Dizziness/feeling faint normal after rhinoplasty? (photos)

Question

4 days post-op and I had a scary moment this morning, hands went tingly and then all over, cold sweats, everything went blurry and felt like I couldn't move. I've never fainted before but I imagine this is the lead up to it. Is this relatively normal after rhinoplasty? Aparently my septum was very deviated and I had my nose broken and realigned as well as cartilage removed so I'm not sure if it is a result of all of this going on. Any help to settle my worries would be greatly appreciated! X

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Patients react differently after surgery, and your best support would come from the post op recovery guidelines provided by your board certified facial plastic surgeon. Please call the office for additional guidance, and rest more than you think is necessary. The importance of rest, hydration and the appropriate medicine cycle cannot be overstated.
Best wishes,

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

This sound like you may have suffered from a post operative, mild vagal episode which commonly results from dehydration, manipulation of the nose and narcotics for pain. With dehydration and vasodilation from pain meds, patients can suddenly experience a "fainting" spell while standing up too quickly, changing body position or manipulation of the nose. This sometimes happens with patients getting an IV started or a blood draw for labs too. Fortunately, with fluids, re-hydration and professional nasal cleaning things should improve. These episodes are often associated with cold sweats, flushing, numbness, blurry vision etc. Speak with your surgeon for additional support. Any persistent neurologically symptoms may suggest additional testing to determine the cause. Hope this answer helps.

Dizziness/feeling faint normal after rhinoplasty? (photos)

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Dizziness/feeling faint normal after rhinoplasty? (photos)

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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.