How Long Should You Feel Stuffy After Rhinoplasty?

Question

It's already been two months and people still say that they can hear me breathing and my nose sounds stuffy. I started using saline spray but i don't want to be dependent on that for the rest of my life. Is there something I can do or is there a reason why my nose is still stuffy even after two months?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This may be due to any number of things, but I think that an exam by your surgeon and continued followup would be reasonable.

	 

	Kenneth Hughes, MD

	Los Angeles, CA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Nasal congestion is a byproduct of swelling that accompanies healing after rhinoplasty. Steroid aerosols, vasoconstrictive agents, and generous moistening of the nasal passages can provide significant temporary symptomatic relief.

Carlo Honrado, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to continue to feel stuffy in your nose for months after your surgery. It can last up to a year for some individuals so I would recommend waiting it out and monitoring your healing. Using a saline spray can definitely help with the congestion. If you are still experiencing these symptoms after a couple more months, I would recommend seeing your facial plastic surgeon just to be sure you are healing properly.

Mitchell F. Grasseschi, MD · Answer

Swelling of the nose can certainly last for several months, but it also depends on if procedures were done inside the nose to improve breathing (such as a septoplasty for a deviated septum). In the case where intranasal surgery was done at the same time, the swelling can be expected to last longer. I would recommend an intranasal exam to see if there are any reasons for the stuffiness, but if it is swelling, it should go away over time. Saline spray is safe to use for long periods of time without any long term consequences.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

We find nasal stuffiness after rhinoplasty can last as long as eight weeks. The saline spray you are using is a safe approach as you will not become dependent as you might with other nasal spray decongestants.

How Long Should You Feel Stuffy After Rhinoplasty?

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