Why does my nose get bigger every time I drink alcohol?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty about 5 months ago. Every time I drink my nose gets bigger and swells. It takes about 2 weeks for it to go back to the size it was prior drinking. Is this normal? Thank you

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

One possible answer to your question is you may be experiencing allergy type symptoms from your consumption of alcohol. It is similar to the "red" face or flushed look you see on some individuals when they drink high volumes of alcohol. This is due to Acetaldehyde, the main breakdown product of alcohol. The Acetaldehyde can stimulate the release of histamine causing vessel dilation or swelling which is the same process that occurs when you have an allergic reaction. Different ethnic population can have less of the enzymes needed to break down the by products of alcohol and can have more of a flushing effect.

A physical exam is needed to fully evaluate the nose to make sure nothing else is going on but the above explanation is one possibility.

A physical exam is needed to fully evaluate the nose to make sure nothing else is going on but the above explanation is one possibility.

Dan Hatef, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Although I can't specifically diagnose what's going on without examining you, it sounds like you have typical post-rhinoplasty edema.  It takes a long time for swelling to go down after rhinoplasty, and I always have patients avoid alcohol and salt for 2-3 weeks after surgery.  You should speak with your surgeon, but if this is going on, probably best to avoid alcohol for a while - speak with him and let him guide you.  Good luck in your recovery.

Jeffrey Watson, MD · Answer

Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate and lead to enlargement of the tissue. A nose that has recently had surgery may be more prone to this (though it does not always occur). After all of the healing and scarring has set in by 1 year it will be far less likely to have these types of fluctuations. It is normal and it will improve.

Why does my nose get bigger every time I drink alcohol?

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