Can crooked nasal bones cause breathing issues even if the septum is straight?

Question

Hello, I broke my nose and didn’t get it fixed on time and I am facing some breathing difficulties, I have also done an scanner of my nose and the doctors say that my septum is straight. I was wondering if the nasal bones are crooked could they be the cause for my breathing problems ? Thank you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The internal nasal valve consists of the septum, the turbinate, and the upper lateral cartilage. The external nasal valve consists primarily of the lower lateral cartilages. In that regard, when you broke your nose, I have a feeling that some of the cartilaginous portion of your nose might have been displaced and could be causing nasal obstruction. The best way to get this evaluated would be to visit a reputable rhinoplasty specialist or otolaryngologist. Thank you for this question, and I hope it helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hi, It is better for you to consult with your facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and give you opinion based on examination. Septum, nasal turbinates and lateral wall of the nose; all can cause breathing issues.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. There are many different reasons to have breathing problems after surgery, including a deviated septum, internal nasal valve collapse, and numerous other reasons. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your nasal airway is determined by the relationship of your nasal bones to your septum.
If your septum is straight and the nasal bone is not then it can constrict your airway.
The best way to assess your nasal airway is white and direct visual examination.
 Plastic surgeons who have ear nose and throat backgrounds may have a slight upper edge on assessments and potential treatment for patient who have airway obstruction as well as need for cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery.
I generally encourage people to get nasal fractures reduced ASAP after the injury.
In my opinion, the sooner you do it the better the outcome will be even if it requires doing it in the office with local anesthesia.
Reducing a basic nasal fracture only takes a second.
The bones want to reign in the original anatomic location.
Once the bones are healed in malalignment, they don’t want to go back to where they were sitting before.
That doesn’t mean it’s not possible to reset the nasal bones at a later date.
It’s simply much better to do it right away.
At this point, I recognize your outside of that window.
Should’ve ever happen again get help ASAP.
If you’re truly having airway obstruction, then your rhinoplasty surgery may potentially be covered by medical insurance.
Some plastic surgeons except insurance reimbursement and some do not.
Providers who have certification in facial plastic surgery typically have a background in ENT or ear nose and throat surgery.
In my opinion, they have a slight advantage in their experience with managing airway obstruction compared to plastic surgeons who typically have a general surgery background.
In the end, it’s the actual skill and experience of the provider that matters and most plastic surgeons or facial plastic surgeons should be able to take care of you.
If you’re nasal breathing has changed and is no longer as easy as it used to be then it sounds like you have some airway obstruction.
Good luck,
Matt Hagstrom MD

George Lefkovits, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

There can be several causes for nasal breathing difficulty with septal deviation being only one of them. Other causes include displaced nasal bones, internal and external nasal valve malfunction, turbinate enlargement and allergies. You need to consult with  Board Certified plastic surgeon with lots of experience performing nasal surgery.

Can crooked nasal bones cause breathing issues even if the septum is straight?

Answers (5)

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