Nostril still completely swollen shut 12 days post revision septorhinoplasty - is this normal?

Question

I had revision septorhinoplasty 12 days ago, with work done to fix my nostrils, tip & columella. My left nostril has been completely swollen shut since about an hour after the surgery with very little resolution so far. My nose is also looking intensely bulbous and huge and wide. I had my post op and my doctor did not seem overly concerned, but I have been having incredibly bad anxiety attacks about it, which are affecting my daily life/work. Is it normal to still have swelling to this degree?

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that the swelling is causing anxiety. As the other doctors have said, swelling is more pronounced and slower to resolve with a revision procedure. Considerations would be either be a blood collection in the septum (hematoma), swelling in the side wall on the nostril (nasal valve), splint, packing, or large blood clot inside the nose.   Your surgeon should be able to address these possibilities on examination. Hope that helps and that this situation reverses rapidly

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear 10yearsinthemaking, It is not uncommon to have more swelling after a revision procedure then a primary rhinoplasty so you may be experiencing more swelling now then you had with your first surgery. Often times this is anxiety provoking however I would not be overly concerned at this time. I would seek multiple follow ups with your surgeon so that you can be reassured on your road to recovery. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.d.

Devinder S. Mangat, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

There is no doubt that your nostrils and the entire nasal base are quite swollen as expected.  The basic nostril shape is quite good and you will see a lot of improvement in the next 6 weeks.  There is no reason for concern at this time.

Nostril still completely swollen shut 12 days post revision septorhinoplasty - is this normal?

Answers (3)