Post Rhinoplasty: For How Long Will my Nose Feel Stuffed Up?

Dear rhinoplasty patient,
You did not specify how long ago you had your rhinoplasty. Internal nasal swelling following rhinoplasty will lead to a temporary nasal air way obstruction. Normally after a month, majority of internal swelling will subside therefore breathing through the nose becomes easier. If your surgery was performed longer than three months ago and you still have nasal obstruction, you might want to talk to your surgeon. Internal scaring or nasal valve collapse are then possibilities. Good luck and good healing. Dr. Kevin Sadati

It is usually normal to feel stuffy or congested in the nose even once the splints have been removed. Internal swelling and stuffiness largely resolves by around 4 to 6 weeks post surgery but it can take longer to fully resolve. You can use saline nose spray, such as FESS to clean the nasal airway. You should consult your treating doctor before using any nose sprays or treatments

Rhinoplasty should always be performed keeping in mind that breathing is the main function of the nose and should not be compromised for cosmetic reasons. Breathing problems however can occur temporarily after septoplasty and/or rhinoplasty,i and will usually resolve in 1-2 months maximum. Enlargement of the nasal conchea, specially after reduction of them 5-6 months after surgery is the most cause of relapsing breathing problems after rhinoplasty surgery.Proper cleaning and moisturizing the nasal lining is important after conchal and septal surgery. If the stuffing is not resolved in 1-2 months, one may consider visiting his/her rhinoplasty surgeon for further evaluation.
Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

The entire inside of the nose swells up after rhinoplasty. While the swelling starts to go down when the cast is removed, it can take two months to fully heal on the inside of the nose. It may even take a bit longer for all the swelling to go down. Be sure to keep your surgeon informed of your issues.

Hi there.  Post rhinoplasty, you may experience some discomfort with breathing.  Swollen nasal tissues may cause your nose to feel "stuffed up" and this can last for several weeks following surgery.  

Feeling stuffed up after rhinoplasty is completely normal. And how long that sensation lasts varies from patient to patient. You don't mention how long it's been since your surgery, but swelling after rhinoplasty — which can result in the stuffy feeling you're talking about — may take weeks, or even months, to resolve.