A blocked nose
Constant or one-sided obstruction that doesn’t fully clear, even when you’re well.
Surgery to straighten a deviated septum and open up your breathing — by an ENT surgeon, with no change to how your nose looks.
Septoplasty is an operation to straighten a deviated nasal septum — the wall of cartilage and bone between your two nostrils — so that air can flow freely through both sides of your nose. It is a functional operation: it is done to improve your breathing, and it does not change the external shape of your nose.
A septum that is bent or off-centre — from birth, or from an old injury — narrows one or both airways. The result can be a nose that feels permanently blocked, disturbed sleep, snoring, repeated sinus problems, or breathing through your mouth without realising it. Septoplasty corrects the deviation at its source.
In İstanbul, Op. Dr. Arda Pelen performs septoplasty as an ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgeon — this is the core of the speciality. The work is done from inside the nose, with no external incision, no cast, and no change to your appearance. Where enlarged turbinates also contribute to the blockage, they can be reduced in the same operation.
If you would also like to change the shape of your nose, the functional and aesthetic work can be combined in a single operation — a septorhinoplasty. For breathing alone, a septoplasty is the simpler, quicker procedure.
You may benefit from a septoplasty if you have long-standing trouble breathing through your nose — often worse on one side — that affects your sleep or daily life, and an examination confirms a deviated septum is the cause rather than allergy or swelling alone.
Septoplasty is performed entirely through the inside of the nostril, so there is no external scar and no visible change. The lining over the septum is gently lifted, the deviated cartilage and bone are straightened or trimmed, and the septum is returned to the midline so both airways open up.
Because the nose is, first and foremost, an airway, this is native ENT territory. The septum, the internal nasal valves and — where relevant — enlarged turbinates are all assessed together, so the cause of the blockage is addressed completely rather than in part. Where you also want to change how your nose looks, the same operation can be extended into a septorhinoplasty; for breathing alone, the procedure stays minimal.
Deviated cartilage and bone are reshaped and repositioned to the midline, opening both sides of the nose.
If enlarged turbinates add to the blockage, they can be gently reduced in the same operation.
How air actually moves through your nose — assessed, not assumed.
The internal wall that supports both how the nose works and how it holds its shape.
The framework that cosmetic-only approaches often leave untouched.
Aesthetics designed onto a nose that already works — never the other way round.
A septoplasty fixes breathing only and leaves your appearance unchanged. If you would also like to change the shape of your nose, the functional and aesthetic work are combined in one operation — a septorhinoplasty — so you recover only once.
Straightens the septum to open the airway. No external change, a simpler operation and a quicker recovery. The right choice when appearance isn’t a concern.
Corrects the septum and reshapes the nose in the same operation. Choose this if a breathing problem and an aesthetic concern go together. About rhinoplasty →
A bent septum does more than block your nose. Because it disrupts airflow day and night, it can quietly affect your sleep, your sinuses and your energy — which is why correcting it can be about much more than comfort.
Constant or one-sided obstruction that doesn’t fully clear, even when you’re well.
Disturbed, unrefreshing sleep and mouth-breathing through the night.
Repeated sinus infections and facial pressure from poor drainage. Sinus surgery →
Breathing through the mouth leaves the mouth and throat dry, especially on waking.
Reduced airflow past the smell receptors can blunt smell and, with it, taste.
Not getting enough air through the nose during exercise or activity.
Septoplasty is best done once facial growth is complete — generally from around 17 to 18 — so that operating does not interfere with the developing nose. After that, there is no upper age limit: it can be done whenever a deviated septum is significantly affecting your breathing, provided you are in good general health.
For younger patients with milder symptoms, it is often better to wait and manage things medically until growth finishes. For adults, the question is simply whether the deviation is troubling enough — and confirmed on examination — to be worth correcting. A thorough assessment beforehand answers that honestly.
Septoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 45–90 minutes. Working through the inside of the nostril, the surgeon lifts the lining off the septum, straightens or trims the deviated cartilage and bone, and repositions it — with no external incision and no cast.
