1 week post-op septoplasty and turbinate reduction - can't breathe.

Hello,It is very hard to say that something is wrong because you are so early in the healing process. It usually takes 1-3 years for the swelling to fully go down after a rhinoplasty. The tip takes the longest time to heal and mold to the new framework because it is the thickest skin of the nose. The skin over the profile is thinner than the skin over the tip. Patience is required during this healing phase. If you still cannot breathe in a couple weeks, notify your board certified facial plastic surgeon.All the best, Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Have you not followed up with your surgeon since surgery?  If you are having pain along with the feeling of obstruction, then you could have a septal hematoma.  This is an emergency and needs to be dealt with immediately.  Otherwise, swelling and crusting of blood and mucus in the nose typically causes stuffiness for 1-2 weeks after surgery.  If you have splints (i hope you haven't had to have splints for 8 days), they could be clogged.  You should follow up with your surgeon to have an examination.  

The stock answer is that it is swollen at this stage and it is too soon to make any judgements. That said, if you could not breath amazingly well right after the splints were removed there could be a problem looming. You still have to wait until all the swelling is out before the smoke clears enough to be able to tell what the problem is. There is nothing to do at this time. Taking medications of sprays may provide temporary relief, but they will slow down the ultimate healing process.

It is very common to be very stuffy for 2-3 weeks after rhinoplaslty, then moderately stuffy for an additional 2-3 months. These conditions are caused by internal nasal swelling slowly subsiding.In rare cases, a septal hematoma can cause prolonged or extreme stuffiness in the early period; you surgeon likely checked for this at your spint removal visit.

It is likely due to swelling. You have to give it time to settle down.  Sometimes it is also mucous. Speak with your surgeon about post-op care.

It is not uncommon to have problems breathing 1 week after rhinoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction. Usually, this is due to postoperative edema, blood crusts inside the nose and turbinate swelling/ mucosal sloughs that form after turbinate reduction procedure. Of course, there may be other factors impacting breathing as well. You need to see your doctor and possibly get the nose cleaned up and this should make breathing better. 

Thanks for the question.  The answer to your question can depend on a number of factors for example how narrow your nasal cavity was preop and how severely your deviation was etc.  Generally most if not all my patients experience an immediate increase in the airflow through their nose after a septo/turb but this tends to decrease slightly over 1-2 weeks after the splints are removed due to swelling.  It improves again as the swelling subsides.  I would consult with your surgeon if you are completely blocked and cannot breathe at all.

Best wishes.

This is normal.   Swelling after a rhinoplasty alone may take 7-10 days to go down enough to breathe easily through the nose.  Sleeping elevated is usually helpful.  Follow up with your surgeon for his post operative instructions.

Don't be alarmed!  Swelling after a rhinoplasty alone may take 7-10 days to go down enough to breathe easily through the nose.  With a septoplasty and turbinate reduction, there may be at least twice as much swelling.  So, it will take a bit longer.  Continue to follow up with your doctor to be sure all is well.  Sleep with your head elevated and keep the nasal passages moist.  He may have specific recommendations for you.