Still can't breathe after rhinoplasty?

Question

I had rhinoplasty 2 months ago and I can't breathe. When I inhale above nostrils go in and out and it feels like I can't get any air through my nostrils. If my valves have collapsed- can this improve with time as healing goes down? Or will it never improve and surgery will be needed? I never had any breathing problems before this. Also is it dangerous for the valves to collapse? Or is it just discomfort only? Why does this happen?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Sean R. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

what you describe sounds like nasal valve collapse, which might improve with time. However the amount of improvement may be limited. You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon and discuss the functional concerns you have. Best regards.

Wesley T. Myers, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Internal and external valve incompetence can be an issue after rhinoplasty. Surgical correction may be required. I recommend that you make an appointment with your plastic surgeon to discuss your convalescence and possible need for surgical correction.

Stephen E. Metzinger, MD · Answer

Dear LS03:

Thank you for your question and sorry to hear about your functional problem. If your internal nasal valve has collapsed, you may need cartilage grafts called spreader grafts to fix it. If your external nasal valve collapses when you breath in you may need lateral crural strut grafts and /or alar batten grafts. Impossible to say for sure without physical examination Either way, you'll need a revision surgery. Standard time to wait in between nasal surgeries is a year to allow swelling to resolve, scarring to mature and tissues to soften. Hope this helps and good luck! Remember to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon. The Rhinoplasty Society is a good place to start.

Still can't breathe after rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

Answer: Nasal Valve Collapse

Answer: Nasal Valve Collapse

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Still can't breathe after rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

Answer: Nasal Valve Collapse

Answer: Nasal Valve Collapse

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.