Breathing Problems After Rhinoplasty Surgery

July 9, 2008
Asked By:SliceDiamond in New York

I had a rhinoplasty done just after I turned 16 (I'm 26 now) and have always been pleased with the look of my nose. However, I have also had major breathing problems since the surgery that I haven't been able to correct with medications (including allergy meds and decongestants), mechanical efforts (e.g. nasal washing), or standard/alternative medicine (including acupunture, etc.). I have also had trouble with bleeding - I don't get nosebleeds, but my nose does bleed whenever I blow my nose (which I do about every 10 minutes!) and it's somewhat alarming to see tissues spattered with blood, even after all these years. I have also noticed that when I'm particularly stuffy, I experience burning in my sinuses on inhaling, similar to the burning one would get after accidentally inhaling chlorinated pool water. My regular doctors are perplexed and I think they have decided I'm hallucinating :-) The surgeon who performed the procedure is no longer practicing. I'm wondering how I can determine if my breathing issues are a result of the surgery or if they are unrelated. Do I need to schedule a formal consultation with another cosmetic surgeon, or is there another (i.e. faster or less expensive) way for me to find out if I have any of the standard (uncommon, I know) side effects of surgery?

Answers (4)

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March 10, 2009

Answer: Nasal breathing difficulties after rhinoplasty

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Otto Joseph Placik, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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VOTED MOST HELPFUL
March 10, 2009

Answer: Nasal breathing difficulties after rhinoplasty

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Otto Joseph Placik, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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October 28, 2014

Answer: Breathing problems after rhinoplasty

Edward Buckingham, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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MOST RECENT
October 28, 2014

Answer: Breathing problems after rhinoplasty

Edward Buckingham, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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June 22, 2011

Answer: Consult a ear, nose, throat specialist

June 22, 2011

Answer: Consult a ear, nose, throat specialist

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