Clear Fluid Draining After Rhinoplasty. Is This Normal?

Question

I had septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and rhinoplasty yesterday afternoon. The bleeding slowed down considerably but now I have clear fluid draining. It looks clear but tinted with red blood. Is this normal? Other details: I was getting over a cold and still had a bit of a runny nose yesterday. I have 2 black eyes that are almost swollen shut. I haven't seen anything quite this bad posted here so I am not sure if that is normal or something worth mentioning with the fluid draining.

Edward J. Gross, MD · Answer

We are often asked if fluid draining form the nose after Rhinoplasty is 'brain fluid'. It is not. The nose discharges copious amounts of clear mucous after surgery and this is often confused with CSF. The causes are multiple: normal draining of the tear ducts, packing placement and removal, allergies, mucosal trauma, and reactive mucosal secretions. This is also dependent on the amount of work done internally. Septal surgery and turbinate cautery will contribute to the discharge. Initially, it will be reddish with blood mixed in and then change to a clear watery discharge. It usually subsides after a week and is more drippy in the first few days. Don't be worried about the color, character, or taste as they are not reliable indicators of any underlying problem. Remember, Rhinoplasty does not involve working on the skull base or the cribiform area where endoscopic sinus surgery occurs. Osteotomies are done on the nasal bones, which are well away for those areas. Don't worry- it will resolve.

David A. Bray, Sr., MD · Answer

You are seeing the change from bleeding to serous drainage. Tne swollen eyes will come down . Be patients. It unlikely anything bad is going such as a cerebral fluid leak from the cribriform plate

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Please call your operative surgeon to answer these post operative questions. Drainage is the norm but to get the correct responses always as your chosen surgeon.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Clear drainage after a rhinoplasty and septal repair can be a serious sign. The clear fluid can come from a tear in tissue high up at the base of the brain, called cerebral spinal fluid or CSF. Symptoms such as headache only when standing are common. The leaks repair themselves for most, though there is a danger of infection so you should contact your surgeon right away to sort things out.
	Best of luck,
	peterejohnsonmd

Joseph Campanelli, MD · Answer

Blood drainage after nasal surgey is normal.  Clear drainage is a concern because it may represent a leakage of CSF fluid.  Although uncommon, it can occur after septoplasty.  This is something that your surgeon needs to know about right away.

Clear Fluid Draining After Rhinoplasty. Is This Normal?

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Clear Fluid Draining After Rhinoplasty. Is This Normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Clear drainage after rhinoplasty

Answer: Clear drainage after rhinoplasty

Answer: Clear Fluid Draining after Nasal Surgery

Answer: Clear Fluid Draining after Nasal Surgery

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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.