Is nasal packing used after rhinoplasty?

No. Routine nasal packing is no longer necessary with modern rhinoplasty techniques. By using precise surgical methods and careful tissue handling, bleeding can be controlled without placing packs inside the nose, allowing patients to breathe immediately after surgery.

Why was nasal packing used in the past?

Historically, nasal packing was used to control bleeding, support internal structures, and reduce swelling. Advances in surgical technique now allow these goals to be achieved without blocking the nasal airway.

What does breathing feel like immediately after rhinoplasty?

Breathing usually feels congested, similar to having a heavy cold, particularly in the first one to two weeks. However, patients are not completely blocked, are not dependent on mouth breathing, and do not experience the claustrophobic sensation associated with nasal packing.

Does Piezo ultrasonic rhinoplasty affect breathing after surgery?

Yes, in a positive way. Piezo ultrasonic rhinoplasty reshapes nasal bones with high precision and less trauma than traditional techniques, resulting in less bleeding, swelling, and internal inflammation. This helps preserve better airflow during early recovery.

What role do the turbinates play in breathing after rhinoplasty?

Enlarged inferior turbinates can contribute to nasal blockage. When indicated, piezo-assisted turbinoplasty can be performed at the same time as rhinoplasty to reduce turbinate size precisely while preserving the nasal lining, improving both early and long-term breathing.

Will there be anything inside my nose after rhinoplasty?

No. There is nothing placed inside the nose that blocks airflow or needs to be removed later. Only a small external splint is used to support the nasal bones, which is removed after about one week.

How long does it take for breathing to feel normal after rhinoplasty?

Breathing typically improves gradually over the first one to two weeks as swelling settles. Continued improvement occurs over several weeks, with long-term airflow benefits once healing is complete.

Who performs rhinoplasty with breathing preservation in Hampshire?

In Hampshire, rhinoplasty with a strong focus on preserving and improving breathing is performed by Mr Tim Biggs, Consultant ENT & Rhinology Surgeon, at Adnova Clinic in Fareham. Patients attend from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, and across the South Coast.

Will I Be Able to Breathe Through My Nose After Rhinoplasty?

Q: Will I be able to breathe through my nose after rhinoplasty?

Yes. With modern rhinoplasty techniques, you should be able to breathe through your nose after surgery. Although some congestion is normal during early healing, patients are not completely blocked and are able to breathe through their nose from day one.

Q: What if I already have breathing problems before rhinoplasty?

If you have a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or long-standing nasal obstruction, these issues are assessed before surgery. Where appropriate, functional septorhinoplasty and turbinate surgery are performed alongside cosmetic changes to improve breathing rather than compromise it.

Jan 10
5 min read

Updated: Feb 3

One of the most common concerns patients have before rhinoplasty is:

“Will I be able to breathe through my nose afterwards?”

For many people, the fear of nasal packing, congestion, or feeling claustrophobic is a major source of anxiety. The good news is that with modern rhinoplasty techniques, breathing after surgery is very different from what many patients expect.

The Short Answer - Will I be able to breathe through my nose after rhinoplasty?

Yes — you should be able to breathe through your nose after rhinoplasty.

In my practice, I do not use nasal packs, and patients are able to breathe through their nose immediately after surgery, even though some congestion is normal during early healing. This is very different from many other surgeons, who do routinely pack the nose following septorhinoplasty and rhinoplasty.

Why Nasal Packing Is No Longer Necessary in my practice

Historically, nasal packing was used to:

Control bleeding
Support internal structures
Reduce swelling

With modern surgical techniques, routine nasal packing is no longer required.

By using precise surgical methods, new intraoperative medications, careful tissue handling, and Piezo, bleeding is minimised without the need for uncomfortable internal packs that block breathing and must later be removed.

How Modern Rhinoplasty Improves Early Breathing

1. No Nasal Packs

Because I do not use nasal packs:

Both nostrils remain open after surgery
There is no feeling of suffocation or claustrophobia
Nothing needs to be removed from inside the nose
Recovery is significantly more comfortable

Patients often describe early breathing as congested but passable, rather than blocked.

2. Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty = Less Trauma

Modern rhinoplasty in my practice uses Piezo ultrasonic bone surgery, which allows nasal bones to be reshaped with exceptional precision.

Compared with traditional techniques, Piezo results in:

Significantly less bleeding
Less bruising and swelling
Reduced trauma to surrounding soft tissues
More predictable early recovery

Less swelling inside the nose directly translates into better early airflow.

3. Piezo-Assisted Turbinoplasty (When Indicated)

In some patients, nasal blockage is not just about the septum or nasal bones — enlarged inferior turbinates also play a role.

When appropriate, I perform Piezo-assisted turbinoplasty, which:

Reduces turbinate bulk precisely
Preserves healthy nasal lining
Improves airflow without over-resection

This is particularly helpful for patients who:

Had nasal blockage before surgery
Are prone to night-time congestion
Have persistent turbinate hypertrophy

Addressing turbinates at the same time helps ensure good breathing immediately after surgery and long-term.

