds
Nasal obstruction or congestion
A sensation of airflow between nostrils
If you notice these symptoms, an ENT assessment can confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
🩺 Treatment Options at Hampshire ENT
1. Conservative Management
Some perforations can be managed with:
Regular saline rinses or ointments
Humidification to reduce dryness
Specially designed silicone septal buttons that cover the hole and improve symptoms
2. Surgical Closure
For patients with persistent symptoms, surgical repair can offer a lasting solution.
The operation involves closing the hole with local tissue flaps or grafts.
Techniques may be performed through the nostrils (endonasal) or via a small incision under the nose (external approach).
Modern reconstructive methods achieve high success rates, particularly for small- to medium-sized perforations.
🌟 Why Choose Hampshire ENT Clinics?
Expertise in advanced nasal and reconstructive techniques
Access to modern imaging and surgical tools
Personalised care from experienced ENT surgeons
Local treatment in Portsmouth, Fareham, and across Hampshire
Our goal is to help you breathe more comfortably, eliminate crusting, and restore natural nasal function.
📞 Get in Touch
If you’ve been told you have a septal perforation, or you’re experiencing nasal whistling or dryness after surgery, our specialists can help. Clinics available at Portsmouth, Winchester & Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.
👉 Contact Hampshire ENT clinics to arrange an assessment and find out which treatment is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Septal Perforation
What is a septal perforation?
A septal perforation is a hole in the nasal septum, the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two sides of the nose. The hole can vary in size and position and may cause symptoms depending on these factors.
What causes a hole in the nasal septum?
Common causes include previous nasal surgery, trauma, repeated cautery for nosebleeds, long-term use of nasal sprays, recreational drug use, and certain inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.
What symptoms can a septal perforation cause?
Symptoms may include nasal crusting, dryness, recurrent nosebleeds, whistling noises when breathing, nasal blockage, or a sensation of airflow between the nostrils. Some small perforations cause few or no symptoms.
How is a septal perforation diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually straightforward and made during ENT examination, often using nasal endoscopy to assess the size, location, and surrounding tissue health.
Do all septal perforations need treatment?
No. If a perforation is small and not causing symptoms, treatment may not be required. Management is guided by symptom severity rather than size alone.
What non-surgical treatments are available?
Conservative options include saline rinses, nasal ointments, humidification, and silicone septal buttons, which can cover the perforation and significantly improve symptoms without surgery.
What is a septal button?
A septal button is a soft silicone device inserted into the perforation to seal the hole. It can reduce whistling, crusting, dryness, and bleeding and is a good option for patients who are not suitable for surgery.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgical repair is considered when symptoms remain troublesome despite conservative treatment, or when a patient prefers a definitive solution.
How is surgical repair performed?
Surgery involves closing the perforation using local tissue flaps and sometimes graft material. This can be done through the nostrils (endonasal approach) or via a small incision under the nose, depending on the perforation.
What is the success rate of septal perforation repair?
Success depends on the size and location of the perforation and the health of the surrounding tissue. Small- to medium-sized perforations have good closure rates with modern techniques.
Is recovery painful?
Most patients experience mild discomfort, congestion, and crusting initially. This usually settles with appropriate aftercare and follow-up.
Can a septal perforation come back after surgery?
Recurrence is possible, particularly with larger perforations or ongoing inflammation, but careful technique and postoperative care reduce this risk.
Where can I be assessed and treated?
Assessment and treatment are available through Hampshire ENT Clinics, with consultant-led care across Portsmouth, Fareham, Winchester, Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.