One Nostril is Always Blocked After Rhinoplasty. Do I Need Another Surgery?

Question

So it's been exactly six weeks since I did my rhinoplasty.The results have been great and I am totally satisfied. However I have been having this breathing issue: one nostril is always blocked. so I breathe with the other nostril, and as soon as it opens up, the other nostril automatically-magically blocks. So I'm always breathing through one nostril only, never both. And my doctor is out of the country now so I can't visit him. Does this have an explanation? Do I need another surgery? Thank you

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It is possible there could have been damage to one of the nasal valves. It six weeks however it would be too early to establish that diagnosis.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear MrM101,

	
		This is part of the nasal cycle where one side of the nose is more stuffy than the other and it alternates
	
		It is also very early and the swelling still needs to come down
	
		Just be a little patient and things should improve


	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is fairly common to have  nasal swelling after surgery.  It may take several months for this to get better.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Six weeks is still early in the scale of post operative recovery. Swelling is not always symmetric and I would not be too concerned at this point that you are having this airway problem. It should improve over the next 6 weeks.

C.W. David Chang, MD · Answer

The nose actually goes through a nasal cycle. One side alternatingly swells as the other side decongests. You may be more symptomatic of this becuase there could be additional residual swelling still present from surgery. Alternatively, if you are prone to allergies, this could be another factor. If you had aesthetic narrowing of the nasal tip, this may also factor in on how well the nostrils allow air to pass into the nose.

	Regarding another surgery, its probably too early to commit to this. Continue working with your physician. Rhinoplasty takes months to heal, even though most of the healing is done in the first 3 months.

George T. Boris, MD, FRCS · Answer

Each patient experience different healing times. It should become easier and easier. If you are concerned see your surgeon as soon as he is available to discuss. You should be fine and we are glad you got a great result.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

Sounds like your problem is swelling and not mechanical if it switches from side to side.  If so this should improve over time.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

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