Is it a good idea to get rhinoplasty if you have allergic rhinitis?

Question

I have a really bad case of allergic rhinitis and my nose is so sensitive to the point where sometimes I experience slight pain an discomfort when my nose is irritated! I'm thinking of getting rhinoplasty to straighten out my nose however I'm really scared about the recovery what if it's 10 times more painful and uncomfortable because of what I already experience with my nose now :(

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Your allergic response sounds very aggressive and I would suggest perhaps discussing this with an allergist to see if allergy shots would be indicated in your particular situation.  Rhinoplasty is not contraindicated in the face of allergic rhinitis.  In fact, some of the functional issues you have probably experienced such as increased nasal congestion, can also be addressed at the time of your rhinoplasty surgery.  Having nasal surgery is definitely uncomfortable but the pain is generally well tolerated and the mechanisms by which you experience pain from your allergic reactions are different from the way you experience pain from surgery.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. It should be treated prior to doing a rhinoplasty due to the inflammation but it is not a complete contraindication. All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients who have allergic rhinitis are still candidates for rhinoplasty. During the initial post-op period, your nose is stuffy anyway so you won't even notice the allergic issues. I would suggest picking a time when your allergies are not as active. The discomfort is not that bad following surgery and recovery fairly fast.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In the short-term due to inflammation there may be aggravation of airway problems. After this swelling subsides there should be no long-term effect on any airway problems.

Garrett H. Bennett, MD · Answer

If you have obstructive anatomy then correction of a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates can also make the allergic rhinitis feel less symptomatic. I have had patients that thought nasal obstruction was allergies when it was not. Have an evaluation with an otolaryngologist who has an endoscope to evaluate your nose and nasal mucosa anatomy. It is not uncommon for surgery to improve breathing sensation if it is done with the internal anatomy of your nose in mind.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Allergic rhinitis is treated medically with cortisone nasal sprays, and antihistamines. It's important to be on medication before and after the surgery to control your symptoms

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Do you have any other medical issues?Have you explored a potential source for the allergic rhinitis?The two may be interrelated and therefore may be worth a rocky recovery;I would consult an ENT to help through the pre-op and post op period.Hope this helps.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In my practice a history of allergic rhinitis is a contraindication to doing a cosmetic rhinoplasty.Most patients after rhinoplasty experienced some difficulty with nose breathing and in my opinion having allergic rhinitis would not only make recovery more difficult that could result in long-term difficulty with nasal congestion.

Is it a good idea to get rhinoplasty if you have allergic rhinitis?

Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Is it normal for my nose to be bigger, one nostril larger than the other, and a crooked than when I got my splint off? (photo)

Why will insurance not pay for a broken nose when I need eyeglasses which will not fit on my broken (very broken) nose?

Pain at bridge of nose 5 weeks post op. Any suggestions?

4 weeks post op, can kissing after Rhinoplasty ruin the results?

Can I use a safety pin to pop a zit near my nose before my rhinoplasty?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS