I have fluctuating nasal swelling 6 years post rhinoplasty/septoplasty. What can possibly be causing this? (Photos)

Question

I am not over 6 years post-op and to this day I get fluctuating swelling from day to day, sometimes hour to hour. When it flares up I get a throbbing sensation in my nose and my nasal passage swells, sometimes impeding my breathing. Throughout the days my nose feels weird with persistent swelling fluctuations that get better when I am in a very cold room...any heat or spicy foods makes my nose swell. The two photos I attached are taken 1 day apart.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Talk this over with your surgeon and check to see if any permanent sutures were used in your case.  In the past, low grade infections / reactions happened when a permanent suture was used and this could be the case.  Another possibility is allergies and molds in your environment.  Check in with an allergist after checking with your surgeon.  Best Wishes!!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

This is a perplexing situation. If you had an implant placed in your nose, or if your surgeon used permanent sutures to reconstruct your nasal cartilage, inflammation may occur. Rosacea is another possibility, but that should not affect your airway. I would suggest visiting a rhinoplasty specialist when your nose is inflamed for an exam and a detailed evaluation. Good luck! Dr Joseph

I have fluctuating nasal swelling 6 years post rhinoplasty/septoplasty. What can possibly be causing this? (Photos)

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