In rhinoplasty, do osteotomies or hump removal endanger my breathing?

Question

I've read about patients undergoing breathing or valve problems when shifting, rapsing, or removing bone matter. Is there a different in risk between osteotomies and hump removal? How can breathing be preserved when bone is altered or a nasal tip is narrowed?

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear Sukie123In general, in basic terms, changes to the lower half of your external nose can impact your breathing. This area includes the internal and external nasal valve. The rest of your nasal airway primarily is impacted by your nasal septum and nasal turbinates. It is changes in these areas that can improve or worsen your breathing through the nose.Breathing is preserved by maintaining the structural integrity of these areas.

Giancarlo Zuliani, MD · Answer

To answer your question simply, yes rhinoplasty can do this. This is especially true during reductive rhinoplasty with a large hump takedown. Improper technique during osteotomies can also impinge on the nasal airway. There are techniques to help prevent this and a surgeon well versed in both cosmetic and functional airway surgery would help you in this process. Good luck to you!!

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Wow! You're going about this all wrong. Choose a very competent surgeon's noses you like and do not worry about such things.in 35 years I've had no problem with any of the issues you're describing.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

Theoretically anytime you undergo rhinoplasty surgery there could be a risk to nasal breathing if the surgery is not done correctly.  While that risk is limited in hump removal, osteotomies can cause breathing problems if the bone is not set correctly during your surgery.  The best recommendation is to consult with a board certified specialist in rhinoplasty who can assist you with achieving the results you seek. 3-dimensional computer imaging can also help you visualize what you may look like afterwards and serve as an important communication tool with your surgeon.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Osteotomies and comparable are not performed in the area of the bridge where the airflow is maximized. Performing osteotomies hump removal should not have any bearing on breathing through the nose.

In rhinoplasty, do osteotomies or hump removal endanger my breathing?

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty and Breathing Problems

Answer: Rhinoplasty and Breathing Problems

Answer: Osteotomies and hump removal should not endanger breathing

Answer: Osteotomies and hump removal should not endanger breathing

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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In rhinoplasty, do osteotomies or hump removal endanger my breathing?

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty and Breathing Problems

Answer: Rhinoplasty and Breathing Problems

Answer: Osteotomies and hump removal should not endanger breathing

Answer: Osteotomies and hump removal should not endanger breathing

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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.