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I'm Not Sure What to Do For My Breathing Problems- Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty?

asked 3 months ago by Dave F in Tucson, AZ
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 139 times
Tags: breathing problems, broken nose, recommendation, septorhinoplasty

A year and half ago I got mugged in Albany and I was left with a broken jaw and nose. My plastic surgeon treated the jaw first because it was of more importance. My nose was not realigned because I wouldn't have been able to breathe. As time has passed though I have found it very hard to breathe and extremely frustrating. I went to the ENT and was proscribed Flonase which doesn't really help. It's little crooked, I'm not sure whether to have just Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty with it.

11 answers to I'm Not Sure What to Do For My Breathing Problems- Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty?

+1

Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty

As you know a septoplasty will improve your nasal function, but have a septorinoplasty if you also want to improve the appearance of your nose. You should consider the rhinoplasty if you want to keep the pretty lady who is with you.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+1

Septoplasty or rhinoplasty for breathing problems

A septoplasty is performed to fix a deviated septum. The internal portion of the nose, known as the septum, could also be fractured and may need to be addressed. If the external portion of the nose is crooked, then open reduction of a nasal fracture is considered. Both of these procedures could be done at the same time. A rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure not covered by medical insurance. The rhinoplasty will not improve the patients breathing apparatus. more
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+1

Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty For Breathing Problems

Thank you for your question, Dave. Your exam findings and your goals for surgery will influence which procedure may be preferable in your case. Septoplasty is undertaken to improve the structural component of nasal airway obstruction due to the nasal septum itself. If the septum is a primary contributor to one's nasal obstruction, then septoplasty can substantially improve nasal breathing. However, septoplasty alone rarely changes nasal appearance and will not likely improve the... more
James M. Pearson, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Septoplasty versus Septo-rhinoplasty for breathing problems

A consultation with a rhinoplasty specialist who fully understand the nose would be helpful at this stage. A septoplasty could help to open up the internal nasal cavity and improve airflow. If you have an untreated nasal fracture a rhinoplasty could also be done at the same time to straighten the outside of the nose as well.
Thomas A Lamperti, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Setorhinoplasty is probably what u need.

A septorhinoplasty is probably what u need. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for the best results.
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breathing post-trauma

A good exam will help you with yoru decision, but always remember that rhino/septo surgery may not always improve air flow. If your flow was OK before your injury it will likely be better after correction.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Post- Trauma Breathing Difficulty

It sounds like when you had your nose broken, the underlying structures were affected, making it difficult for you to breathe through your nose. You will need a thorough evaluation of the underlying anatomy of your nose to determine what needs to be done to improve your nasal breathing.
Kimberly Lee, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

For difficulty breathing Do I need a Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty

You would need an examination to make a definitive answer. Your photo reveals that your nose is not straight and with your history of trauma you may well need a rhinoplasty and septal work to optimize the final result.
Jay M. Pensler, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.plasticsurg.org

+1

Rhinoplasty and your Breathing

In select patients, a rhinoplasty may be necessary to fix a breathing issue. However, most patients will not experience a breathing benefit from rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is, of course, the only thing that would correct the external appearance of your nose. In your case, I suspect you have suffered damage to your septum and possibly the sidewalls of your nose resulting in both appearance and breathing issues. I also suggest that you have your... more
Louis W. Apostolakis, MD

Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-apo.com

+1

You need a consultation

The only one who can answer your question is a doctor trained to evaluate breathing problems. You need a good examination to know what if anything will help.
William B. Rosenblatt, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty is probably the better option

It is difficult to tell from the photo provided, but it appears you have a very narrow nose with internal valve collapse and would benefit from a more complete operation. Do you have cosmetic concerns? If you do I would recommend having functional and cosmetic surgery at the same time. Obviously you need a complete exam by a competent surgeon. Make appointments for consultations with multiple surgeons. Look at lots of before and after photos.... more
Gregory Pippin, MD

New Orleans Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.pippinmd.com

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