Is it normal to still have dryness in my nose 9 months after Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty 9 months ago and since about 4 months ago I been dealing with dryness inside my nose every day. I feel a lot of discomfort inside my nose, really stiff inside and dry. I been having crust too. sometimes I avoid blowing my nose because I feel discomfort after blowing. I have checked with my surgeon and he said that my nose is healing ok, to not worry about. but why I am still having dryness? I been told that after 3 month you shouldn't have any dryness or issues.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Prolonged nasal dryness is certainly possible, it can take up to a
year or more for the normal physiology of the mucous membranes to return to
normal.Continue to follow up with your Plastic Surgeon if you note any concerning changes.All the  best

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to experience dryness inside the nose after internal nasal work. Typically, the symptoms will resolve after a year or so. If they are not improving I would see the advice of one or two surgeons for a full evaluation.

Michael R. Menachof, MD · Answer

Although uncommon, it is certainly possible to have dryness 9 months after a rhinoplasty.  Depending on what the inside of her nose looks like, this is something that may resolve on its own.  If you trust your surgeon, I would use some over-the-counter nasal saline spray and give it another 3 months.  If your concerns are great enough at this point, I would make an appointment to see an ear nose and throat physician that specializes in nasal issues for a second opinion.  Good luck.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Loriborders,Sorry to hear about your post operative concerns.  Depending on the severity of your septal deviation before surgery, one side of your nose may have not been being exposed to air flow.  As a result, the mucosa (the pink tissue on the inside) may have not been conditioned to be exposed to dry air.  Once the septoplasty was performed the area is now being exposed to air and is responding with dryness and crusting.  Usually the tissue adapts within the first several months which is why the dryness stops.  Persisting at 9 months is certainly longer than what would usually be expected.  On the other hand, if too much tissue on the inside of the nose was removed (such as the turbinates) or if there is a perforation of your septum, this can also lead to dryness and crusting.  Scarring on the inside can also cause crusting but usually doesn't cause the dryness.  Continue follow up with your surgeon to continue to assess the healing.  There area also treatment options to help with the dryness.  If you are not pleased with the answers you are getting, consider follow up with a facial plastic surgeon who may be more adept at evaluating the inside of the nose and what may be causing the problem.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Is it normal to still have dryness in my nose 9 months after Rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

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