Risk of Empty Nose Syndrome from Rhinoplasty with Turbinectomy?

Just had a Rhinoplasty along with turbinectomy (reduction of both tubinates). When I originally presented, I was simply wanting to improve my aesthetics. He immediately pointed out my enlarged turbinate and said he'd "take care of those" too.

During my recovery, I stumbled upon the iatrogenic condition called Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). It sounds HORRIBLE & dibilitating! I'm now terrified wondering if I'll develop it too. Is there any probability stats out there? Anything I can do at this point?

Read my review "Bilateral Turbinectomy"

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Rhino-Lipo in Mpls in Minneapolis, MN

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Empty nose syndrome after turbinectomy?

Patients who undergo aesthetic rhinoplasty want their noses to look better. . .what they do NOT want is to trade a better-looking nose for one that now breathes poorly, or even differently. Many patients have noses that have airway or breathing problems that have been present for so long, they become "mouth breathers," "sinus sufferers," or just get used to partial blockages on one side or the other. Thus, any well-trained, experienced rhinoplasty surgeon needs to... more

No empty nose syndrome risk if you go to a Qualified Surgeon

Make sure you research your surgeon thoroughly, I can not stress this enough. You want to go with a surgeon who's operative plan involves a conservative Turbinoplasty. see video

Turbinate Reduction

We frequently reduce the size of turbinates during rhinoplasty surgery to improve nasal breathing. If you have gone to an experienced, board certified surgeon you do not have to worry about excessive removal of these structures.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Empty nose syndrome confused with rhinitis sicca

This is not a particularly accepted diagnosis and seems to be soemthing concocted by an individual rather than a true disease entity recognized by the medicl society. I reviewed the website and they seemn to be confusing it with a condition called rhinitis sicca.