Is it normal to have a low-grade temperature after surgery?

Question

Post-op day 2&3 I've ran a temp around 99.6. I called my surgeon and he said that is normal after surgery to run slightly high. But this morning, post-op day 4, I'm running around 100.3-100.6. Should I be concerned or is that still a normal temperature to run after surgery?

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

It is normal after anesthesia to have a low grade fever after surgery due to some of the small lung passages collapsing. It is important to take some deep breaths and cough after surgery to expand these back out. If it continues, be sure to be in touch with your surgeon.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Frankly, body temperatures under 101 may be inconsequential, but 100.6 is pretty close. If you don't have a foreign body implant, or nasal packing, your temperature may not be related to a nasal infection. Other considerations include a UTI, URI. or atelectasis - this is a condition where your lungs are not completely inflated, and an incentive spirometer may be offered. If you have symptoms of infection, burning with urination, sore throat or cough, you should discuss this with your surgeon, or visit for an examination. Wishing you well. Dr Joseph

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Because you are healing after elective aesthetic surgery the body increases the metabolism as part of this reparative process. Low-grade temperature is very common.

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

Low grade temperatures during the first 48 hours are most often due to the lungs. Taking several deep breaths several times during the day should take care of it, if this is the cause. If you had a catheter and are expeiencing any burniing, you could have a urinary tract infection. If the IV site is tender contact your doctor, especially if the fever persists. Generally wound infections take 4-5 days before they begin to show up.

Paul E. Goco, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Do not worry, this is very common after any type of surgery.  As long as it responds to Tylenol and does not progress and you feel better each day.  Everyone responds to surgery differently and a low grade temp is very common. Good luck on your recovery!!!

Kailash Narasimhan, MD · Answer

It is normal to have a low-grade temperature after surgery because there is some inflammation in your body adjusting to the surgical procedure. Usually after nasal surgery there’s also some swelling and inflammation of the nasal tissue which can cause a low-grade temperature. I would alert your surgeon if symptoms worsen. Make sure you keep up with your Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medications.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The normal body temperature cycles between 97- 100 degrees. A temperature of 99.6-100.6 is nothing to worry about. If  your temperature goes over 102, then consider calling your operative surgeon to look for possible infection.

Robert H. Woods, MD · Answer

There are any number of reasons to get a mild fever after surgery. Sometimes it is just your bodies response to surgical trauma and is of no consequence. Other times is can be an indication of atelectasis (segmental collapse in small areas of your lungs), IV site infections, UTIs, early wound infections, and packing. Check with your doctor and discuss all of your symptoms. He/she would want to know.

Sahar Nadimi, MD · Answer

It is very normal to have a low-grade temperature following any surgery. This is your body's response to the surgery. If you develop worsening pain or your temperature does not subside over the next few days, I would contact your surgeon to make sure you do not have an infection.

Satyen Undavia, MD · Answer

This is very likely normal. Infections typically occur post operative day 7 to 10. Low grade temperatures in the first few days is typically your body responding to the surgery and trying to heal itself. If you develop any symptoms or the temperature (above 100.4) persists, you should contact your doctor and make sure there is no evidence of infection. Good luck!

Is it normal to have a low-grade temperature after surgery?

Answers (11)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Will open rhinoplasty exacerbate my vitiligo?

Returning to work with intense walking after rhinoplasty?

Is my radix too high? (Photo)

How high is the risk of infection after rhinoplasty surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS