Rhinoplasty Recovery Guide 👃 - 16 - Does The Nose Become Clogged After Rhinoplasty?

Can I Have Nasal Obstruction After Rhinoplasty?

Do I have nasal congestion after rhinoplasty?


When the internal nasal silicone splint is used immediately after the nasal aesthetic surgery, patients can usually breathe well from their noses. However, within a few hours of progression, the inside of the silicon may become clogged with blood, crusts and currents. When simple oceanic waters are used, the nasal congestion usually goes away because the inside of the silicones is usually cleaned. Since classical tampons are not used, it is a great advantage to be able to breathe through the surgery. I do not like classic nose packings. Removing happening painful and bleeding from the nose and the patients they can not breathe as long as the classical nasal packings.

In the first weeks after the rhinoplasty operation, nasal congestion may occur due to edema and crusting in the intranasal mucosa. If regular care recommendations are followed, nasal congestion generally decreases and nasal functions gradually increase. Even the sense of smell through the nose gradually gets better.

Long-term effects of rhinoplasty on breathing


As an ENT specialist, our aim in nose aesthetics is to make the nose functionally and aesthetically better. In order to open the anatomic strictures that can prevent breathing in the nose, deviation surgery, nasal turbinate procedures and endoscopic nasal surgeries can be performed as a standard practice during the operation. In the long term, nasal breathing and nasal congestion should be eliminated after the nasal surgery.

After the rhinoplasty surgery, clean the noses using ocean water spray at frequent intervals!


Internal Nasal Splint

Nasal obstruction may occur due to snot, blood and other currents in the nose after rhinoplasty operation, and mucosal healing may be adversely affected. Trying to keep the hole in the nasal internal nasal splints open will allow you to have a more comfortable period in the early postoperative period.

Understanding Nasal Obstruction Following Rhinoplasty: Causes, Management, and Expectations


Rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the nose, is often sought after for both cosmetic enhancement and functional improvement. While the primary goal of rhinoplasty is typically to address aesthetic concerns, such as the size, shape, or symmetry of the nose, it can also have implications for nasal function. Nasal obstruction, or difficulty breathing through the nose, is a potential concern for some individuals following rhinoplasty. Understanding the factors contributing to nasal obstruction, its management, and what to expect post-operatively can help patients navigate the recovery process with confidence.

There are several factors that can contribute to nasal obstruction following rhinoplasty. One common cause is swelling and inflammation of the nasal tissues, which is a natural part of the healing process. In the immediate post-operative period, patients may experience temporary congestion and obstruction due to swelling, nasal packing, or the presence of internal splints. While these symptoms typically subside as the tissues heal and swelling resolves, some individuals may experience persistent nasal obstruction in the weeks or months following surgery.

In addition to swelling, changes to the nasal anatomy resulting from the rhinoplasty procedure itself can also contribute to nasal obstruction. For example, alterations to the nasal septum, nasal valves, or other internal structures may affect airflow through the nasal passages. While these changes are often made with the intention of improving nasal function, they can sometimes result in unintended consequences such as obstruction or airflow restriction.

Furthermore, scar tissue formation, known as fibrosis, can develop in the nasal tissues following rhinoplasty. While scar tissue is a natural part of the healing process, excessive or abnormal scarring can contribute to nasal obstruction by narrowing the nasal passages or restricting airflow. Factors such as the surgical technique used, the extent of tissue manipulation, and individual healing characteristics can influence the likelihood of scar tissue formation and its impact on nasal function.

Managing nasal obstruction following rhinoplasty requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying causes and symptoms. In the immediate post-operative period, patients may be advised to practice gentle nasal breathing exercises, use saline nasal sprays to keep the nasal passages moist, and avoid activities that may exacerbate congestion or swelling. In some cases, medications such as nasal decongestants or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and improve airflow.

If nasal obstruction persists or becomes problematic, revision rhinoplasty may be considered to address underlying anatomical issues or correct asymmetries that contribute to obstruction. Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary procedure performed to refine or revise the results of a previous rhinoplasty and can be highly effective in improving nasal function and alleviating obstruction.

