Why is my right nostril clear 3 days post opp? (photo)

Question

rhinoplasty on Monday to reduce dorsal hump,raise tip etc. Now at the end of my 3rd post opp day - I've been sneezing a lot of clear dishcharge (felt like my right nostril was irritated). I sneezed a large ball of mucous. After that the sneezing stopped. Right nostril seems to have cleared completely and air is circulating through without any extra effort. I have only cleaned with a qtip shallowly. No bleeding or pain is present. Is this cause for concern? Sincerely, late at night and worried.

Ira D. Papel, MD · Answer

This soon after surgery there is a wide variation to normal. Depending on what exactly was done surgically, which may differ side to side, this ma all be expected. Be patient and follow your surgeon's advice.

Metin Kerem, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question. Clear discharge following rhinoplasty happens in anyone undergoing this procedure. This is generally asymmetrical in nature, one side can leak more while the other is completely dry. This is a reactive discharge due to surgical irritation of the mucosa, and will stop soon.

Ravi Dahiya, MD · Answer

Everything you describe sounds perfectly normal. Nasal congestion and drainage are quite common and will resolve over the course of the week. Follow up with your surgeon,.

Shepherd G. Pryor, MD · Answer

Despite the fact that your nose is a singular structure the healing process never truly occurs perfectly symmetrically.  The other issue that is routinely common is that drainage, congestion and mucous flow and production do and will change following surgery.  However, you are so early postoperatively you should confidently know that there is nothing to worry about and this is all well within normal limits.  A gentle saline spray to the nose or a simple aquaphor treatment for comfort and moisturization are all you'll need at this early stage and you should do quite well.  Hope that helps!!

Greg Bran, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are very early in the healing process after your rhinoplasty. Swelling is not only on the outside, but also inside your nose. The distribution of swelling doesn't have to be symmetrical, which could already explain the difference in sensation. Also, your inferior turbinates do swell as part of the physiological cycle. The swelling changes sides twice per day, which might be the reason, why sometimes things feel pretty good and then they get worse again. Hang in there. Best of wishes. 
GB

Chen Lee, MD · Answer

The duration that the nasal passage is expected to be occluded after surgery is a function of magnitude of septal/turbinate intervention as well as your natural tendency to swell and create discharge. It is desirable when a thick mucous plug is expelled so that the airway is clear early after surgery.

Why is my right nostril clear 3 days post opp? (photo)

Answers (6)