My nostrils look uneven after rhinoplasty — questions on swelling, disinfection, and glabella puffiness
2025. 5. 28.
Why nostrils look uneven after rhinoplasty, whether saline disinfection and rhinitis spray are usable, and why the glabella puffs up — four frequently asked post-surgery questions organized.
Key points
- Nostrils looking uneven right after surgery is a normal reaction — watch progress for about 2 weeks.
- Saline rinsing is a good method, but blowing the nose or wiping inside should be avoided. Rhinitis spray should generally be avoided, but can be used temporarily if congestion is severe.
- Whatever the symptom, don’t self-judge — even for small problems, contacting the clinic and visiting to confirm is advisable.
Because the nose sits at the center of the face and shapes the overall impression, there are many questions about post-surgery changes. This article picks four of the most frequently asked post-rhinoplasty questions — including uneven-looking nostrils from surgical swelling — and organizes the answers.
01
My nostrils look uneven as swelling subsides at different rates — is it okay?
Nostrils looking uneven at first is a normal reaction. Please watch progress for about 2 weeks after surgery. The speed at which swelling subsides can differ on each side, so judging results by early asymmetry alone is premature.
02
Is it okay to disinfect with saline after nose surgery?
Disinfecting with saline after nose surgery is fine. Rinsing with saline without blowing the nose or wiping inside — so the nasal mucosa isn’t damaged — is a very good method.
If you have rhinitis and want to use a rhinitis spray, it’s best to avoid it as much as possible. However, it can be used temporarily if your nose is too blocked and stuffy.
| Care item | Recommended? |
|---|---|
| Saline rinsing | Good method — rinsing without mucosal damage |
| Blowing the nose or wiping inside | Avoid — risk of damaging nasal mucosa |
| Rhinitis spray | Best avoided — temporary use possible if too blocked and stuffy |
03
Why does the glabella puff up?
Early after nose surgery, it’s a phenomenon from blood pooling heavily in the glabella area. After that, puffiness sometimes occurs due to blood circulation in the glabella region.
If the puffiness isn’t too severe, watching over time is fine. However, if it puffs up a lot, visiting the clinic for consultation is recommended. The general flow of the recovery period can also be seen in the recovery guide.
04
What should I do when a symptom is ambiguous?
When a symptom appears, some people hesitate to visit the hospital worrying ‘what if they say I’m being dramatic?’ or ‘won’t I be embarrassed?’ But knowing accurately matters for any symptom. Even if a small problem appears, contacting and visiting to confirm is advisable. Don’t agonize alone — please share your concerns with a specialist.
05
Summary — even small symptoms, confirming comes first
Most symptoms appearing after surgery are natural reactions of the recovery process, but reaching that judgment alone is hard. Whether it’s uneven nostrils or glabella puffiness, if a symptom worsens or feels ambiguous, contacting and visiting to confirm is most certain. If you have a symptom you’re curious about, you can inquire via consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions patients ask before a consultation.
How long should I watch uneven nostrils after rhinoplasty?
Can I use rhinitis spray after nose surgery?
Is glabella puffiness a symptom requiring a hospital visit?
Responses to treatment and recovery progress vary by individual. Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.