It's been 24 hours since my rhinoplasty and I have severe congestion. Could I have a cold? (Photo)

Question

Could I use Saline spray to clear it? My eyes are very swollen...I fear I have a cold!

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD · Answer

We inform all of our patients far before their surgeries take place to expect to be very stuffy the first 2-3 weeks and mildly stuffy for 2-3 months following a rhinoplasty. Swelling within the nose it mostly responsible for this congestion. It should resolve itself in a matter of months.You are welcome to use an unmedicated saline spray, but be careful, as you should not blow your nose for at least a week following surgery.If you would like to learn more about our practice and watch our team in action, add us on Snapchat! @nosebynayak

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Raquelita2222,There is as much swelling on the inside of the nose as there is on the outside following a rhinoplasty.  What you are most likley experiencing is that.  Depending on whether your surgeon put any material inside of the nose (like splints or even packing) it can make that congestion worse because there is already less room to breathe through.  Now days most doctors don't use packing (I certainly don't) becuase it does lead to a miserable first week of breathing out of your mouth and in my opinion isn't required with modern rhinoplasty techniques.  I would not recommend inserting anything in your nose or spraying anything in your nose until you talk to your surgeon and receive clearance.  For my patients I have them drip saline into their nose without actually inserting the bottle into their nose to help with some of the crusting that develops, but, again, follow what your surgeon says.I hope this helps and good luck.

It's been 24 hours since my rhinoplasty and I have severe congestion. Could I have a cold? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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It's been 24 hours since my rhinoplasty and I have severe congestion. Could I have a cold? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.