Share your symptoms and photos; receive an honest first opinion and an indicative price.
A video consultation to confirm the deviation is the cause and agree the plan.
45–90 minutes under general anaesthesia at an accredited hospital; day case or one night.
Any soft internal splints removed before you fly home, then remote follow-up.
Septoplasty is one of the most common and well-established ENT operations, and serious complications are uncommon. It is still real surgery, though, so the risks are explained fully before you decide — not after.
Recovery is quicker than rhinoplasty because nothing is changed on the outside. Most people are back to everyday life within 5–7 days; the nose feels congested at first, then breathing improves steadily over the following weeks.
The nose feels blocked and you may breathe through your mouth at first. You rest; the team stays in touch.
Any soft internal splints are removed and most people return to light daily activities.
Internal swelling subsides and breathing through the nose starts to open up.
The airway feels increasingly free as the lining fully heals. Strenuous exercise resumes.
The settled, lasting improvement in your breathing is established.
Aftercare is straightforward. Keeping the inside of the nose clean and moist and avoiding anything that raises pressure helps it heal smoothly — and following your surgeon’s guidance closely makes the difference.
İstanbul combines experienced, high-volume ENT surgeons and accredited hospitals with expert medical care at a fraction of UK or EU prices — and, for many international patients, far shorter waiting times than at home for a procedure that can be transformative for sleep and daily life.
Septoplasty is core ENT surgery — performed by a surgeon whose speciality is the nose and the airway.
Surgery in a fully accredited hospital, with Ministry of Health health-tourism authorisation for international patients.
Surgery, hospital stay and long-term follow-up coordinated end to end — in English, German or Turkish. If you’re travelling from abroad, we can also help plan your transfer and stay on request.
There is no single price — it depends on the cause of the blockage and whether anything else, such as the turbinates, needs addressing. The fastest way to find out is simple: tell us your symptoms and send a few photos for an honest, personalised quote.
No deposit to see a price. No pressure. If the blockage is mainly allergy or swelling — or surgery isn’t needed — we will say so. Replies in English, German or Turkish, usually within one working day.
Because your price depends on the cause of the blockage, the quickest route to a real figure is a short message about your symptoms — plus, if you can, a few clear photos:
No deposit, no obligation. Your details are used only to assess your case.
Your surgery is always the focus — but if you’d like, we can also help plan your trip. Just let us know, and we’ll assist with arranging your transfer and accommodation, and coordinate your stay around your surgery and follow-up dates. Nothing is bundled into a fixed package; it’s simply there if you want it.
I had my surgery in May of 2023, so it’s now been 1.5 years as I’m writing this. I was very impressed with the overall experience. I chose Dr. Pelen based on his Instagram and reviews online — and it felt very safe that he operated at Memorial Bahçelievler, one of the best private hospitals. On the day of the operation I met with Dr. Pelen to discuss what I wanted; he was honest with his thoughts, and ultimately I trusted him to do what he thought best, as he is the expert. I’m super happy with the results and finally don’t feel the need to hide my nose from the worst angles. It now suits my face and has enhanced my other features. 100% recommend Dr. Pelen.
I had a rhinoplasty 1 year ago because I had a bump on my nose, and I admit that at the time it changed my life! I’ve gained much more confidence in myself, and for people who have small modifications to make, I recommend it 100% — the result is so natural.
I had an amazing experience from start to finish with Dr. Arda Pelen and his team — all extremely professional and accommodating. Dr. Pelen answered all my questions and put my mind at ease. His bedside manner, intelligence and professionalism are out of this world. I told him what I wanted and he gave me exactly that. I’ll recommend anyone to Dr. Pelen. Thank you so much!
I chose Dr. Arda after seeing amazing results from two friends who had a rhinoplasty with him. I had no doubt about his work, but my results exceeded my own expectations. His talent is more than a nose job — he gives you the nose that suits your facial features and looks perfect for you as an individual. Flawless, natural and super flattering. He’s really a master of his craft. The experience was wonderful, with kind, helpful staff throughout. No anxiety, no struggle. Very professional and reliable.
