My nostrils are collapsing when breathe in post rhino, and the space between each nostrils is narrower. Can it be fixed?

Question

I am a week post op after a rhinoplasty I can breathe when I flare my nostrils but when I don't I can't breathe and my nostrils collapse, there very thin now than they used to be, how long do I have to wait before I can use a nasal dilator and how would I get this fixed in the long run?

Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you probably had a reductive rhinoplasty with cartilage excision. As you noticed, this can lead to a pinched tip with nasal valve collapse. The key in rhinoplasty is cartilage preservation, repositioning, and strengthening through grafting in my opinion to aesthetically improve the nasal appearance and at the same time improve nasal breathing. Although you are only 1 week after surgery, which is nothing in terms of healing, it is rather unlikely that this will improve without a revision procedure (which most surgeons won't consider until 12 months post-OP although exceptions to this exist). Typically, nasal valve collapse worsens as time goes on, rather than getting better. Keep in mind, though, that it is difficult to determine what happened without having seen pictures, examined you, and knowing what was exactly done in your surgery. I suggest you see your surgeon to discuss this with her or him. For the time being, I suggest you adhere to the post-OP instructions you received and don't do anything unless approved by your surgeon. Make sure your surgeon performs cartilage grafting from the septum and possibly ear or rib. Best of luck!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Follow up with your Plastic Surgeon.  A revision may be needed.  Without seeing your before and after photos, it is impossible to know exactly what was done in your procedure.  Based on the information you have given, it sound like too much cartilage was excised which may have caused a pinched tip.  This will cause the symptoms you described.  Best wishes to you!

My nostrils are collapsing when breathe in post rhino, and the space between each nostrils is narrower. Can it be fixed?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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My nostrils are collapsing when breathe in post rhino, and the space between each nostrils is narrower. Can it be fixed?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.