Stuffy nose 1 year and 3 months post rhinoplasty. Will it improve to normal?

Question

My septum and rhinoplasty completed in August 2017 and now my nose is constantly stuffy like I have a cold but I don’t. It’s everyday almost ever since. Will it improve to normal? Can I ease it? I am breastfeeding and won’t see my surgeon again until I finish feeding (his instructions) approximately 10months away.

Raymond Goh, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi. Thanks for posting your question regarding nasal obstruction after septo-rhinoplasty.
After a year, the nose should be fairly stable, and all scar tissue and swelling should have reached an equilibrium (unless it was revision surgery, which can take longer to settle). There are many reasons why your nose could be feeling stuffy, and a close examination is required.
Although you are breastfeeding, this should not preclude you from having a clinical assessment. I would certainly encourage you to be reviewed by your surgeon to determine any correctable cause of your symptoms.
All the very best.
Dr Ray Goh

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The blockage could be from many reasons, septum moving to a side, allergies acting up, nasal valve narrowing or collapse. The only way to be certain is to see an Otolaryngologist and get a correct diagnosis. RegardsDr J

Ross Farhadieh MD, FRCS, FRACS · Answer

Hi there It’s unlikeu that things will improve now this far down the track. The main question is whether this is a mechanical issue or related to neurohumoral pathways and mucosal irritation. Ask your surgeon about this. Good luck

Arshad Muzaffar, MD · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question. At this point after surgery, the state of your nasal airways should be stable. If you have symptoms of nasal airway obstruction, you should consult with your surgeon. It is possible you may need another procedure to treat this. It is possible that nasal sprays such as Flonase may be helpful in the meantime. However, do check with your pediatrician about using any medications while breastfeeding. All the best.

Stuffy nose 1 year and 3 months post rhinoplasty. Will it improve to normal?

Answers (4)

Answer: Nasal airway obstruction

Answer: Nasal airway obstruction

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Stuffy nose 1 year and 3 months post rhinoplasty. Will it improve to normal?

Answers (4)

Answer: Nasal airway obstruction

Answer: Nasal airway obstruction

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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