Why can't I breathe through nose after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

I had open rhinoplasty 2 weeks ago, and while I'm aware it's early, I would like to know when I should be able to breathe at least a little bit? If I look up my nose, all the gunk is gone and it's clear, but the tissues are completely closed - I can see where the hole should be as a little slit/indent. My friends and others I know have had some of their airflow back at this point and I'm just a bit concerned. Thanks for your answers. Sorry photo doesn't show much

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

There are many reasons, but the most likely one is that you have a tremendous amount of internal swelling early on. It can take up to  weeks or more for that swelling to resolve and for you to have a better sense of breathing. Then, it can take many months for the swelling to completely resolve. Outside of that you would be looking at structural causes of nasal breathing that could lead to this, but you are way too early to be worried about that.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Without an in person nasal evaluationI can only think you are internally swollen. But I am not sure. Best to seek seconf=d opinion if you are having this concern or wait a few months to allow healing...

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

There is often a lot of swelling after a rhinoplasty, so it is not uncommon that breathing can be somewhat troublesome until this swelling subsides. Usually this improves over the first few weeks, but it may take longer in some.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

You still have swelling in the nasal mucosa at two weeks post op.  This should improve over the next several weeks.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Why can't I breathe through nose after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Difficulty breathing through nose

Answer: Difficulty breathing through nose

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Why can't I breathe through nose after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Difficulty breathing through nose

Answer: Difficulty breathing through nose

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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.