Rhinoplasty: Q&A

Ask a Question

Can Aggressive Deprojection of a Nasal Tip Result in Changed Airflow Patterns?

It has been a few years after my rhinoplasty/Inf. submucosal turbinate reduction and begun to experience breathing difficulties over the years.I have seen many ENT's which say the turbinates look to be in good shape.However I am still experiencing dry nose and major change in air flow dynamics.I was wondering if the tip deprojection part of the rhinoplasty could have displaced the inferior turbinate in relation to the nasal valve thus causing a change in airfow. If so, how could this be fixed?

Tags:

Comment on this

4 Doctor Answers | Asked by 11704 in Lindenhurst

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (0)

Reducing Nose and Airway

Interesting question you pose. However, the turbinates and nasal tip are not related in that way. More likely, you may have had external nasal valve changes if the tip was severely reduced without strengthening the valve at the same time. After a physical exam, I would know more. You should see several surgeons and you can do a virtual consult with a rhinoplasty expert who may be able to make a very educated guess on if your external anatomical changes may have affected your airway. Good... more

Rhinoplasty and changed airflow patterns

Expert nasal surgeons do not compromise nasal breathing while performing rhinoplasty and are attuned to improving not only the aesthetics (looks) of the nose but its function i.e. breathing. However, overreduction of nasal structure by some surgeons in an effort to give patients "as small a nose as possible" in rhinoplasty can lead to reduced airflow. Sometimes compromise of nasal breathing occurs months or even years after rhinoplasty. Narrowing... more

James C. Marotta, MD

10 reviews

Long Island Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.marottamd.com

Breathing Problems Secondary to Deprojection of Nasal Tip

Deprojection of the nasal tip would not displace the inferior turbinates. You describe changes in nasal breathing following your rhinoplasty but the cause of your problems and the coarse of treatmentq can only be determined with a careful physical examination.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

10 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

You might also like...

Real Stories

Definitely Worth It! - Vancouver, BC

I've always wanted to have rhinoplasty ever since I was a little girl. My nose is the...

Before + After Photos

View 3573 Rhinoplasty photos

Reducing tip projection and breathing

Actually reduction of the tip projection is not that likely to impact the airflow. The key spots are the support of the nostril or external valve, the internal valve just above the tip, and the turbinates which have a key roll in adjusting the airflow. Nasal dryness will cause the turbinate to swell and 'rest' the nose by reducing airflow.Best of luck, Peter Johnson, MD

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.