Inside of nose swollen shut 8 days after open rhinoplasty/septoplasty/turbinate reduction. What can I do?

Question

After my procedure on 2/17 and having my cast removed 2/23, my doc taped my nose & said everything is healing up well. However, the inside is so swollen. It looks like the swelling is coming from the septum- more on the side that wasn't deviated but I cant breathe through either. Bc the inside is so swollen I can feel pressure on the dissolvable stitches at all times. I feel like the swelling has not gone down at all since surgery, is there anything I can do for relief besides icing the outside?

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Hello and
thank you for your question and sharing your photos. At 8 days post-op, there
is a large amount of swelling still present. In general, swelling can narrow
the airway and make breathing difficult during the immediate post-operative
period. I would recommend following up with your surgeon, as he or she is
familiar with the nature of your surgery and can advise you during the healing
process. I hope this information helps and I wish you the best of luck.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and
thank you for your question and sharing your photos. At 8 days post-op, there
is a large amount of swelling still present. In general, swelling can narrow
the airway and make breathing difficult during the immediate post-operative
period. I would recommend following up with your surgeon, as he or she is
familiar with the nature of your surgery and can advise you during the healing
process. I hope this information helps and I wish you the best of luck.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Hi cr318,This is probably simply swelling that will go down in time. However, there is a small chance that it could be a medical issue that needs to be evaluated. I advise you to go in to your surgeon and have it checked out just to rule out anything serious. They will also be able to offer some solutions that might help the swelling resolve a little more quickly, such as nasal sprays. Good luck!

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Cr318,It is quite normal for the nose to be swollen both on the inside and outside following your procedure (rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and turbinate reduction).  There are treatment options that can help with some of that swelling temporarily, but these are best discussed with your surgeon (because there are side effects if used improperly).  I would recommend you follow up again with your surgeon for reassurance.  If there swelling is increasing inside the nose and especially along the septum it could be the sign of a complication which is rare but possible (septal hematoma) which can affect your final result.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Sorry that your recovery is taking longer.Saline nasal sprays are gentle and can help wash out some of the congestion

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and sorry to hear about your trouble. First, you should let your doctor know because they may want to check the inside of your nose. In general, to help with swelling you can do the following things:1) Keep your head elevated- try to sleep with your head up on a couple of pillows or sleep in a recliner.2) Over the counter decongestant sprays containing oxymetazoline can help, but you shouldn't use them for more than a few days.3) Use plenty of saline spray in your nose to keep the breathing passages clear of blood and mucous.But really, please do let your surgeon know. I'd want to check you if you were my patient. Good luck!

Fred Hackney, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  After surgery, there is typically lots of swelling and this is normal.  Especially since it has not been a very long time since surgery, I hate to say it, but the only thing that will help is time.  Have patience, it will get better, I promise!

Inside of nose swollen shut 8 days after open rhinoplasty/septoplasty/turbinate reduction. What can I do?

Answers (7)

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