What Breathing Feels Like After Surgery

It’s important to be realistic.

In the first 1–2 weeks:

The nose feels stuffy, similar to a heavy cold
Internal swelling is normal
Breathing improves day by day

However:

You are not completely blocked
You are not dependent on mouth breathing
You do not have packs obstructing airflow

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable breathing feels.

External Splint — Not Internal Obstruction

After rhinoplasty:

A small splint sits on the outside of the nose
It supports healing bones
It comes off after about one week

There is nothing inside the nose that needs removing. I DO NOT use internal nasal splints routinely.

What If I Already Have Breathing Problems?

If you have:

A deviated septum
Nasal valve collapse
Long-standing nasal obstruction

These issues are assessed carefully before surgery. Where appropriate, functional septorhinoplasty and turbinate surgery are performed alongside cosmetic changes to improve breathing, not compromise it.

This approach is central to specialist ENT-led rhinoplasty.

Specialist Rhinoplasty Care in Hampshire

Rhinoplasty is performed by Mr Tim Biggs, a Consultant ENT & Rhinology Surgeon with extensive experience in functional, cosmetic, and revision nasal surgery.

Procedures are carried out at Adnova Clinic, using modern techniques including Piezo ultrasonic surgery and tissue-preserving turbinoplasty.

Patients attend from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, and across the South Coast.

Key Takeaway

You should be able to breathe through your nose after rhinoplasty.

With:

No nasal packing
Piezo ultrasonic techniques
Targeted turbinate surgery when needed

Recovery is far more comfortable than many patients expect, and breathing is preserved from day one.

To enquire or book an assessment:

📍 Adnova Clinic

More information:

www.timbiggs.co.uk

www.adnovaclinic.com

No internal packing required for rhinoplasty with Mr Tim Biggs. Plaster on the nose.

Frequently Asked Questions: Breathing After Rhinoplasty

Will I be able to breathe through my nose after rhinoplasty?

Yes. You should be able to breathe through your nose immediately after rhinoplasty, although some congestion from swelling is normal in the early healing phase.

In my practice, and very different from other nasal surgeons, nasal packs are not used AT ALL, so airflow is maintained from day one.

Do surgeons still use nasal packing after rhinoplasty?

Most do — but it is no longer routinely necessary with modern rhinoplasty techniques. Piezo is essential for this to happen and dorsal preservation techniques also reduce swelling and bleeding. Most surgeons still do not have access to these techniques and technology. Historically, nasal packing was used to control bleeding and support structures. With precise surgery, improved haemostasis, and modern technology, this can usually be avoided.

Why don’t you use nasal packing?

I do not use nasal packing because:

Bleeding can be controlled without it
Structural support is achieved surgically
Packing blocks breathing and causes anxiety
Removal is uncomfortable and unnecessary

Avoiding packing makes recovery significantly more comfortable for patients.

What does breathing feel like immediately after surgery?

Most patients describe breathing as:

Congested, like a heavy cold
Passable rather than blocked
Improving day by day

Importantly:

You are not suffocating
You are not forced to mouth-breathe
There is nothing inside the nose blocking airflow

Will I feel claustrophobic after rhinoplasty?

This is a common fear, but without nasal packing, most patients do not feel claustrophobic.

Being able to breathe through both nostrils, even with some congestion, makes a major psychological difference in the first few days after surgery.

Does Piezo ultrasonic rhinoplasty affect breathing?

Yes — positively.

Piezo ultrasonic surgery allows bone reshaping with:

Significantly less bleeding
Less swelling and bruising
Reduced trauma to soft tissues

Less internal swelling means better early airflow compared with traditional techniques.

What if I already have nasal blockage before surgery?

Pre-existing breathing problems are assessed carefully.

If you have:

A deviated septum
Nasal valve collapse
Enlarged inferior turbinates

These can be addressed at the same time using septorhinoplasty and turbinate surgery, so breathing is improved rather than compromised.

Are turbinate procedures performed during rhinoplasty?

When indicated, yes.

Piezo-assisted turbinoplasty:

Reduces turbinate size precisely
Preserves healthy nasal lining
Improves airflow without over-resection

This is particularly helpful for patients with night-time congestion or long-standing blockage.

Will there be anything inside my nose that needs removing?

No. I do not routinely use internal nasal splints, and there is nothing inside the nose that needs to be pulled out later. The only splint used is a small external splint on the outside of the nose, which is removed after about one week.

Can rhinoplasty make breathing worse?

When performed without proper functional assessment, it can. This is why rhinoplasty is best carried out by a specialist ENT surgeon who understands nasal airflow and structural support, not just appearance.

Who performs rhinoplasty at Adnova Clinic?

Rhinoplasty is performed by Mr Tim Biggs, a Consultant ENT & Rhinology Surgeon with extensive experience in:

Functional septorhinoplasty
Cosmetic rhinoplasty with airway preservation
Nasal valve reconstruction
Revision nasal surgery

Procedures take place at Adnova Clinic.

Key takeaway

You should be able to breathe through your nose after rhinoplasty.