I just had lower turbinate reduction done, and I feel more stuffy now than I did before. Can anyone tell me how long it takes for this to clear up? I'm following all the post-op instructions, however, I didn't expect it to be this bad afterwards.

The is some post surgery swelling, it should subside by your first post-op appointment. You might also have some packing up there, causing the stuffiness, that you'll just have to wait to get removed.

That's exacty the way mine went. I had all my turbs reduced. Keep a list of your questions so you can ask your doc when you go in for your first appt. My ENT has me using Afrin extra moisturizing no drip nasal spray to help with the stuffiness. You might want to call your doc and ask if there is something you can use to help right now. :)

2Catfans,

How long after your surgery did you start using the Afrin spray? My surgery was last Monday, but I've seen no improvement with the stuffiness yet. I have no packing, and I'm using Simply Saline spray but it seems to get worse after I spray. I haven't been able to sleep much at all due to the stuffiness. When was your surgery?

Hi Piano0105,
The very next day. My ENT told me to use 1 spray in each nostril every 6 hours for 7 days, wait 7 more days before starting again. He also had me using saline spray at least every hour. He said a moist nose heals faster. My surgery was a combination of Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy, Septoplasty/Turbinate Reduction. My surgery was 2/10/2006. Of all these procedures, the sinus surgery was the easiest. I had no pain or complications from the Septoplasty/Turb. Reduction. :)