Airflow is returning but Septum is still deviated 3 days post surgery. Normal?

Question

Directly after the surgery my airflow felt nearly perfect. Of course, a few hours later I was completely swollen and had 0 airflow. Now the swelling has gone down a bit and I am getting some airflow but only through one nostril or the other and it switches back and fourth. Sometimes I get air through both but it is not as clear as when only one is working. Is it possible something went wrong or is this normal?

Robert Deeb, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for the question.  3 days after surgery is quite early to expect full return of airflow on both sides.  There is significant swelling that occurs in the nose after surgery and this can last weeks to months.  It is not uncommon for the swelling to "shift" a bit from side to side. Things should start to settle down in the coming weeks and both sides of your nose should open up. I would recommend closely following all of the post-operative instructions that your surgeon provided to you, which usually includes spraying salt water (saline) into your nose throughout the day.
Hope that helps and good luck

Airflow is returning but Septum is still deviated 3 days post surgery. Normal?

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