How to fix breathing problems after bad rhinoplasty?

Question

Had rhinoplasty in 2016. Since then have constant need to swallow phlegm and breathing trouble. If I scrunch my face up (so that the nostrils widen) it temporarily opens the airwaves a bit, but i can feel the inside of the nose 'collapse' shortly after.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The fix is dependent upon what is currently causing your nasal obstruction. If your turbinates are large, a turbinate reduction may be a relatively "easy fix". If your obstruction is from too much cartilage removed from your tip, revision surgery with lower lateral cartilage grafting, or spreader grafting may be necessary. Please consider consulting with another reputable rhinoplasty specialist. Thank you. Dr Joseph

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your questions and photographs. It's not obvious based on the photos provided what is causing the problems. The answer would likely depend on what is found during an examination for the inside of the nose. Common problems would be deviated nasal septum or nasal valve collapse. Although, there could be complications on the inside of the nose, such as scarring (or synechia) that could obstruct nasal breathing. The issue could also be medical, such as allergy or nasal polyps. An in person exam is the next step. As an aside, you do not appear (at least not based on these photos) to have had an esthetically bad rhinoplasty result. Keep in mind that upwards of 15% of all patients that have a primary rhinoplasty might require some revision surgery - either due to problems with breathing or problems with the shape of the nose. I hope things get better for you. Thank you again for sharing your questions and photos. Best wishes, Dr. Harmych

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

Nasal obstruction can be multi-factorial with both structural and functional components. An in office examination would be recommended prior to discussing tailored treatment options.

Joseph Shvidler, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear that you are having breathing problems. Your nose produces several liters of mucous to help keep the air moist. If you have normal breathing through your nose, mucous evaporates and there is not as much to drain back. If you have an altered anatomy with a narrow passageway, there is an insufficient airflow in your nose to match the mucous production which is usually constant. As a result, you may be feeling more mucous draining back. In order to fix that, you may need to widen your nasal passages. This is usually performed with placement of spreader grafts to increase airway and batan grafts to help reduce collapse.

How to fix breathing problems after bad rhinoplasty?

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