Is my breathing ruined after rhinoplasty 10 months ago?

Question

I had an open rhinoplasty 10 months ago and ever since then, my right nasal passage is basically blocked. It feels like I’m sick 24/7. Is my breathing ruined? I’m very concerned. My left nasal passage is fine. Its just my right one. Very scared and concerned

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Several potential issues could be contributing to your unilateral nasal congestion.  If you are pleased with the appearance of your nose then it is quite likely that your issue is a deviated septum, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, a small scar band, and less likely nasal valve stenosis.  The good news is that all of these issues can be corrected if diagnosed appropriately without ruining the appearance of your nose.  Consult a skilled rhinoplasty surgeon with excellent knowledge of nasal airway repair.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Without in person evaluation it is difficult to discuss your problem. It may come from secondary healing and scarring, displacement of the septum, bone or cartilage fragment left in the nose after surgery. If your surgeon does not have a good explanation and solution for the problem second opinion consultation with a board certified plastic or ENT surgeon with good reputation in nose surgery is recommended.

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complication, nasal obstruction and breathing problems can be very frustrating and difficult. In any patient who has a rhinoplasty, nasal obstruction is a potential risk. Anytime you change the nose there is a chance that breathing can change. Although we do everything in our power to prevent this, it happens to all surgeons who do rhinoplasty surgery. Breathing through the nose is a very complicated topic and there can be a large number of causes. the good news is, in the majority of people, it can be improved and in some cases fixed. However, the only way to know how to solve the problem is to see a surgeon who is an expert in a functional rhinoplasty surgery. I suspect there will be someone who will be able to help you,Dr Bonaparte

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear nb,   Front picture would have been helpful. The reasons for the right nasal airway obstruction 10 months after surgery can be due to the following reasons:1. Collapse of the right upper lateral cartilage. The corrective measure is cartilage spreader graft, usually obtained from the septum.2. Septal deviation. A moderate septal deviation can block the nasal airway completely after lateral osteotomy (bone fracture)  of the nasal bony slope. Septoplasty will open up the airway.3. Inferior turbinate hypertrophy. If you have large turbinate that was not partially resected and out fractured, rhinoplasty and septoplasty can block the airway.   Consult with your surgeon or other experienced board certified plastic surgeons who do lots of rhinoplasty surgery and have them examine your nose and nasal airways. At 10 month interval from your surgery, corrective surgery can be performed.                       Best of luck,                                            Dr Widder

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Please work closely with your board certified facial plastic surgeon. Also find comfort knowing that it takes up to 12 months to reach your final result, so you may continue to heal and find improvements over the next 2 months.
Best wishes,

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

I assume you have had your surgeon take a look.  Your breathing should at least be back to normal after 10 months.  If your surgeon does not have an explanation, you might consider a second opinion.  Definitely see a facial plastic surgeon for the second opinion.  Facial plastic surgery starts with ENT training, which provides specialized knowledge of functional nasal issues.  Improving your breathing might be something simple like reducing a turbinate.  Good luck!

Armen Vartany, MD, FACS · Answer

There may be a number of causes possible causes for your breathing problem.  You may have untreated septal deviation, internal or external valve collapse, untreated inferior turbinate enlargement or an allergic condition. All of these are treatable and should not be a cause for concern. If your Plastic Surgeon specializes in nasal surgery he or she will be able to address these issues.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

You may have internal swelling and / or displaced cartilage.  An in person evaluation is needed to determine the cause of the obstruction.  Discuss this with your surgeon.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear NB98, It is very important when performing rhinoplasty to always address both functional and aesthetics issues. You will need to have an intra-nasal examination to determine a proper diagnosis regarding your current breathing obstruction. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Is my breathing ruined after rhinoplasty 10 months ago?

Answers (9)

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