one side of my face swollen and that side of my nose completely clogged. Is this normal?

Question

open rhinoplasty POD#4. now my swelling is starting to go down but the right side of my face is more swollen than the left. my right nostril is also completely clogged and was dripping some bloody mucus earlier today (not active bright red bleeding). i am also feeling a little right eye pressure. prior to my surgery, my breathing was worse on the right side and i tended to have more congestion on that side of my face. is the right-sided congestion causing my right eye swelling?

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear docstork, When you are 4 days post op it is expected that the swelling will start to improve. You may notice that your breathing on that right side will start to increase as the swelling decreases. Whenever you operate on 2 sides of something, one side is always a little ahead of the other in regards to swelling and healing overall, so it is not surprising that one side is more swollen. You should not judge the final result for 6 to 12 months after surgery. Sitting upright and sleeping with your head elevated can help to decrease the swelling faster since it goes with gravity. I would review your concerns with your operating surgeon to make sure they are not concerned about the amount of swelling you are experiencing. Good luck!

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Keep in mind that asymmetry is very common during the healing process after rhinoplasty. The asymmetry can affect both the shape and breathing function of the nose, cheeks, central forehead and upper lip. Some of these changes may even be related to gravity, such as in the way you are sleeping or lying down during sleep. Additionally, it is very common to experience nasal obstruction for the first few weeks after surgery. In general, the nasal obstruction and swelling will gradually will improve over the course of a few weeks. However, it takes a full year, and in some cases, longer to completely heal from rhinoplasty. Remember to keep your follow up appointments with your surgeon so that you can be assured that the amount of swelling you are experiencing is normal and that you are healing as expected. Thanks again for sharing and good luck.Dr. Harmych

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While swelling is the norm after rhinoplasty, it is difficult to say why you might have mores welling on one side and if it is not normal. Best to be seen by your surgeon or at leasts discuss this with him.

one side of my face swollen and that side of my nose completely clogged. Is this normal?

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one side of my face swollen and that side of my nose completely clogged. Is this normal?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.