After rhinoplasty surgery, a blocked or runny nose is a common post-operative side effect that usually stops after several weeks. While it is common, a blocked nose after rhinoplasty can still be uncomfortable, and you might be wondering how you can clear your nose, especially if you’re still wearing post-surgery splints.
Sinclair Gore has experience carrying out rhinoplasty and other types of nose surgery, so he has put together this guide to clearing nasal congestion after a nose job.
Why Do You Get A Blocked Nose After Rhinoplasty?
Getting a blocked nose is a key part of the rhinoplasty recovery timeline, as the delicate lining of the nasal passages (mucosa) swells heavily following surgery, causing the feeling of a blocked nose. Other issues, such as the pressure from internal nasal splints, and a built-up of dried blood and mucus can also lead to nasal congestion. As such, you may experience transient nasal congestion following rhinoplasty surgery, particularly during the first few weeks. Mr Gore does not use other packing or dressings inside the nose after surgery. He sends all patients home with clear instructions on how to clean the inside and outside of their nose during the first two weeks after surgery. This cleaning promotes straightforward healing while reducing the risk of the nasal passages becoming blocked in the immediate aftermath of surgery.
When Can You Blow Your Nose After Rhinoplasty Surgery?
It is usually recommended that you don’t blow your nose hard for at least 4 weeks after surgery, and only if your surgeon recommends it. This is to ensure that air does not leak up inside the structures of the nose that have been operated on. Mr Gore is happy to advise if everything looks sealed and healed inside at your post operative reviews with him. During this time, the swelling begins to go down and you should be at a good stage in the recovery process.
If you do need to relieve nasal congestion before this time, you should try using saline spray to keep the nasal passages moist and remove mucus and crust. Mr Gore provides this as part of your post-operative care, and if that supply runs out this can easily be purchased from your local chemist or online. You could also consider using a humidifier in the room to keep the air moist and try lightly dabbing your nose to remove any mucus that does fall out of the nostrils.
How Long Does Nasal Congestion Last After Rhinoplasty?
Nasal congestion and swelling peaks around 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery, and will slowly go down thereafter. This is only a rough timeline, and will depend on the type of rhinoplasty surgery you had, how well you heal and other factors. After 6 weeks post-surgery, your incision sites inside the nose should all be healed, although any external scars (if they develop) may take longer to fade. You should no longer feel discomfort, and the nasal congestion should mostly be gone.
Final rhinoplasty results can take between 12 and 18 months to fully show, as during this time the nasal tissues will have fully settled into their new shape, and all residual swelling will have gone. As such, you may experience some return of nasal congestion during this time, but it should be minimal and you’ll be able to blow your nose after around 4 to 6 weeks from surgery.
When Is A Blocked Nose After Rhinoplasty Surgery Not Normal?
A blocked nose and nasal congestion usually peaks around 2 weeks after surgery, after which the swelling subsides and the nasal passages start to clear. However, you may still face some minor nasal congestion or a runny nose for longer, depending on several factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, your natural healing rate and how well you follow your surgeon’s instructions.
If you’re still getting a blocked nose over 6 months post-surgery, you get significant pain and discomfort, the blockage is focused on one side of the nasal passages or you experience nose bleeding, then you should speak to your surgeon. It may be that beyond the structural elements of the nose that were reshaped in your surgery, you may have a tendency toward rhinitis and could benefit from an inhaled nasal steroid. Mr Gore will be happy to advise on this and seek additional input if required.
For anyone who’s not yet committed to rhinoplasty surgery and wants to find out more, you can book an initial consultation by contacting us on +447833 221725 or by emailing admin@sinclairgore.co.uk.
+447833221725