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 photographs.  It is very normal to be swollen in the immediate postoperative period. This is likely not a problem at all.  However, you should still see your surgeon as soon as possible, as he/she will have a good idea of what to expect in regards to your specific progress, since they can evaluate you in relation to your preoperative appearance.Best wishes and good luckRichard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained Plastic Surgeon

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

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

Answers (7)

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

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

Answer: Recovery takes time

Answer: Recovery takes time

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

Answers (7)

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

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

Answer: Recovery takes time

Answer: Recovery takes time

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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.