What Helps to Combat Nasal Congestion at Home After Undergoing a Septoplasty Procedure?

It’s not uncommon for patients to develop nasal congestion
following septoplasty surgery.This
problem is usually secondary to nasal mucosal swelling, crusting and scabbing
within the nasal airway.This
combination can result in nasal airway obstruction and post-operative
discomfort.When
this situation arises, it’s not unusual for patients to seek treatment.In an effort to minimize crusting and scabbing
plastic surgeons frequently recommend nasal saline rinses and humidification of
the air with steam.Mucosal swelling is
frequently treated with nasal decongestants such as Afrin.These agents shrink the nasal mucous and
relieve symptoms.If this
issue represents a major problem, consultation with your plastic surgeon is
appropriate.Your plastic surgeon will
be able to recommend a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

Afrin spray is routinely used to shrink the lining of the nose, which tends to swell after any type of internal nasal surgery. 

Remember, you can only use it for five days, because after that it does not work as well Why? The lining of the nose starts to dislike it.  But in the short run it is a wonderful drug.  That combined with steam inhalations and saline will keep the nose fresh and keep your air passages open. 

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Author, SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON
Author, THE ESSENTIAL COSMETIC SURGERY COMPANION

It's very common for patients to get nasal congestion after septoplasty. In fact, I tell all my nasal surgery patients to expect short-term postop congestion, that may be worse than preop. The healing process will eventually lead to a good postoperative result if diagnosed and treated properly.

In the short term, nasal saline can help with washing away some of the mucus and postoperative crusting that invariably occurs. If you have splints in place or sutures inside the nose, these can act like a "seed" and make some of that crusting worse. Once they are removed, it will make it easier to wash things out. If the congestion is unbearable, patients can use Afrin (or equivalent) for up to 3 days. The spray can be "addicting" so it's not advisable to continue past this time. Humidification as well as making sure that you elevate the head of your bed greater than 30 degrees, can also aid in decreasing your congestion.

Hope this help. Take care.

Saline nasal mist and decongestants work well. I recommend that you read the labels on all decongestants, whether in liquid or pill form, to make sure that they don't contain aspirin or other blood thinners. If the problem persists, a room humidifier might also help.