I researched for about 2 years to find the most suitable doctor for my rhinoplasty, and I came across Dr. Arda Pelen. His work is amazing. He and his assistant guided me throughout the whole journey and made sure my experience was great. He listened to all my concerns, was very honest about the outcome, and advised what he thought suitable for my face. The nurses took great care of me too. It’s been one month and I’m already so happy with my results — nicely lifted and curved.
Amazing experience, good care, and I loved the assistants too. They were so helpful and fast with every question we needed answered. Thank you so much, Dr. Pelen — you did all of us well. We’re more than satisfied with the results.
I recommend Dr. Arda. He’s so nice, honest and so good at his job. I had my surgery 4 months ago and couldn’t wish for better results than this! He’s awesome — I’ve received so many compliments since.
I’m so happy I got my nose done by Dr. Arda Pelen! My nose looks amazing and I’m just 6 weeks post-op. I recommend him to everyone who wants a smaller, cute nose. The service in the hospital was perfect and my healing was really good, without any complications.
I’m grateful I found Dr. Galip Arda Pelen, because he fulfilled my dream of a beautiful nose with a perfect shape. The transformation is pure art — I’m very happy with the result and didn’t expect it to come out so well. He’s kind and understanding about respecting the patient’s wishes, and the hospital was amazing; the people there are wonderful and helped me relax.
Proud and thankful for Dr. G. Arda Pelen. I’d anticipated a rhinoplasty for many years. After a long wait and thorough research to find a doctor who would bring my vision to life, I found his profile. He communicated with me at the consultation, before surgery and at my follow-up in English, and listened to all my concerns. He even asked whether I’d had any trauma to my nose in previous years, which I’d forgotten to mention — I was grateful for his knowledge and insight. Honestly, I’m not sure mere words can do him justice.
I'm so glad I chose Arda Pelen. My priority was an ENT surgeon, and I researched many. The process was painless — no bruising, no breathing problems. Three weeks in, I sleep and breathe better than ever.
I just had my nose surgery and I'm very happy with the results. Dr. Arda Pelen did a wonderful job — he and his team are genuinely kind.
Dr. Arda performed my rhinoplasty eight years ago — natural, aesthetic results and real care throughout. Years later we chose him for my sister too, without hesitation. A doctor you can trust completely.
After a failed previous nose surgery I had serious breathing problems. With his surgery I got a result I love — and my breathing was completely fixed. Thank you, Dr. Arda.
I had my surgery five months ago — light bruising, no pain, and a nose even more beautiful than I imagined. Thank you to him and his assistants.
I can't stop looking in the mirror. Despite having panic attacks, I got through the whole process so easily — entirely thanks to Dr. Arda. When people ask who my doctor is, I proudly say Arda Pelen.
The right side of my nose was blocked — it was opened and I had aesthetic surgery at the same time. I'm extremely happy with the process, my breathing and the look.
An incredible doctor — he operated on my mum, my sibling, me, even my friend. He doesn't disappear after surgery; no matter how much time passes, you get the same care. Don't even look for anyone else.
It turned out beautifully, and they helped with every question afterwards. So glad I had my surgery with Dr. Arda — years have passed and I'm still delighted.
Dr. Arda is reassuring, communicates well, and stays in touch long after the process. His assistants are just as warm and professional.
ENT Surgeon · Functional & Aesthetic Nose Surgery · İstanbul, Turkey
Reshape the nose and, when needed, correct breathing in the same operation.
Learn more → REPAIRClose a hole in the septum left by previous surgery, trauma or other causes.
Learn more → SINUSESRevision rhinoplasty can help refine previous nose surgery results while improving both nasal appearance and breathing function.
Learn more →Tell us your symptoms and send a few photos for an honest first opinion on whether a septoplasty would help — and an indicative price — within one working day, in English, German or Turkish. No deposit, no obligation.
Share your details and Dr. Pelen’s team will reply within one working day — in English, German or Turkish.
