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

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

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

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

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.

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