How Likely is It to Develop Empty Nose Syndrome After Rhinoplasty W/septoplasty and Turbinectomy? What Can I Do to Avoid ENS?

The volume of the nasal turbinates can be safely reduced to improve breathing, but the key is to not remove the overlying mucous membranes. Turbinate reduction, as it's called,  is achieved through several different means and should not lead to ENS. In fact, I've never seen that occur with merely turbinate reduction.

Turbinectomy (removing a turbinate), on the other hand, is what can lead to Empty Nose Syndrome and should be avoided.

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty by themselves do not lead to ENS, either.

Bottom line: discuss with your surgeon whether the plan is to remove the turbinates or simply reduce them.

All the best,

--DCP

Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

    This would be extremely unlikely and reflects more on historical procedures.

 

 

Kenneth Hughes, MD

Los Angeles, CA

  Empty nose syndrome should not occur after a rhinoplasty or septoplasty. It usually occurs  when too much inferior or middle turbinates have been resected.