Unable to Move/Flare Right Nostril After Rhinoplasty: is This Normal?

Question

ever since I had the surgery, I could not flare my right nostril. 3 months have passed and I am getting worried. is this permanent? did a nerve get damaged?

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Hi thatguyoverthere,

	3 months is generally still very early after rhinoplasty. The active flaring of the nostril may be reduced after rhinoplasty, especially if the nostrils were reduced with skin removal. Alternatively, the nostrils may have been stiffened with cartilage grafts. Swelling of the skin and tissue will also reduce flaring. Speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can he/she help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

	Dr. Chaboki

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

There is still a fair amount of swelling in the nose at three months.  Give it a year or so before worrying that you can not flare your nostril.

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

3 months is still early part of recovery. Will have to wait 6-12 months until swelling subsided. If there is a cartilage impalnts placed laterally to correct retracted ala in revision rhinoplasty may cause this. But again need to wait for complete healing.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

This problem is probably secondary to residual swelling; nerve injury is very, very rare. Decreased motion usually does not last this long, but be patient.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Not sure that you should be trying to move the nsotrils so soon after your Rhinoplasty as this could cause increased swelling to the area at best and worst could create teras in the nasal tip cartilages if sutures were placed in that cartilage. Consult with your surgeon for further advice.

Unable to Move/Flare Right Nostril After Rhinoplasty: is This Normal?

Answers (5)

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