Got the flu during rhinoplasty surgery. What should I do?

Question

The operation room was very cold and I was shivering before I went under septerhinoplasty surgery. The air conditioning in the room after my surgery didn't help either. Now I got the flu and have coughed couple of times which causes me to bleed more. I have mucus in my throat and my chest feels a bit painful. What should I do?

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The flu postoperatively may likely be just a virus, and need to be treated only with symptom relief, such as Sudafed or Tylenol, or perhaps saline rinses. Regardless, please see your primary care physician or discuss this with your plastic surgeon.  There might be certain medications that he/she might prefer.  And of course, do not blow your nose, as any manipulation of your nose with your fingers may disrupt your plastic surgeon's hard work.Good luck.
Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic
Plastic Surgeon

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear tarimerve,Thank you for your questions. If you are feeling flu-like symptoms I suggest following up with your primary care physician. Best of luck to you!

Damon Thomas, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for the question. You can get a runny nose from rhinoplasty surgery and a sore throat from the anaesthetic tube. A viral illness may well be causing your symptoms. Your surgeon and general practitioner would be the best people to guide you.

Got the flu during rhinoplasty surgery. What should I do?

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Got the flu during rhinoplasty surgery. What should I do?

Answers (3)

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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.