Permanent stuffy nose after rhinoplasty - what can be done?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty done in 2019 and ever since the procedure, i have had a permanent stuffy nose. I am now a loud breather and sometimes have to breathe through my mouth cause my nostrils are so clogged. I am perfectly healthy but my nose is just clogged up. It feels like the insides of my nose are swolen and wont let air in. I dont know what to do about it and just want to breathe normally again.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. From the question you asked, you might have a deviation in your nose. Maybe you have always but after the rhinoplasty it will be more effect your daily life. If you can provide photos from under your nostrils, from the side of your face and 1 meter away I would be able to make a proper evaluation. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best Regards!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your narrative, you require an examination to figure out why you are having difficulty breathing through your nose after rhinoplasty surgery. Sometimes this can be a turbinate problem which is easy to fix, and sometimes this can be a structural problem which may require additional surgery. Wishing you well. Dr Joseph

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hello,
There are multiple reasons for nasal obstruction after rhinoplasty surgery. Some of them are structural that can be addressed with further surgery, and some are related to the mucosal lining of your nose being hyper reactive. Consulting with a facial plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist is the best way to find out the underlying problem and treating it.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I’ve seen this occur and usually it’s because your turbinates are enlarged. An examination by a nasal surgeon should tell the story. I often reduce the turbinates to avoid this problem. Very simple procedure with minimal risk

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is one of the most variable procedures in terms of surgical technique, so it is impossible to tell exactly what was done without an operative report. However, many "reduction" type rhinoplasty procedures focus on removing the cartilage from the dorsum of the nose, which can weaken or obstruct the airway. I would see a board certified plastic surgeon or ENT and bring your old operative reports to see if anything can be done to correct this breathing problem, as there most likely are a few surgical maneuvers that can help.

Permanent stuffy nose after rhinoplasty - what can be done?

Answers (5)