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

Question

I am wondering when I can start to breathe easier? I feel really stuffed up and am wondering how long the stuffy feeling is considered within normal range. Thanks!

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

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

Chris Moss, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

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

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

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

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

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.

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

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.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Postoperative nasal obstruction is present in most during the first week after rhinoplasty, and many get significant relief the day their dressing is removed, one week postoperative. Lingering congestion may be from both internal and external nasal swelling, and is typically transient.Hope this helps.Dr Joseph

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients to have nasal congestion
following rhinoplasty surgery.This
congestion occurs for a variety of reasons including dried blood, scabbing and
swelling.In the vast majority of
patients nasal breathing improves in 3 to 4 weeks following surgery.In rare cases, it may take as long as 3 to 4
months to occur.In some
cases, nasal irrigations with saline and the use of decongestants may improve
nasal congestion.When congestion fails
to improve, further investigation is usually necessary.In rare cases, structural abnormalities such
as internal nasal scarring and internal nasal valve collapse may be present.If you
continue to have difficulty breathing through your nose, consultation with your
plastic surgeon is appropriate.Your
surgeon should be able to make an appropriate recommendation to help resolve
this issue.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Swelling can make breathing difficult or impossible, but this usually resolves as swelling subsides. This can take a couple of months.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

It is quite normal to have a stuffy nose or feeling of congestion after rhinoplasty especially if you had internal nasal valve surgery or functional surgery. Even without this, it is not uncommon because of the post operative swelling. This can usually be relieved with normal decongestants. Many of my patients are not in the DFW area and so I have them take Afrin spray before they board their flight to keep their nasal passage open during take-off and landing.

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

Answers (20)

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