One month post op and it appears that my nostrils alternate when I breathe after Rhinoplasty. Is this normal?

Question

I had open rhinoplasty a month ago. I'm happy with results. However, I'm starting to notice that for the past 2 weeks my nares alternate when I breathe. For instance today I'm breathing through my right nostril only, when yesterday I was breathing through my left. And this will last for an entire day.I'm following docs instructions rinsing with saline water and hydrogen peroxide cleaning. Clearly I'm still swollen internally but what's causing this back and forth between nostrils when I breathe?

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

I am pleased that you are happy with your surgical outcome.  You are experiencing what is the normal nasal cycle.  The nasal mucosa, and more specifically the inferior turbinates, will swell and shrink throughout the day and this cycle will alternate sides.  If nasal congestion is an ongoing issue you may be a candidate for an in office procedure to reduce your turbinates.  If your surgeon is experienced in the functional aspects of your nose they will be able to evaluate you for this procedure.

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

Intermittent congestion is normal one month after rhinoplasty.  Cyclic or alternating congestion is also part of the normal nasal cycle.  I suggest you followup with your physician to rule out any other issues causing nasal obstruction, but from what you are describing this all seems normal for the recovery process.  Good Luck!

David W. Rodwell III, MD · Answer

This sounds completely normal.  What you are feeling is likely due to swelling of the inferior turbinates.  These are structures inside the nose along the side wall of the nose.  You can think of the inferior turbinate as a small shelf of bone wrapped in soft tissue.  These structures shrink and swell more than anything else inside the nose.The back and forth nasal obstruction that you describe is common.  There's actually a name for this -- "the nasal cycle."  It's normal for the turbinate on one side to swell and have the opposite side shrink at the same time.  This varies from side to side and also varies at different times throughout the day.You are probably noticing this more for two reasons.  First, you're only a month out from surgery, so as you already mentioned you still have some swelling and generalized inflammation inside your nose.  The second issue is probably that you are just so much more aware of everything related to your nose and breathing through it since you have just had such an important operation.Without examining you there's no way to tell if anything else may be contributing, but be reassured that what you described seems common and not worrisome.  Keep close follow up with your surgeon, and best of luck as you continue to heal!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is normal for one nostril to be more open than the other as the nose cycles a bit. This usually alternates more frequently throughout the day.

One month post op and it appears that my nostrils alternate when I breathe after Rhinoplasty. Is this normal?

Answers (4)

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