Breathing problems after Rhinoplasty surgery

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?

3 answers to “Breathing problems after Rhinoplasty...”

A: Nasal Obstruction after Rhinoplasty

Richard W. Fleming, MD

Nasal bleeding is not caused by psychological problems. Whether or not your complaints are related to your original surgery, you should have a consultation with a specialist; either an ENT, facial plastic, or plastic surgeon.    

A: Breathing problems after rhinoplasty

Edward D. Buckingham, MD

Definitely schedule a consultation with a specialist familiar with all the intricacies of rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty surgery.  Your problems may be caused by a septal deviation or perforation, nasal valve collapse (something is too narrow), turbinate hypertrophy or a combination of the above... more

A: Nasal breathing difficulties after rhinoplasty

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

I would advise that you seek evaluation by a specialist. Nasal valve problems are commonly caused by surgery but this may not be the case in your particular instance. Breathe Right nasal strips are one way of diagnosing nasal valve problems but that doesn't usually offer a satsifactory long term solution... more

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