Allergies with New Rhinoplasty?

Question

I'm at 1 month post op tomorrow with a closed rhinoplasty. I have allergies this time of year and have been sneezing with a runny itchy nose. Will this affect my healing?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

The nose is typically swollen internally after a rhinoplasty.  Allergies also promote internal nasal swelling.  You may wish to take an oral antihistamine early on to help relieve symptoms.  Further along with your healing, you may need further medical therapy including nasal steroids or nasal antihistamines.  

	Early on, it is not recommended to use nasal sprays as they may promote the formation of a septal perforation.  Typically, you must wait until your septal lining is healed.  Once it has, you should still direct your spray towards your turbinates and avoid contact with your septum.

	Seek information from your surgeon's office for guidance as you heal and progress with your rhinoplasty.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

After one month, sneezing and lightly blowing the nose will not affect your healing. But it would be best to control the allergies so the remainder of your healing is comfortable. An appointment with a board certified allergist is recommended. If your allergies are seasonal, you may benefit from the following:1) Antihistamine2) Allergy shotsThank you and good luck!

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

This should not have a negative impact on your result. In general, it is advised to sneeze with the mouth open for the first few weeks after surgery. I would recommend visiting your surgeon, as they will be able to provide you with suggestions on how to control your allergies and refer you to the proper specialist if necessary. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons will recommend to avoid blowing the nose and to try to sneeze with an open mouth for the first few weeks after rhinoplasty. Bleeding and swelling is primary risk with excess sneezing. Generally after 1 month, sneezing should not affect the final rhinoplasty result. Saline rinse and ointment helps keep the nose clean and moist to help limit sneezing. Antihistamine tablets can help too. Plastic surgeons will ask patients to hold off on other nasal allergy sprays until the nose has appropriately healed. Speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon and follow any of his/her recommendations. Best of luck.

	Dr. Chaboki

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

It would be unlikely that you could harm your result.   You may want to have your surgeon evaluate you for some allergy treatments.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Allergies with New Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

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