Pain, swelling and constant sniffing 6 months post op revision rhinoplasty - any ideas?

Question

I’m 6 months post op from a rib revision rhinoplasty. I also had a septoplasty (permanentnylon sutures were used), a turbinate reduction, alar base reduction and extensive grafting added (spreader grafts, l-strut columellar, and batten grafts). I’m keeping my nose moisturized and humidified, but my nose constantly feels over grafted/projected, hard, dry inside, swollen inside and always feel the need to “sniff” in air. Surgeon is flippant about my distress. Any ideas what’s going on? Thanks

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hello there! Sorry that you're experiencing trouble with your rhinoplasty. At even 6 months, swelling is to be expected especially in revision cases. The nose takes awhile for the swelling to come down and fluctuations along the way are often normal. For swelling, I will provide steroid injections and encourage my patients to tape nightly. A low salt diet will also help in addition to cooler environments. For breathing, saline sprays and irrigations are useful. Flonase may be a good option as well. Perhaps an OTC antihistamine would be worth trying. If you're uncomfortable with your surgeon's answer, maybe seek consultation with another for a second opinion. Hope this is useful for you!

Pain, swelling and constant sniffing 6 months post op revision rhinoplasty - any ideas?

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