Risk of Having a Rhinoplasty with a Cold?

Question

I've had a cold for a few weeks now and I can't get rid of it (tried inhalations, salted water, etc but still there). My Rhinoplasty had already been postponed 3 times because of it and I'm supposed to go tomorrow but I still have a very small amount of mucus coming out of my nose, should I take a risk?It is really small, I can actually breathe well from both nostrils and I don't have to blow my nose more than 2 times a day. I hope the thyme oil inhalations and salted water are ok before op?

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

It's important to establish the diagnosis first. If it's sinusitis, a simple flexible endoscopic exam in the office (ideally by someone with an ear, nose, and throat training) can help confirm the diagnosis as well as monitor its resolution.
Given the elective nature of rhinoplasty, it's really ideal to minimize avoidable risks by making sure you're happy and healthy pre-op. That's the only way to enhance the chances of being happy and healthy post-op.
All the best,
--DCP

Amy T. Bandy, DO, FACS · Answer

If you are still symptomatic, you should have a work up before surgery to be sure that you do not have a sinus infection or other illness. If it is simply a cold, it should resolve itself in a short time frame, but a sinus infection can linger. Having surgery when you are sick can prolong the illness, the recovery, and can also put you at risk of getting even more sick due to a compromised immune status from the stress of surgery on top of your illness. You should see your doctor and have him or her examine you and advise.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Icap,
Sounds like you are ready for your surgery given the amount of time since the beginning of your "cold".  Have your physician make sure that you do not have a bacterial sinus infection, and take a prophylactic antibiotic.  Your surgeon and anesthesiologist can make the decision for you based on your physical exam.
  Enjoy your new nose.
Dr. P

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Usually, if the problem is clear mucus after this much time there should be no problem. However, if you have green or yellow mucus, then I would postpone the surgery.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

A viral cold before rhinoplasty is not a big issue but a bacterial infection such as bacterial rhinitis or sinusitis is.
You can tell the difference by the color of the mucus you get every time you blow your nose. If it is yellow or green every time then it is likely bacterial and you should NOT proceed with surgery. Instead take antibiotics and get better first.
The bigger question is why not do rhinoplasty when you are feeling a 100%.  It is an elective procedures. There should be no rush in doing it. 
Regards

Corey S. Maas, MD · Answer

Cold symptoms suggestive of a bacterial infection (ie low grade fevers, thick purulent nasal drainage, cough, etc) may increase the risk of a postoperative infection.  
In addition, anesthesia may be more risky if you have signs of airway irritation.  In this case, it's advisable to delay your surgery. However, if you have mild congestion with clear nasal mucus and no signs of bacterial infection then it may be okay to proceed. It's best to be seen by your surgeon for a careful exam before a decision is made.  
Rhinoplasties are elective surgeries and it's best to avoid taking any unnecessary risks.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A routine head cold should not prevent a patient from undergoing a rhinoplasty surgery. It is probably best not to have the procedure performed if you have the flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia. A simple head cold will not preclude from undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure.

Sigmund L. Sattenspiel, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty should be avoided in the presence of an upper respiratory illness. Complicating circumstances may develop including excessive bleeding, infection, sinusitis. Rhinoplasty is elective cosmetic surgery and should be performed under optimum health circumstances.
Over the years, I have experienced occasional cases where a patient would develop a cold (upper respiratory illness) one to two days postoperatively. Obviously, this viral respiratory illness was in the making at the time of surgery unbeknownst to me. Although I did not experience resulting complications, I would not recommend performing nasal surgery in the presence of a known respiratory illness.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you still have any symptoms from your cold, I would put off the surgery. The additional swelling and edema can affect the surgery results, but more importantly affect your airway which could impact your breathing.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Your basic viral cold does NOT last "weeks" - it lasts days. In my opinion you have another process going on that needs to be looked at BEFORE complicating matters with a surgery.
I seriously doubt that an ethical Plastic / ENT surgeon would operate on your nose with a possibility of a bacterial infection of the nose or adjacent sinuses is a real possibility. 
I would postpone the operation and focus on fixing this problem before scheduling another date for the rhinoplasty.

Risk of Having a Rhinoplasty with a Cold?

Answers (12)

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