Considering Rhinoplasty, Should I Worry About Hay Fever?

Having nasal allergies dosn't typically present an issue with healing after rhinoplasty. You can certainly take your allergy medication leading up to surgery, but should ask your surgeon whether to hold them right afterwards or not. I usually have my patients stop any nasal steroid sprays for a couple weeks after surgyery.

There is really any difference with overall healing after surgery based on the seasons. In my experience you may have a little bit more external swelling after rhinoplasty done during hotter months and comparativley less swelling in colder months. Your end result shouldn't be affected by this though.

I am asked that question on occasion by my own patients who are afraid that they may sneeze after the surgery.

While bleeding after the surgery is a concern, its never been a big issue. In my experience, you are no more likely to have a problem if you have allergies. I have done surgery on patients in the middle of active allergy treatments, like shots (immunotherapy) and it has never caused a problem. It is fine to take antihistamines after surgery. Usually I have patients wait a few days until they are no longer taking pain medications.

Nasal septal surgery usually helps decrease or eliminate bleeding issues.

Its an issue to be aware of but not one to cause undue concern.

 

All the best

Hay fever is a
common condition in which the lining at the back of your nose has a tendency to
become inflamed and thickened by an allergy to pollen. Characteristically this
can result in symptoms of stuffiness, sneezing and nasal discharge. Rhinoplasty
will result in swelling immediately after the surgery that can result in symptoms
of congestion, rhinoplasty will not change or be affected by the hay fever. Rhinoplasty
will change the shape of your nose however it will not effect the lining of the
nose, and tendency for hay fever will remain after rhinoplasty and require the
same treatment including antihistamines.

Hay fever is best treated with either nasal inhaled steroids or over-the-counter antihistamine pills.  This will manage your symptoms before, during, and after the rhinoplasty.  Any bleeding that occurs is usually related to irritation and dry air, which can be cauterized in the office if there is persistent bleeding.  Rhinoplasty or a nose job procedure is performed throughout the year regardless of the weather or seasonal changes.  

Allergies should not have a major impact on the rhinoplasty or bleeding. It may however affect the airflow perceived due to swollen tissues.