Congestion After Rhinoplasty

In this guide, we review the aspects of Congestion After Rhinoplasty, chronic stuffy nose after rhinoplasty, one nostril blocked after rhinoplasty, and when will my nose feel normal after rhinoplasty.

Congestion After Rhinoplasty

If your congestion lasts longer, consult with your surgeon. He or she can suggest additional treatments to help with this side effect and determine if it may be a sign of a problem that needs attention.

Congestion after rhinoplasty is typically caused by swelling of the turbinates, a part of the inside of your nose. This is normal and should subside within the first few months following surgery.

Congestion after rhinoplasty is typically caused by swelling of the turbinates, a part of the inside of your nose. This is normal and should subside within the first few months following surgery. If congestion lasts longer than four months, consult with your surgeon to see if additional treatments are needed.

If your congestion lasts longer, consult with your surgeon. He or she can suggest additional treatments to help with this side effect and determine if it may be a sign of a problem that needs attention.

Congestion is a common side effect of rhinoplasty, and it can be treated with medication. If you’re experiencing congestion that lasts longer than normal, consult with your surgeon. He or she can suggest additional treatments to help with this side effect and determine if it may be a sign of a problem that needs attention.

chronic stuffy nose after rhinoplasty

Most of us know what visible side effects to expect after rhinoplasty, including swelling and bruising. While these are certainly some of the most obvious symptoms you’ll experience after nasal surgery, they’re not the only ones. The majority of patients report a feeling of nasal congestion or stuffiness almost immediately after rhinoplasty, which can make it difficult or uncomfortable to breathe freely through the nose. Use this helpful information from top Las Vegas board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the expert team at VIP Plastic Surgery to learn more about nasal congestion after rhinoplasty, including how long it may last and what you should (and shouldn’t) do in the meantime.

Which kind of nose job do I need?

Nose surgery can be performed using a number of different techniques and approaches, each of which is designed to address a specific set of concerns. Some of the most common types of rhinoplasty surgeries performed across the country each year include:

Depending on your needs, goals, nasal anatomy, and other factors, Dr. Khorsandi will recommend the most appropriate type of nose surgery for you.

How uncomfortable is rhinoplasty recovery?

The majority of patients tolerate rhinoplasty relatively well, with many men and women taking over-the-counter pain relief medications only. Some level of swelling, discomfort, and bruising are to be expected in the first several days after rhinoplasty, but many patients feel comfortable and confident enough to return to work after about one week. At this point, any residual bruising can typically be concealed with makeup. While the majority of the swelling will subside within the first few weeks after rhinoplasty, very subtle swelling may be present for up to 6 – 12 months.

How to get rid of nasal congestion after rhinoplasty

For many people, one of the most uncomfortable or irritating feelings during rhinoplasty recovery is nasal congestion. As your nose heals, swelling can restrict the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through your nose. It is important for patients to remember that, although it may feel like your nose is full, the blockage is caused by swollen tissues rather than actual congestion or mucus. Patients should not attempt to blow their nose for at least 2 –3 weeks after rhinoplasty, or until cleared by Dr. Khorsandi, to prevent damaging the healing nasal structures and compromising their results. Instead, patients may find relief from rhinoplasty congestion by using a gentle saline spray. On average, patients can expect breathing through the nose after rhinoplasty to feel more comfortable after 1 – 3 weeks, though some patients may have a feeling of nasal congestion for several months.

one nostril blocked after rhinoplasty

Symmetry is an important factor when considering what makes an attractive-looking face. Ideally, our faces are supposed to appear balanced and even on both sides. Unfortunately, some people find that their nostrils are asymmetrical after rhinoplasty. If your nostrils seem uneven almost immediately following surgery, don’t panic! They should return to normal after your initial recovery period has ended.

So, what is rhinoplasty, and how does recovery work? As a specialist in nose reshaping surgery, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa can explain more about uneven nostrils when you attend a consultation in Palm Beach, FL. This includes information about what to expect during recovery. Discover the details when visiting the professionals at DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery.

