My nose is making weird noises after rhinoplasty, should I be worried?

Question

I'm 4 days post OP and all of a sudden today my nose has started to make this "farting noise" like bubbles trying to escape or a crackling noise. It has been constantly doing it, when I lie down it seems to get worse! Should I be worried?? Also sometimes it realeases random air like a quick fush!

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello,
I am sorry about this inconvenience. I don't believe this is a life threatening situation, but I would however consult your doctor about your issue. Trust what he says. 
All the best!
Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you discuss with your board certified facial plastic surgeon. Generally, patients should avoid blowing their nose for the first two weeks, however, if you must sneeze, do it with an open mouth in order to minimize the irritation to the healing nasal tissues.
Best wishes,

Basim A. Matti, MBChB FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question Daramara. After
rhinoplasty, the healing process takes several months – often more. What you
are describing is quite common during this early stage, as your nose and
tissues are healing and there may be some mucus blocking your airways. To clear
the nasal passages, you should be able to gently blow your nose, and it may
help to use normal saline spray or a decongestant spray. Always make sure you
are following the appropriate aftercare instructions as directed by your clinic–
most clinics will be happy to have you ring them to answer a question, or to
email you the instructions if you need them. If you continue to have blockage
after your follow-up appointments in the next few days, do ask to have a
follow-up appointment with your surgeon just to ensure that you are healing
well with no breathing issues. Best wishes for your recovery.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Check with your surgeon before you start irrigation of the nose.  Most likely you have thick mucous which always occurs with surgery of the nose.

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Either your surgeon hooked up your gastrointestinal track to your nose, or you just have some thick mucous which needs to be cleared. That was a joke, by the way. I let my patients blow gently to clear some of this thick mucous, which always occurs with surgery of the nose. Check with your surgeon before going forward with a means of clearing the airways. A bedside humidifier can also be helpful.All the best,Talmage Raine MD

My nose is making weird noises after rhinoplasty, should I be worried?

Answers (5)