Is whistling from nose normal 3 months post op septoplasty? (Photo)

Thank you for your question!Whistling while breathing through your nose after septoplasty could be indicative of nasal perforation that is well assessed by a proper exam when you visit your surgeon.



It is important that you keep
communicating with your surgeon and work as a team together to achieve the best
results possible.



Congratulations on your surgery and remain positive!



Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

   This is difficult to answer without an exam.  This would not be common.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question!  Whistling is always a concerning thing following any nasal surgery, especially with procedures on the septum. It is commonly associated with septal perforation and should be evaluated by your surgeon. Best wishes!

Whistling in the nose after septorhinoplasty could be associated with persistent swelling inside the nose or a septal perforation. Your surgeon would be able to see this on examination. Perhaps he prescribed the nasal steroid because of persistent edema. Another follow up visit could help. 

Whistling in the nose can be a sign of a septal  perforation, especially after septoplasty.  Are you having bleeding and crusting as well?  You should ask your surgeon about this or get a second opinion. 

At 3 months, the healing process is still early (I know it probably doesn't feel that way), and swelling of the delicate lining inside the nose is common.  Have patience.  Based on the photos, it still appears swollen.  This is likely the cause for the whistling noise you notice.  Steroid sprays may speed up the resolution of swelling, but waiting without using sprays is fine too.  However, request that your surgeon examine the inside of the nose too- sometimes a hole (septal perforation) may develop after a septorhinoplasty and give the same symptoms.

No – whistling after nasal surgery is not “normal”. It may
be due to internal scarring of the nose, persistent swelling or even a
perforation of the nasal septum.

Best to obtain a second opinion from ENT or PS to see if other issues are present in  for nasal area... 

Whistling may an indication of a septalperforation and should be evaluated by your surgeonDr Corbin

Typically if you have whistling in a post septoplasty scenario then this is due to extreme edema or a septal perforation. When you went in for your recheck or follow up examination did your surgeon look inside of your nose? If he/she did and there was a septal perforation then this should have been discussed as it is easily diagnosed.  If not then the steroids were prescribed for the edema. I would have a follow up appointment and if you are not comfortable with this then a second opinion would be advised to obtain the best post operative advice. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.