Should I be concerned about not being able to breathe through my nose 2 weeks post rhinoplasty? (photo)

Question

I had a septorhinoplasty roughly 2 weeks ago. Initially I had difficulty breathing through my nose because of the stents. After my 1 week stent/cast removal and cleaning from my surgeon I could breathe marvelously. That feeling only lasted about 2-3 days and now my nasal airway feels even more blocked and congested than before. I cannot breathe through my nose at all.

Garrett Griffin, MD · Answer

I wouldn't get worried yet.  It is common once the stents are out for the swelling to almost increase inside...there is no longer a stent in there keeping the swelling at bay.  Also, usually you develop some new scabs/dried blood after the first visit.  I wouldn't expect your breathing to stay better until at least a month after your surgery and sometimes it takes even longer than this.  If after 3 months you still can't breathe you have to start worrying about nasal valve collapse and then you should see an experienced facial plastic surgeon for consideration of nasal valve repair or discuss this with your surgeon if you still like/trust them.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

The complaints and timing of nasal congestion that you have expressed are relatively common.  Most of the issues you are having are likely related to swelling.  It can take a while for this to normalize.  I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon as there may also be some intranasal crusting that has accumulated that your surgeon can easily remove for you and restore your ability to breath.  Saline nasal irrigations will be of help.

Adam D. Stein, MD · Answer

It is completely normal to have difficulty breathing at this stage.  The swelling inside your nose takes a long time to gradually go away just like the swelling on the outside.  The great breathing you experienced initially is actually a good indicator of where your breathing will end up. The stents were compressing the lining of your nose and when removed edema/swelling "rushed" in.  It will subside with time.  I tell patients that the maximum level of breathing takes 6-12 months but relatively "normal" breathing usually occurs within 6-8 weeks. Try to hang in there and discuss it with your surgeon if you are really concerned.

Kaete A. Archer, MD · Answer

Two weeks after septorhinoplasty, it is very common and expected to have difficulty breathing through the nose.  As the nose goes through the healing process, there are usually periods of swelling fluctuations.  For a few days after the splint comes off the top of the nose and the splints come out of the inside of the nose, the nose can have rebound swelling.  Swelling in the nose, to a certain degree, can last for several months.  I would keep open communication with your surgeon's office and continue to follow after surgery instructions.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

This is common after surgery. Also keep in mind that, in NY, allergy season is now in full swing.  Give it a few months for the swelling to go down.  If the issues persist, it may be valuable to see your surgeon and then obtain a recommendation for allergy treatment.

Paul N. Afrooz, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing is very normal.  Initially after surgery, you may have been able to breathe with the stents in place.  As these stents stay in, mucous begins to get backed up and breathing gets worse while they are in.  Then, when they are removed, patients can typically breathe great for several hours to days.  However, the inside of the nose begins to swell and produce a lot of mucous over the next several days which will negatively effect breathing through your nose.  As the swelling subsides, nasal breathing typically improves.  So, the short answer is, it should get better, but it may take a few weeks for the swelling to resolve and mucous to clear.

Should I be concerned about not being able to breathe through my nose 2 weeks post rhinoplasty? (photo)

Answers (6)

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