When Will Internal Swelling Subside After Rhinoplasty?

                It’s not unusual for patients to have difficulty breathing through their nose following nasal surgery. In most cases, this is related to normal post-operative swelling and resolves quickly. In some cases crusting and scabbing within the nasal passages may also contribute to this problem.

                The problem is often related to the type of procedure performed. For instance, when septal work or large dorsal humps are removed, this problem seems more likely. In the vast majority of cases, breathing difficulty resolves in 4 to 6 weeks as swelling resolves. In a small percentage swelling may persist for 4 to 6 months following rhinoplasty.

                In a small percentage of patients, breathing problems may be permanent and related to structural changes in the nose. When this situation arises, secondary nasal surgery may be necessary.

                If you’re having persistent difficulty breathing through your nose it’s important to consult your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to evaluate your nose and determine an appropriate course of action. 

Swelling can make breathing difficult or impossible, but this usually resolves as  swelling subsides. This can take a couple of months, or longer if your procedure was extensive. 

If you have had functional surgery it may take 2-3
months for internal swelling to subside. The key is to use saline nasal spray
post operatively to allow for swelling to subside faster.