Rhinoplasty before & after photos
78%
874 reviews
Worth It Rating Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings
Rhinoplasty Cost $6,300 average cost

When Will Internal Swelling Subside After Rhinoplasty?

When will the internal swelling after Rhinoplasty go away, so I can start breathing through my nose again?

Asked 32 months ago by PhightinPhils26 in Lebanon, Pa

Read my review "Rhino/Septo for Breathing and Nose Bump"

Sort 7 expert answers by:
+2

Swelling after rhinoplasty can take up to a couple of months

Swelling that affects your breathing after rhinoplasty is normal and will depend on how much surgery you had. A simple tip rhinoplasty will have less swelling than an extensive septorhinoplasty. Your breathing should be back to "normal" anywhere from 2-3 weeks after surgery to 2-3 months after surgery. This will also depend on how your were breathing before surgery. Your surgeon should be able to give you the best estimate as he is familiar with the exact procedure that you... more
Parham Ganchi, MD
Wayne Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling variable after rhinoplasty

Swelling is to be expected after a rhinoplasty, both inside and outside the nose. If you also underwent a septoplasty, you can expect your internal swelling to last even longer. The length of time that this will last depends upon how much work you had done. In general, you should be able to breathe through your nose normally within 2-3 months after a rhinoplasty. If you had a complex septoplasty, your swelling may last even longer. I would recommend speaking to your surgeon if you are... more
Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

10% of Rhinoplasty patients have permanent decrease in nasal airflow after surgery

It is very common to experience decreased breathing for the first 3-6 months after Rhinoplasty surgey. After the internal swelling has decreased breathing will improve. The nasal mucosa tends to be dry following Rhinoplasty and especially during the heating season, the air is dry and the mucosa swells in an attempt to moisturize the nasal air and nasal stuffiness worsens. Using an Ultrasonic humidifier at the bedside at night will help. However, about 10% of patients never regain their... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nasal breathing after Rhinoplasty.

Did you have a problem breathing through your nose before surgery? Is the blockage on one side or both? How long ago was your surgery? In general, you should breathe easily through your nose between 2-3 weeks after rhinoplasty. if you're having a difficulty breathing through your nose, you should let your surgeon know. I hope this helps.
Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Internal nasal swelling after rhinoplasty

 Internal nasal swelling that is making it difficult for you to breath may take a while to subside after surgery. This can take several weeks to a few months depending upon what  type of surgery was performed internally.  If it persists more than a a few months, you should be re-evaluated.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

If you are having trouble breathing one month after rhinoplasty, it is not swelling.

Hi! You don't give a time frame, but one month is reasonable after rhinoplasty.  If you cannot breath through your nose after that, see your doctor, because there may be a problem.
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Internal nose swelling generally better after 3 weeks

Internal nasal swelling is greatest over the first 48-72 hours and subsequently subsiding substantially by 3 weeks, However a process called the nasal cycle can create an alternating cycle of obstruction passing from one side of the nose to the other and lasting approximately 2 hours
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Use of this website and the posting of any reviews or other content on this website constitutes acceptance of the RealSelf® Terms of Service. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. © 2011 RealSelf, Inc. All rights reserved.