Tightness and pulsating feeling when smiling or yawning - is this normal for 10 months post-op rhinoplasty?

Question

Hello, I am about 10 months post op for my rhinoplasty (1st time) and overall aesthetically I love my results but there are times I have been feeling lots of internal pressure and lately some like tightness when I smile big or even while talking where it feels like my nose is just going to snap. Also when I yawn. Sometimes I get this weird like pulsating feeling if I yawn too big. Another thing too is I still have lots of boogers that I have to take out with a q-tip. Is this normal for 10 mths?

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.You have provided some information but unfortunately it is not enough for me to give a feedback. I need to know if they used any cartilage during your surgery and it would be great also to see some photos for a better evaluation.Best regards!

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

It's not uncommon to experience some internal pressure and tightness in the nose during the recovery period after rhinoplasty, especially in the first few weeks to months. However, at 10 months post-op, these symptoms may not be normal and could be indicative of a potential issue.

The sensation of tightness when you smile or talk and the feeling that your nose is going to snap could indicate that the nasal cartilage is still healing or that there is some residual swelling or scar tissue. Similarly, the pulsating feeling when you yawn could also indicate swelling or tension in the nasal tissues.

Having lots of boogers or dried mucus in the nose is also not uncommon after rhinoplasty, especially during the early stages of recovery. However, at 10 months post-op, it's possible that there is an underlying issue such as chronic inflammation, nasal dryness, or scarring that is contributing to this.

It's essential to have your concerns evaluated by your rhinoplasty surgeon. They can perform a physical examination and possibly imaging tests to assess the underlying cause of your symptoms. Depending on their findings, they may recommend conservative management strategies such as nasal saline irrigations or prescribe medications to help alleviate your symptoms. In some cases, additional surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the issue.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Tightness and pulsating feeling when smiling or yawning - is this normal for 10 months post-op rhinoplasty?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Tightness and pulsating feeling when smiling or yawning - is this normal for 10 months post-op rhinoplasty?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.