The nasal septum is the partition in the midline of the nose separating the two sides.  It is made out of cartilage. Sometimes, after injury or simply because it has developed that way, the septum may be bent, causing a blockage to one or both nostrils. A surgical procedure called Septoplasty is used to correct this abnormality, sometimes straightening and moving it back into the midline.  The procedure is done inside the nose through the nostrils.  Septoplasty
may be combined with other techniques to remove other parts of the cartilage framework of the inside of the nose to improve airflow.  

You should not suffer a black eye after the surgery and the outward shape of the nose usually stays the same.

This surgery, which is carried out under general anaesthesia, usually takes 60 - 90 minutes, depending on the problem.  

After the Surgery
You may wake up with some packing gauze in your nose to help to stop bleeding. Your nose will feel blocked for several weeks.  You should avoid bending over, and avoid heavy physical activity, including sport for ten days after the operation. Try to avoid sneezing or blowing your nose forcefully.  A little nasal bleeding can be normal for approximately 14 days, but it should become less over time.