Nose Whistling and Stuffiness After Revision Rhinoplasty

Question

I recently had a revision rhinplasty in a prestigious hospital in Chicago. At 7 weeks after surgery, I feel as though I have a stuffy feeling in my nose, and when I take a deep breath, my nose has a whistling sound.  Am I too early in the process yet, or should I be more concerned with this issue?  Please help, thank you.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Chicago,

You should voice your concerns with your surgeon. A nasal cleaning may be beneficial. It is unusual to have whistling from the nose at this point following surgery. You should be examined.
Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Dry nose with crusting inside the nasal cavity
Nasal obstruction as a result of swelling or collapse
Perforation of the septum (hole between the partition of the nose)

See your surgeon and have him/her look inside your nose

Sam P. Most, MD · Answer

Whistling seven weeks after a rhinoplasty can mean any one of a several things, only one of which is a septal perforation.  Any distrubance in intranasal contour that results in irregular narrowing or non-laminar airflow can cause this.  Make sure you discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  He/she may be able to use a scope to examine you intranasally and give you a better idea what is going on.
Hope this helps.

Behrooz Torkian, MD · Answer

I agree that the problem you are experiencing will likely resolve as the swelling goes away.  There are several possible causes, but swelling is the most likely cause.  
I would have a visit with your surgeon if this doesn't go away.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It will probably go away with time. It takes at least 6 months for that swelling to go down. If you still have it return to the original surgeon.

Nose Whistling and Stuffiness After Revision Rhinoplasty

Answers (5)