I'm 6 months post rhinoplasty and I can't breath. What's wrong? (Photo)

Question

I am 6 months post rhinoplasty i cant breath and my nose is crooked with pinching either side can someone give me their opinion on what is wrong and how it can be fixed

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Need Help,Sorry to hear about your breathing difficulties.  When I evaluate patients with your symptoms after rhinoplasty, I evaluate the nose inside and out.  If the lower lateral cartilages (the cartilage that supports the nostril) have been weakened then they need to be supported, if the internal nasal valves have been weakened then spreader grafts are used, if the septum is deviated then it needs to be straightened   Many times I am able to shrink the inferior nasal turbinates (inside the lateral side wall of the nose) with non-invasive radio frequency energy which results in improved nasal breathing.  You need to be evaluated and examined by any expert nasal surgeon.  Good luck and be well.Michael Persky, MDEncino, CA

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Airway obstruction after rhinoplasty with a crooked nose? The septal deviation and or scarring in the valve areas is what is probably giving you your nasal obstruction. Return to your surgeon for an examination and if still dissatisfied see a very experienced revision rhinoplasty specialist.

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

There are many factors that can produce obstruction following surgery. From swelling to ,loss of support in key valve areas to narrowing to septal deviations. You should bring this concern up to your surgeon. If unsatisfied with his response, you could always get a second opinion from someone who specializes in rhinoplasty revisions.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Your picture seems to indicate that you are a young person, so I am attaching a video to assist you in taking care of your skin at an early age. Before you become too concerned, understand two components. 1) It
actually takes up to one full year for the nose to completely heal.2) Research and my experience indicate that about ten percent of Rhinoplasty patients will seek a second revisional or refinement procedure. That said, I suggest you schedule a follow-up appointment with the board certified facial plastic surgeon who performed your Rhinoplasty operation. Your surgeon has the best insight into your complications because he/she walked with you along your journey from consultation to operation.

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell from pictures alone what the cause of your breathing obstruction could be. One thing that I can gather from your picture is that the pinched appearance is a result of either over-resection of the tip cartilages or over rotation of the cartilages so that they are not providing the adequate support you need when you breath deeply. The sidewalls are likely collapsing when you breath deeply due to the lack of support. Not only do you have a pinched appearance but from the front it looks like there is some retraction of the rim of your nostrils also known as alar retraction. Again, this is usually due to lack of support or overrotation (cephalic positioning) of the cartilages. Additionally, you could also have narrowing of the nasal valves inside your nose which cannot be gathered from a picture but needs to be determined through an in-person examination. The septum could also be crooked and this can only be determined through an exam.

Ivo Gwanmesia, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to learn that you are having difficulty breathing after your procedure. You need to see your surgeon as a matter of urgency. He needs to examine the inside of your nose for the following:- a deviated septum, excessive scarring, large inferior turbinates, and internal valve collapse.Hope that helps.Kind regards,Ivo

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

You need a consultation to determine whether the nasal bones or the nasal tip is crooked. This can be corrected. In addition, you may have alar pinching which is also correctable. Please make a consultation to give you definitive recommendations.

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

Thank you for you question but a full examination is needed.  So see your surgeon or get a second opinion from experts in your areaDr Corbin

I'm 6 months post rhinoplasty and I can't breath. What's wrong? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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