How long after septoplasty/rhinoplasty do turbinates shrink?

Question

I don't have any allergies, but I have always been congested unilaterally 2nd to septal deviation. I had surgery 3 weeks ago and took out the plastic struts today. I'm still congested and I feel this is turbinate related because it temporarily responds to saline irrigation. How long should I wait to see if turbinates shrink back to normal before turbinectomy? Thank you

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

After a rhinoplasty, swelling will be present on both the inside and on the outside of the nose. This swelling can make it difficult to briefly the nose. It can take up to eight weeks for the swelling to improve inside the nose to appreciate the improvement of breathing after correction of a deviated septum.At this time, I was suggests you continue to let the healing process work and continue the nasal irrigations.I hope this helps.

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to be congested after a septorhinoplasty.  The mucosa (the skin inside the nose) swells after the procedure and this results in the sensation of congestion.  It is best to continue to use the saline mist spray at this point and to maintain close follow up with your surgeon.

Bryan Correa, MD · Answer

This is most commonly due to the swelling and mucous hyper secretion in reaction to surgery, not a turbinate problem (unless the turbinates were a problem before surgery and weren't addressed). I usually tell my patients they need to wait 6-8 weeks before they should be able to reliably see an improvement in breathing. Hang in there.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

Usually it takes about 8-12 weeks to start breathing normally after a Rhinoplasty. At 3 weeks you are still too early and will have episode of congestion.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

How long after septoplasty/rhinoplasty do turbinates shrink?

Answers (4)