Ask a doctor

Swollen Turbinate Following Rhinoplasty. How Long Does This Last?

Four weeks on from my rhinolasty, I am still unable to breathe through the left side of my nose and I suspect that this is due to a swollen inferior turbinate on that side. I was wondering for how long does swelling of the interior turbinate last?

Doctor Answers 4

Swelling after Rhinoplasty

November 20th, 2014
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Generally speaking, it can take 6 to 12 months to completely heal after surgery. Please keep in touch with your surgeon or his/her clinical team to discuss your ongoing concerns.

Web reference: http://www.drclevens.com/face/rhinoplasty.htm

Ross A. Clevens, MD


Melbourne Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 92 reviews

Swollen turbinate after rhinoplasty

April 30th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Most of the intranasal swelling has resolved at one month.  Have your surgeon evaluate you to determine the cause of your nasal dyspnea.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Donald Nunn, MD

Donald Nunn, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 36 reviews

You should see your surgeon to address your nasal obstruction 1 month after Rhinoplasty Surgery.

April 30th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

You may be correct that your turbinates may be swollen and contributing to your nasal obstruction. This is fairly common, and you may be a candidate for an intra-turbinate injection of triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog-40), for relief. Your rhinoplasty surgeon should be able to determine the cause of your nasal obstruction and render treatment.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Joseph

Web reference: http://nosejobphotos.com/

Eric M. Joseph, MD

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 382 reviews

Swelling after Rhinoplasty

April 29th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I would go in for an intra nasal examination and see if you actually have Inferior turbinate swelling. Sometimes if the septum is not properly fixed during rhinoplasty surgery when the nose is thinned you may develop a breathing problem. I typically do septal work on most of my rhinoplasties for this reason. A nose needs to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. If you do have turbinate swelling then this will dissipate shortly. Again see your surgeon for an examination so you can set your mind at ease. Best regards!

Web reference: http://www.michaelelammd.com

Michael Elam, MD

Michael Elam, MD
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 194 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.