A topical local anaesthetic is applied on cotton wool and placed in the nasal cavity for about 15 minutes.  After removing the cotton wool the vessel to be cauterised is identified.  A silver nitrate stick is applied to the area around the vessel until it has sealed. This works by generating heat on contact with moisture.

The procedure is not usually that painful but may "sting" a little.

It is not advisable to have both sides of the septum cauterised at the same time as this may result in a hole in the septum