What is rhinoplasty near me?

A disproportionate nose can make you feel embarrassed or self-conscious. Rhinoplasty surgery changes the shape or size of your nose, so it is in balance with the rest of your features. During an assessment, Dr. DeRosa can learn about your problem areas and what outcomes you should expect from surgery. We believe it is important to have realistic expectations about your results.

Patients seeking rhinoplasty near me have small but noticeable imperfections, such as a crooked nose or protruding nasal tip. Others struggle with breathing properly because their septum is out of place. Either way, DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery ensures each patient is prepared for all aspects of treatment and recovery. Common reasons for getting a nose job in Palm Beach, FL include:

Large nose: Rhinoplasty surgery can reduce prominent features, such as the bridge and nostrils

Asymmetrical nose: Treatment can correct the shape of the nose, so it appears straighter from the front and sides

Breathing issues: As we mentioned, rhinoplasty can address problems with breathing due to a deviated septum

Swelling during rhinoplasty recovery

Many factors could cause uneven nostrils for a short period after rhinoplasty surgery. For example, swelling may affect the appearance of each nostril differently. You can rest assured that your nostrils will return to normal size once your nose is fully healed. While it takes about two weeks to see your initial results, it generally takes a year for patients to see the most optimal outcomes.

There are ways to minimize asymmetry from swelling, so be sure to follow our post-operative instructions. Patients can sleep propped up with pillows to help with inflammation at night. Some medications and a cool compress can also alleviate the majority of swelling. Be sure to avoid pressing down on your nose or injuring the area, as these actions can alter the outcomes of your procedure.

Does perfect symmetry exist?

Of course, perfect facial symmetry is not always found in nature. Everyone has small differences that may not be noticeable to the average person. While DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery takes every precaution to make sure you love your results, some asymmetry is always a possibility. Dr. DeRosa will review the details of surgery during an assessment to make sure you understand the benefits and risks.

Learn more about uneven nostrils after rhinoplasty

So, what is rhinoplasty? The experts at DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery believe this treatment is one of the best ways for people to feel more confident about their facial appearance. If you are interested in a rhinoplasty near me, meet with Dr. Jaimie DeRosa in Palm Beach, FL. Our trusted facility ensures each patient has healthy and happy outcomes.

when will my nose feel normal after rhinoplasty

The following instructions are based on our experience with thousands of rhinoplasty surgeries. This information will answer most questions that arise regarding what you should and should not do after surgery. You and your family should read through this information several times so that you become thoroughly familiar with it. Follow these instructions as faithfully as possible, because those who do so generally have the smoothest post-operative course following their rhinoplasty.

Swelling

Every operation, no matter how minor, is accompanied by swelling of the surrounding tissues. The amount of swelling varies from person to person. Because of the looseness of facial tissue, the swelling is more pronounced in this area, and your facial features may appear distorted. Medication will be recommended to minimize swelling. Continuous adequate hydration and elevation will help.

Typically, the swelling will peak the second or third day after your surgery. Generally, it will be worse when you first arise in the morning—proof that it’s better to remain elevated as much as possible. This is not serious, and is not an indication that something is wrong. Swelling always eventually subsides, and your face will return to normal. You can help the swelling to subside in several ways:

Discoloration

It is not unusual to have varying amounts of bruising around your eyes and face. Like swelling, the discoloration may become more pronounced after you have been discharged. It usually lasts no more than a week, all the while decreasing the intensity. However, in some cases, individuals may have bruising that seems to last for a few weeks. The measures that help swelling to subside will also help discoloration. You can camouflage the discoloration to some extent by using makeup after the splint is removed.

Hemorrhage

If hemorrhage occurs, lie down with your head elevated on pillows or in a recliner. Try not to get excited. Be sure to take your pain medicine if needed to avoid increased blood pressure secondary to pain. If you are worried, call us.

