I Had a Septo/rhinoplasty, Doctor Removed Splints and Cast Yesterday and Now I Can't Really Breathe Through my Nose?

Question

Yesterday my surgeon removed the splints and cast, and shortly after I could breathe great but through the night the breathing got worse and worse, also swelling increased, I can feel the nose swelled up on my face. Is this normal? When will I get my breathing through the nose back?

Luis Villar, MD, FACS · Answer

The packing was applying pressure to the nasal lining to stem bleeding and stabilize the surgical site.  When it is pulled out, there is a sudden open passage.  But the tissues rapidly swell and block the passages.  Over the next few weeks you normally experience improvement but this will wane and wax with good and bad times until the wounds have matured and stabilized and scar tissue has contracted.  Best wishes. Knowledge is power.  Luis F. Villar MD FACS

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

What you are experiencing is very normal for your stage of recovery.  Nasal congestion is expected immediately after septal and rhinoplasty surgery due to swelling that occurs inside and outside the nose.  Be patient, sometimes swelling can take up to a couple of months to resolve.  In the meantime, use saline nasal spray to keep your nose moist and help alleviate some of the congestion.  Good Luck

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It is common to be congested after a rhinoplasty, especially only a week after.  Elevation and saline spray can help during this period.

Michael Lipan, MD · Answer

I usually tell my patients that this is expected after splint and cast removal.  It may take at least 3 months before you will appreciate the better breathing after a functional nasal surgery.  Be patient and allow things to heal.

	Michael J. Lipan M.D. 

	Facial Plastic Surgery of Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Naveen Somia, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

What you are experiencing is normal. The lining of the nose swells up as a result of the surgery similar to having a cold. Use Saline nose sprays to help speed recovery

	All the best

I Had a Septo/rhinoplasty, Doctor Removed Splints and Cast Yesterday and Now I Can't Really Breathe Through my Nose?

Answers (8)

Answer: Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

Answer: Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

Answer: Difficulty breathing after removal of splint following rhinoplasty

Answer: Difficulty breathing after removal of splint following rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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I Had a Septo/rhinoplasty, Doctor Removed Splints and Cast Yesterday and Now I Can't Really Breathe Through my Nose?

Answers (8)

Answer: Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

Answer: Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

Answer: Difficulty breathing after removal of splint following rhinoplasty

Answer: Difficulty breathing after removal of splint following rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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