Plantation Doctors

Septoplasty with Bilateral Turbinate Reduction?

Can I have septoplasty with bilateral turbinate reduction to improve my breathing problems at the same time I improve my look?

Generally speaking the airway should be assessed while evaluating a nose for any reason.  A cosmetic rhinoplasty in cases should be combined with airway surgery to make sure that there are no breathing problems after surgery. At the same time if it is known that there are breathing problems prior to surgery, then it is very important that the surgeon be aware of this problem and correct both the cosmetic and the functional(airway) problems at the same time.

The turbinates can be reduced with endoscopic techniques to minimize trauma and post operative crusting, dryness etc. The septoplaty  in many cases help the rhinoplasty as the cartilage that is removed during a septoplasty can be utilized to graft the nose while doing a cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Good Luck.

Shashidhar Kusuma, MD

Plantation Plastic Surgeon

Concerns About Septoplasty- Can It Cause More Problems? (photo)

When I was 16 I had my nose broken. I was previously very happy with the appearance of my nose but afterwards there seemed to be a slight bend. I have since had a lot of problems with breathing / sinus infections and my ENT doctor has referred me for a septoplasty as a have a deviated septum. I am a little concerned because I have always wanted the bend in my nose corrected but don't have the money for a septo/rhinoplasty at the moment. Would to lot of surgery be recommended or cause problems?

Hello,

If you are concerned about the outward appearence of your nose in addition to having some breathing difficulty breathing due to a septal deviation or in cases inferior turbinate enlargement and some valvular narrowness, then you will need a comprehensive surgery such as a septorhinoplasty.

I would not recommend that you do a septoplasty first and then do a rhinoplasty after when you have the money. Sometimes it may be necessary to harvest cartilage from the septum to use for a rhinoplasty. This cartilage is often taken from the septum during a septoplasty.  This way you can have the septum corrected and utilize the cartilage that is removed for the rhinoplasty. In cases where there is not any septal cartilage left from previous surgery then the surgeon may need ear cartilage.

So, in short, in your case, based on what information you provided, I would recommend that you save money and find a good surgeon who can do both the septoplasty, turbinate surgery to improve function and also do the rhinoplasty to improve the appearence.

Good Luck

Shashidhar Kusuma, MD

Plantation Plastic Surgeon

Can Damage or Compression of the Great Auricular Nerve Cause Tightness/Numbness Post Surgery?

Can compression or damage to the auricular nerve manifest itself several (7) months after a face lift and what are the symptoms? What can be done to correct damage or compression? Is there any way to definitely tell what is causing these late onset symptoms ie nerve compression or scar formation. Any type of imaging or diagnostic test?

The greater auricular nerve travels along the side of the neck and heads towards the earlobe. There is one on each side. 

Yes, in response to your question, if there has been injury or trauma or compression or edema to the nerve, there may be temporary or some times permanent numbness to the lower ear and earlobe and the skin around that site.

If there is just some minor injury or some bruising or minor trauma, in most cases this can get better over time. This process can take a longtime however. It may take 12 to 18months in some cases.

Patients can report some tingling, or some other sensations during this process.

Good Luck

Shashidhar Kusuma, MD

Plantation Plastic Surgeon