I went through laser surgery 4 days ago. The day of the laser surgery I had a headache (my usual with the enlarged turbinates). Anyway, the ENT said my turbinates were swollen. He did the surgery and I had a horrible headache the night of the surgery as well as the next day and I still feel the pressure in my face and ny teeth ache (my usual). When can I expect to see results. I did the surgery to get rid of the headaches, and there still there. Am I being too impatient, or perhaps the surgery didn't work? Please let me know. Thanks
Reply: -------------------------
It would be far too early to anticipate improvement in nasal symptoms due to turbinate dysfunction at this point considering you had surgery only 4 days ago. Typically there is considerable post-operative edema, crusting, and mucous accumulation in the nasal lining that can last for several weeks after surgery, although the most bothersome symptoms generally occur in the first week. After laser surgery of the turbinates it is important to keep the nasal passages adequately moisturized with saline nasal spray - I generally recommend its use every 1-2 hours during the day and additionally recommend saline gels (such as Ayr nasal saline gel) at night. Occasionally I will also recommend the use of pulsatile nasal irrigation with dilute salt water using a Grossan nasal irrigator tip attached to a Water-pik.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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