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Clear Fluid Draining After Rhinoplasty. Is This Normal?

asked 10 months ago by yogamutha in Glendale, AZ
Latest answer by Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Question viewed 543 times
Tags: 1 day post-op, clear, fluid, normal

I had septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and rhinoplasty yesterday afternoon. The bleeding slowed down considerably but now I have clear fluid draining. It looks clear but tinted with red blood. Is this normal? Other details: I was getting over a cold and still had a bit of a runny nose yesterday. I have 2 black eyes that are almost swollen shut. I haven't seen anything quite this bad posted here so I am not sure if that is normal or something worth mentioning with the fluid draining.

7 answers to Clear Fluid Draining After Rhinoplasty. Is This Normal?

+2

Clear

You are seeing the change from bleeding to serous drainage. Tne swollen eyes will come down . Be patients. It unlikely anything bad is going such as a cerebral fluid leak from the cribriform plate
David A. Bray, Sr., MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is it normal after Rhinoplasty to have clear fluid drainage?

Yes, it's typical to see clear fluid draining from the nose during the first post op week following a Rhinoplasty. the fluid is the nasal mucosa reacting to the surgical trauma. This should decrease in the subsequent week or so. As always, you should discuss your concerns with your Rhinopplasty surgeon.
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Clear Drainage after Rhinoplasty

Clear drainage after a Rhinoplasty could be normal or a sign of a serious problem. You need to be seen immediately by your operating surgeon. Call now.
Robert T. Buchanan, MD

Highlands Plastic Surgeon
+1

Clear Fluid Draining After Rhinoplasty. Is This Normal?

Please call your operative surgeon to answer these post operative questions. Drainage is the norm but to get the correct responses always as your chosen surgeon.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Clear drainage after rhinoplasty

Clear drainage after a rhinoplasty and septal repair can be a serious sign. The clear fluid can come from a tear in tissue high up at the base of the brain, called cerebral spinal fluid or CSF. Symptoms such as headache only when standing are common. The leaks repair them selves for most, though there is a danger of infection so you should contact your surgeon right away to sort things out. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Clear Fluid Draining after Nasal Surgery

Blood drainage after nasal surgey is normal. Clear drainage is a concern because it may represent a leakage of CSF fluid. Although uncommon, it can occur after septoplasty. This is something that your surgeon needs to know about right away.
Joseph Campanelli, MD

Minneapolis Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Clear fluid after rhinoplasty

You need to call your doctor as soon as possible. There are some questions that are better addressed by your own physician and not through the internet.
Michael L. Schwartz, MD

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.palmbeachface.com

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