Swelling of cartilage after surgery?

Question

I received rhinoplasty surgery 2 weeks ago and the results have straightened my nose and unblocked my left nostril, however I'm not sure if the cartilage is still swollen as both my nostrils are blocked and breathing is quite an issue. The pain has gone and swelling on the outside of the nose seems to have disappeared, however I'm just wandering if it was normal for the inner parts to take much more time to un swell and improve my breathing.

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

You are still very early out from your surgery and you likely still have significant soft tissue swelling to the inside and outside of your nose.  Swelling to the internal nose can temporarily cause difficulty nasal breathing, but should resolve with time.  In addition, dried blood/mucus inside the nostrils can block airflow as well. If the breathing does not seem to be getting better, you should discuss the concerns with your surgeon.

Robert H. Woods, MD · Answer

Cartilage does not swell, but the soft tissues surrounding the cartilage does. Typically, you should be able to breath better than you ever have following the removal of your internal splints at one week if you had a septoplasty and a turbinoplasty. It can swell back up some like taking your finger out of the doe, but this will completely resolve in six weeks. If not, you have a structural problem that was either not addressed, needs addressing, or was created during your surgery.

Hal Michael Bass, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Congratulations on your recent surgery! After rhinoplastic surgery, it is not uncommon to experience obstruction of your nasal airway for a short period of time. Internal swelling of the soft tissue lining of the nose will shrink your nasal cavity. This usually subsides over several weeks. I recommend that you speak to your plastic surgeon as he / she may offer a nasal spray to improve your nasal breathing for the short term.Best wishes!

Jan Zemplenyi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Typically, the initial swelling after nose surgery subsides within two to three weeks.  However, residual swelling, especially in the tip of the nose, can take about a year to resolve as the contour refines. Swelling can also vary through the day, being more prominent in the morning. Discomfort decreases as swelling inside the nose decreases, making breathing easier. If your concerns persist, I highly recommend following up with your surgeon.

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