How long after Rhinoplasty should nasal passages be swollen (requiring nose spray for breathing)? Should I continue Supplements?

Question

8 wks post-rhinoplasty (cosmetic + deviated septum). Terminates/septum are still so swollen that I can't breathe without using Afrin nose spray 2x a day. My Dr said there's a chance scar tissue form between septum & terminates. To prevent this, I'm taking 240,000 U of Serrapeptase per day, with 1500mg Bromelain & 300mg Nattokinase, but haven't noticed any improvements. I don't want to get dependent on nose spray, and also don't want to waste any money on the supplements if the aren't necessary.

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Using afrin for more than 3-4 days is a bad idea regardless of whether it is after rhinoplasty or not.  Your nasal mucosa becomes habituated to it and in between sprays, you will become more swollen than if you weren't using it at all (rhinitis medicamentosa).  Using it in the immediate post operative period probably increases the risk of septal perforation as well.  Perhaps you misunderstood your surgeon's directions.  There certainly can be scar adhesions that form between the septum and turbinates, but the best way to dissuade them from forming is good aftercare that may involve him looking inside the nose and removing any scabs or early bridges of tissue from one to the other.  I would call your surgeon to get clarification about the post-operative instructions.  All the best.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Internal swelling of the turbinates and lining of the nose can take some time.  The swelling can be a result of manipulation of the area as well as from generalized edema.  In addition, if absorbable sutures were placed, this can take some time and create some inflammation as the sutures are absorbed.  It can take up to 6 months or longer for swelling to dissipate.  If there are concerns about the function of your nose, you should have your surgeon examine the nasal passageway.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Afrin is great to stop a nosebleed. However, using it regularly even for a few days can cause your nasal tissues to become very inflamed and totally dependent on continued use of Afrin. I would discuss this with your surgeon ASAP. Usually, you can be transitioned off of Afrin and have a nasal steroid spray substituted for several months to decrease the inflammation. If you're able to stop the Afrin today. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

How long after Rhinoplasty should nasal passages be swollen (requiring nose spray for breathing)? Should I continue Supplements?

Answers (3)

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