It's important for patients to have realistic expectations regarding nasal function following rhinoplasty. While the majority of individuals experience improved nasal breathing and airflow after surgery, some degree of nasal congestion or obstruction may persist, especially in the early stages of recovery. Patience, communication with the surgeon, and adherence to post-operative guidelines are essential for achieving the best possible outcome and managing expectations throughout the recovery process.

In conclusion, nasal obstruction can occur following rhinoplasty due to factors such as swelling, changes to the nasal anatomy, and scar tissue formation. Understanding the causes, management options, and realistic expectations regarding nasal function can help patients navigate the recovery process with confidence and achieve optimal outcomes. By working closely with their surgeon and following post-operative guidelines, patients can address nasal obstruction effectively and enjoy the aesthetic and functional benefits of rhinoplasty.

Collapse of the Nasal Wings (Alar Collapse), Untreated Septum Deviation or Sagging of the Nose Tip May Cause Permanent Nasal Congestion After Rhinoplasty!


During the rhinoplasty operation, both aesthetic and functional problems in the nose are usually eliminated. Nasal congestion may occur in the first few weeks after rhinoplasty. Dried mucus in the nose, blood clot or mucosal edema may cause this. However, if persistent nasal congestion occurs, it may be necessary to consider the following reasons:

Adhesions in the nose (synechia)


Due to inadequate intranasal cleaning and mutual mucosal damage, mucosal adhesion (adhesion, synechiae) may occur between the nasal septum and turbinates, and in this case, nasal congestion may occur.

Collapse of the nasal wings (nasal valve collapse, alar collapse)


  Especially in patients with thick skin, unlike classical thin-skinned rhinoplasty operations, the cartilages in the nose wings should not be too thinned or weakened. Severe cartilage tissue removal in the nasal wings may cause collapse in the valve area over time in these patients and cause severe nasal congestion while breathing.

Untreated septum deviation


In rhinoplasty operations, "septoplasty operation", that is, correction of septum deviation, is also performed as a classical part of the surgery. In this case, the entire procedure is called "septorhinoplasty". Generally, experienced ear-nose doctors and plastic surgeons can easily perform this procedure. However, permanent nasal obstruction may occur when physicians who do not have much experience in septoplasty perform surgery or when no treatment is performed for septum deviation.

Sagging or downward direction at the tip of the nose


During the rhinoplasty operation, if the support cartilages at the tip of the nose are not restructured sufficiently, the tip of the nose may become extremely flexible and soft and the tip of the nose may sag downwards within a few months. In this case, the nasal valve angle narrows, the nose appears quite long from the front, and patients state that nasal congestion gradually increases.

Turbinate hypertrophy


If the turbinates are hypertrophic during the rhinoplasty operation, they can be reduced by radiofrequency procedure. Generally, the regrowth of the tubinates in volume takes a long time, such as "years", however, in people living in a very dirty, particulate, extremely dry or cold environment, this period may be shortened and permanent nasal congestion may occur.

Almost all of these reasons can be easily understood during simple nasal endoscopic examination.

Dr.Murat Enoz Talks About "Nasal Breathing After Rhinoplasty - Nasal Splint Cleaning"


The information in this guide was prepared by Dr.Murat Enöz for patients who underwent rhinoplasty. 
You can find different opinions and suggestions from other clinics and doctors. Please take into consideration 
the recommendations of the doctors who performed your aesthetic nose surgery. Sometimes drug names given here 
only in Turkey may also belong to the drugs found. Plenty of luck :)
Murat Enoz, MD, Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon - ENT Doctor in Istanbul

Private Office:
Address: Ä°ncirli Cad. No:41, Kat:4 (Dilek Patisserie Building), Postal code: 34147, Bakırköy - Ä°stanbul
Appointment Phone: +90 212 561 00 52
E-Mail: muratenoz@gmail.com
Mobile phone: +90 533 6550199
Fax: +90 212 542 74 47



 


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