Stuffy nose and hard time swallowing after a functional septorhinoplasty. Is it normal and what can I do about it?

Question

I just had a functional septorhinoplasty done 4 days ago and since day 1 of the OP ive been noticing that swallowing is very hard. When my nose is cleared i can actually swallow without a problem but when both my nostrils are blocked it does sort of a vacuum inside my nose and the mucus is pushing it's way back in my throat making a crackling nose inside my nose that's very unsettling. Could this affect the results of the surgery or the healing process? i do use saline spray to rinse to help it

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.It's too early to make value judgments with only four days after a rhinoplasty.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This is a very common complaint after rhinoplasty surgery.  When both sides of the nose are completely blocked with packing material, splints, swelling, clots, etc., patients often complain of these symptoms.  Rest assured knowing that they will resolve and this is unlikely to cause any problems with postoperative healing.  The saline nasal sprays that you are using is the best way for you to improve these symptoms. When you see her surgeon for your first postoperative office visit, usually at about 1 week, he or she will clean out the nose and you should feel better at that point.  Good luck and thanks again for your question!Dr. Harmych

Stuffy nose and hard time swallowing after a functional septorhinoplasty. Is it normal and what can I do about it?

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Stuffy nose and hard time swallowing after a functional septorhinoplasty. Is it normal and what can I do about it?

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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.