When Will Internal Swelling Subside After Rhinoplasty?

Question

When will the internal swelling after Rhinoplasty go away, so I can start breathing through my nose again?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

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.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

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.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Did you have a problem breathing through your nose before surgery? Is the blockage on one side or both? How long ago was your surgery?
In general, you should breathe easily through your nose between 2-3 weeks after rhinoplasty. if you're having a difficulty breathing through your nose, you should let your surgeon know.
I hope this helps.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Internal nasal swelling is greatest over the first 48-72 hours and subsequently subsiding substantially by 3 weeks, However a process called the nasal cycle can create an alternating cycle of obstruction passing from one side of the nose to the other and lasting approximately 2 hours

When Will Internal Swelling Subside After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: Nasal breathing after Rhinoplasty.

Answer: Nasal breathing after Rhinoplasty.

Answer: Internal nose swelling generally better after 3 weeks

Answer: Internal nose swelling generally better after 3 weeks

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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When Will Internal Swelling Subside After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: Nasal breathing after Rhinoplasty.

Answer: Nasal breathing after Rhinoplasty.

Answer: Internal nose swelling generally better after 3 weeks

Answer: Internal nose swelling generally better after 3 weeks

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.