If the size of nostrils are reduced, will breathing get bad?

Question

I heard that some patients have trouble breathing after nostrils are reduced! How can this happen? Can you request for no nostril reduction, if the hump is being shaved?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

No, this should not be an issue as long as the appropriate amount of tissue is taken.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Not if properly done! The goal is to narrow nostrils and not the airway. Having done this for more than 35 years I have not had this occur in several thousand rhinoplasties. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and you should not have a problem.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear roselieNostril reduction and dorsal hump removal are independent parts of a rhinoplasty. in general, patients who have difficulty breathing after rhinoplasty have problems at the level of their internal nasal valve, not their nostrils. Each patient is unique and to know more about your nose, you can post pictures or see a plastic surgeon for an in person consultation. Look for an experienced and properly trained surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. See more than one consult. Make a well informed decision.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A full set of pictures are required to make any determination about what may be needed with the rhinoplasty procedure. When patient's have wide nostrils, an alar plasty can be performed to narrow them. There are a variety of techniques available to accomplish this. A full examination of the external and internal portion of the nose is required to  make sure there is no issues with nasal obstruction prior to the surgery.  The incisions  can be placed on the inside of the nose or at the alar junction. The dorsal hump is composed of both bone and cartilage and must be shaved down in order to remove it. Once the hump has been shaved down osteotomies are then required to close the open roof created from the hump removal.  For many examples  and more information, please see the link and the video below

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Rhinoplasty can alter all aspects of your nose. If you nostrils don't need reduction, then none should be done. Please make a consultation to discuss details of your surgery.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and not all rhinoplasties are associated with nostril reduction and in my patients breathing is usually dramatically improved after a rhinoplasty as I do everything at the time of the rhinoplasty not only to improve appearance but also to improve air flow through the nose.  I show patients how this would be accomplished at the time of their consultation.Dr. Corbin

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed and taught Rhinoplasty for over 30 years.  Decreasing the "nostril flare" can be but isn't a required part of a Rhinoplasty and should be done allowing an adequate sized airway passage through both nostrils.  An experienced Rhinoplasty Surgeon should know this.  Hope this helps.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Thanks for your good question.  Only if taken to an extreme will nostril reduction affect breathing and this is easily avoidable.  However, reducing a bump without protection of the "internal nasal valves" with cartilage grafts (called spreader grafts) or flaps can potentially cause trouble with breathing.  Not all patient with bumps need them, but any time a large bump is reduced the surgeon needs to consider steps to keep the airways open (with the effect similar to "breathing strips."Of course if your nostrils aren't flared or too wide they don't need to be reduced.  Good luck and enjoy your results.Jon A Perlman MD FACSCertified, Am Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, Am. Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)Beverly Hills, CA

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear roselie, A small percentage of patients have nostril reduction with rhinoplasty and this is discussed during the consultation phase. An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon always addresses function as well as aesthetics. My patients typically have improved breathing after surgery including patients with alar-plasty. A perfect nose is one that naturally balances the patients facial aesthetics and is fully functional. This is always strived for in each rhinoplasty surgery. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

If the size of nostrils are reduced, will breathing get bad?

Answers (9)

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