Rhinoplasty & Ear Pressure

Posted on: August 3, 2023

Introduction

The Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center is a cosmetic center located in Schaumburg, IL. Our team of experienced professionals provides a multitude of different liposuction technologies under one roof. We understand that rhinoplasty can be a daunting process and the recovery period can sometimes have unexpected side effects. One such side effect is increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty. In this article, we will discuss the causes of increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty, ways to help clear the ears, and what to do if the ear pressure doesn’t subside.

At the Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center, we are here to provide you with all the information and support you need during your recovery period. We want to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable throughout your entire journey. If you have any questions or concerns about increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice.

Causes of Increased Ear Pressure After Rhinoplasty

rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure to improve the shape and appearance of the nose. While rhinoplasty can be a very successful cosmetic procedure, there are certain risks associated with it. One such risk is increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty. While this side effect is usually temporary, it can be uncomfortable and even painful. In this article, we will discuss some of the potential causes of increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty and what you can do to help clear your ears.

Swelling

One of the most common causes of increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty is swelling in the area around the ears. Swelling can occur due to tissue trauma caused by the surgery or from fluid buildup. The swelling can cause pressure in the ears and lead to discomfort or even pain. Additionally, if there is significant swelling in the region around the ears, it may block off airways and cause further discomfort.

Altered Sensation

Another potential cause of increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty is altered sensation in the area around the ears. During surgery, nerves in and around the nose may be affected or damaged which can lead to changes in sensation in that area including tingling, numbness or even pain. This altered sensation can cause discomfort or pain which then leads to an increase in ear pressure.

It’s important to note that increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty is usually temporary and should subside on its own within several weeks as your body recovers from surgery. However, if you experience any symptoms that seem abnormal or concerning, it’s important to contact your surgeon for further advice and guidance as soon as possible.

Increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty may be caused by swelling and altered sensation.

Ways to Help Clear the Ears After Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a ‘nose job’, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose and can be used to improve both the appearance and function of the nose. Although this procedure is relatively safe, there are certain risks associated with it, such as increased ear pressure post-surgery. Thankfully, there are ways to help clear the ears after rhinoplasty and reduce any pain or discomfort.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

The most common symptom of increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty is pain or discomfort in the ears. To help alleviate this symptom, patients can take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain. It is important to follow the instructions on the medication label carefully and not take more than what is recommended.

Oral Antihistamines

Another option for relieving ear pressure after rhinoplasty is taking oral antihistamines. These medications can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and decrease any inflammation in the ears. However, it is important to speak with a doctor before taking any antihistamine medications as they may cause side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness.

Nasal Steroid Medication

In some cases, nasal steroid medications may be prescribed by a doctor to help reduce inflammation in the ears after rhinoplasty. These medications can also help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and provide relief from any pain or discomfort caused by increased ear pressure post-surgery. However, it is important to speak with a doctor before taking any steroid medications as they may cause side effects such as nausea or headaches.

Warm Washcloth to the Ears

Applying a warm washcloth to each ear for several minutes at a time can also help reduce any inflammation or swelling in the ears after rhinoplasty surgery. This method helps increase circulation around the ears and can provide relief from any pain or discomfort caused by increased ear pressure post-surgery.

Heating Pad Against the Ear

Using a heating pad against each ear for several minutes at a time is another way to help clear up any inflammation or swelling in the ears after rhinoplasty surgery. The heat helps increase circulation around the ears and can provide relief from any pain or discomfort caused by increased ear pressure post-surgery.

At Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center located in Schaumburg, IL we understand how uncomfortable increased ear pressure post-rhinoplasty surgery can be and we want our patients to feel comfortable during their recovery process. We offer many different liposuction technologies under one roof so that our patients get exactly what they need for their individual needs and goals when it comes to body contouring procedures like liposuction!

MethodEffectivenessSide Effects
Over-the-Counter Pain MedicationReduces inflammation and provides relief from pain.Drowsiness or dizziness.
Oral AntihistaminesReduces swelling in the nasal passages and decreases any inflammation in the ears.Drowsiness or dizziness.
Nasal Steroid MedicationHelps reduce inflammation in the ears after rhinoplasty.Nausea or headaches.
Warm Washcloth to the EarsIncreases circulation around the ears and provides relief from pain or discomfort.None.
Heating Pad Against the EarIncreases circulation around the ears and provides relief from pain or discomfort.None.

What Should I Do if the Ear Pressure Doesn’t Subside?

If the ear pressure does not subside after rhinoplasty, it is important to contact your doctor. In some cases, an infection may be present and require antibiotics to clear up. In other cases, a deeper issue may be causing the increased pressure in the ears. Your doctor can evaluate you and determine what is causing the problem and how best to treat it.

If you are experiencing pain in addition to the ear pressure, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication than over-the-counter medication. They also may recommend further testing such as an MRI or CT scan to determine if there is a structural issue that needs addressing.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any underlying issues that are causing increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty. If this is the case for you, your doctor will discuss with you all of your options and explain what type of surgery would be most beneficial for you.

Follow-Up Care

It is important to follow up with your doctor after any procedure related to rhinoplasty or increased ear pressure. This follow-up care is essential in order to ensure that any underlying issues have been addressed and that your recovery process is going along smoothly. During these follow-up visits, your doctor can assess how well you are healing and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan accordingly.

Our experienced team of medical professionals will provide high quality care throughout every step of your journey from diagnosis through recovery. We understand that increased ear pressure can be uncomfortable and even painful at times; therefore we strive to provide our patients with comprehensive treatment plans tailored specifically for them so they can experience relief as quickly as possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you manage increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty!

If ear pressure persists after rhinoplasty, contact a doctor for evaluation and treatment. Follow-up care is important to ensure recovery process is successful.

Conclusion

The Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center understands that increased ear pressure after rhinoplasty can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience. It is important to remember that this sensation is normal and usually resolves itself within a few weeks. In the meantime, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate the pressure. Over-the-counter pain medication, antihistamines, nasal steroid medication, warm washcloths applied to the ears, and heating pads against the ear can all help reduce discomfort.

If these methods do not provide relief or if the ear pressure persists for more than two weeks, it is important to contact your doctor for further evaluation. The Chicago Liposuction by lift body center in Schaumburg, IL provides a multitude of different liposuction technologies under one roof and our experienced team of professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have about rhinoplasty or other cosmetic procedures.