Do not take any blood thinning medications such as aspirin or Advil until they are cleared by our office.

Self-Cleansing of the Nose

Interestingly, your nose is self-cleansing. If you simply patiently follow our instructions, your nose will take care of itself. You do not have to do anything besides follow our instructions. It can be hazardous to perform any other interventions. But be patient—this process takes weeks and weeks.

The first week, the only things that should enter your nose are air and Afrin. Period. After the Afrin has done its job, you will transition to Nasal Saline and perhaps Ayr Saline gel for several weeks. No fingers, Q-Tips, tweezers, Vaseline, scissors, etc. EVER!

After a few weeks, you will notice some crusts, bumps, and ridges or irregularities inside your nostrils. These are completely normal, and will resolve slowly on their own. It may be tempting to try to remedy these yourself, but doing so could very easily disrupt your nasal tip permanently. The sutures stabilizing your nasal tip are tiny threads sewn through delicate cartilage, about as flimsy as a contact lens made of candle wax! If you are concerned, let us look at it before attempting any form of picking or self-surgery.

Pain

Everyone handles pain differently. There’s usually only mild pain following rhinoplasty, especially with no nasal packing. You may experience a bruised sensation as a result of the post-operative swelling that occurs. (This usually seems to be worse the first night.)

Unfortunately, all oral narcotics can cause sensations of lightheadedness and nausea, particularly in the immediate post-operative period. At your pre-operative visit, we will prescribe an appropriate pain medication. This is best tolerated and less likely to cause nausea if you take it when you are home in your own bed and after adequate intake of clear liquids.

Use the prescribed pain medicine, or Extra Strength Tylenol for discomfort. Regular doses of Tylenol (if you correctly follow the product label) will build up in your bloodstream, and after a day or two of not missing a dose, you will have substantial analgesia from Tylenol alone. DO NOT take aspirin-related products, including Motrin (ibuprofen), Advil, or Nuprin.

Insomnia

Due to nasal obstruction, discomfort, and elevation, sleeping can be difficult after surgery. This will get easier night by night. If you’re still having troubles with insomnia after a night or two, you can try over-the-counter Benadryl 50mg, or Tylenol PM. No Advil PM. If you desire a prescription sleeping medicine after a night or two, just let us know. However, it can be hazardous to combine various sedatives such as narcotics with sleeping medicines. Decide for yourself what your chief concern is—pain, insomnia, or anxiety—and we will work with you to make you as comfortable as we safely can.

Depression

It’s not unusual for an individual to go through a period of mild depression after the surgery. No matter how much they wanted the operation beforehand and how much they were told about what to expect post-operatively, they are shocked when they see their face swollen and perhaps discolored. If this is how you feel, be realistic and realize that this is a very temporary condition which will subside shortly. The best treatment consists of staying busy with the details of post-operative care and trying to divert your mind.

Keep a Stiff Upper Lip

The upper lip is a key area in rhinoplasty surgery, since much of the work is done near this area. Therefore, you should not move it excessively as long as the bandage is in place so that the healing tissues are not disturbed. This means:

Resuming Activities

You may sleep without the head of your bed elevated after about two weeks.

Until the bandage is removed, you should wear clothing that fastens either in front or the back rather than the type that must be pulled over the head.

You should walk regularly after a few days. This will help mood, appetite, sleep, constipation, and swelling. Begin light exercise after about ten days. This may include a slow-paced stationary bike or an epileptiform. No impact exercises. Slowly work up to running and strenuous aerobic exercise after several weeks.

Avoid any activities which may result in an impact to the nose for at least six weeks, and any sports for two months where your nose might be bumped.

If you must sneeze, let it come out like a cough—through the mouth.

Eyeglasses may be worn briefly while the splint remains on the nose. After that, they must be suspended from the forehead with tape or supported on the cheek bones for a period of about six weeks. We will show you how to do this if you absolutely must wear them. This is important because the pressure of the glasses may change the new contour of your nose.