Can you breathe at all with nasal packing in after a rhinoplasty?

Question

I'm planning a revision rhinoplasty and my doctor uses packing for two days after the operation. I have anxiety about getting no air at all through my nose during this time. Can patients get any air at all with nasal packing? It's usually compared to a "stuffy nose" but with a stuffy nose you can still breathe a little bit. Can you please let me know if you are completely blocked up or if most patients can breathe a little through the packing? I want to have a realistic idea of what to expect. Thank you!

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and  thank you for  the question. You will not be able to breathe through your nostrils with the nasal packing in place. Alternative to packing is the use of internal splints with built-in airflow channels or there are other techniques that can be utilized to avoid using internal splints. I don't pack the nose after my cases. You should discuss these concerns with your surgeon. Best,Pejman Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. based in your question , yes after a rhinoplasty with the days you can breath normal, the idea from rhinoplasty its get two ways for benefit the estetic and the functional.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending upon the type of packing your surgeon chooses to use following your rhinoplasty, breathing through your nose post operatively could be challenging.  I prefer the use of nasal splints with airways built into the splints for comfort but packing is still used by many very good surgeons.  Best of luck with your revision.

John K. Wakelin III, MD, FACS · Answer

When nasal packing is used after a rhinoplasty it does not allow any air movement through the nose.  In many cases splints might be able to be utilized in place of the nasal packing, which should allow much better air movement and breathing.  Splints are tolerated well by most patients as a result.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Nasal packing will prevent nasal breathing.  Most patients find it very uncomfortable.  I do not pack the nose for this reason.  I recommend discussing this in more detail with your surgeon.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Can you breathe at all with nasal packing in after a rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: Nasal packing and breathing after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal packing and breathing after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal packing

Answer: Nasal packing

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can you breathe at all with nasal packing in after a rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: Nasal packing and breathing after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal packing and breathing after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal packing

Answer: Nasal packing

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.