I've Been Told That Internal Swelling from a Septoplasty Could Last a Few Months. True?

Question

Went in for septoplasty surgery to take care of difficulty breathing through my right nostril in October. Now December I am still having difficulty breathing through that nostril. When I had my last appointment with my ENT doctor a month ago and asked about the breathing he said no further surgery could be performed, that internal swelling could last a few months after the operation and that that could be partly the reason for the blockage. If it's not the swelling, can I do anything else?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients undergoing septoplasty to have
prolonged swelling. Most patients will note significant swelling for about two
weeks following surgery. After two weeks
patients are comfortable resuming their normal lives and going out in public.
Swelling will persist for at least one year or longer in patients who undergo
this procedure.It takes time for
swelling to completely resolve and for this reason patients need to be patient.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

In our office we perform septoplasty alone or as part of rhinoplasty procedures. Septoplasty can cause some discomfort. However, it responds very nicely to pain meds. Usually my patients do not complain about pain when undergoing septoplasty. Sometimes, We use a soft splint which speeds up recovery and promotes healing.
It is very interesting however that some patients are immediately very pleased with the improvement in the breathing even few hours after surgery.
Please note that a number of factors can lead to breathing difficulty through the nose.

Given that the nose and nasal breathing passages are three dimensional structures, a complete examination is needed to determine the diagnosis and the exact reason for breathing difficulty. In our office we used a headlight and other instrument to come up with the exact cause for this issue.  
The following are the 3 main reason for mouth breathing and difficulty breathing through the nose:
1. Septal deviation 2. Turbinate enlargement 3. Nasal Valve collapse 4. Major allergic rhinitis or 5. Any combination of the above.
For patients who are searching for answer regarding above or septoplasty, I would highly recommend visiting a skilled plastic surgeons who specialize in this exacting and artistic procedure. In our office we provide patients with a personalized, individualized and complementary consultation to address these similar issues.
Best wishes and good luck.
Dr. Sajjadian

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Swelling after septoplasty can take many months to resolve completely. In some cases, aggressive nasal hygiene with saline sprays, gels, ointments, etc. might be needed to decrease crusting and speed healing. Nasal steroid sprays can also be helpful to decrease any inflammation and swelling inside the nose.
Once these issues are under control and enough time has passed, more aggressive procedure might be needed as nasal valve stenosis or collapse might be the issue more than a persistently deviated septum. Be sure to follow your surgeon's recommendations during the recovery period, and seek a second opinion from a septorhinoplasty specialist like a Facial Plastic Surgeon if the symptoms don't improve in time.
All the best,

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, the swelling can last operative a few months after the surgical procedure on the inside nose. The entire healing process from any surgery take several months for the process to be complete.  At this time try some of the allergies nasal sprays such as Flonase or  Nasacourt.

Rondi Kathleen Walker, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Swelling after a septoplasy is normal. It may take up to six months for the swelling to completely subside. The structural component of your breathing problems has been corrected by the septoplasty, the lining of your nose is still swollen and this is not abnormal after two months. Continue using saline nasal rinses and a humidifier ar night.

I've Been Told That Internal Swelling from a Septoplasty Could Last a Few Months. True?

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