Should I have breathing problems after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Breathing difficulty through the nose can be secondary to anatomical or physiological causes. After rhinoplasty, common anatomical causes can included problems with the septum, internal valves, external valves, turbinates or scar tissue. These areas can be both addressed during surgery to improve airflow but can also be negatively impacted by surgery to worsen nasal airway obstruction. Physiological causes such as allergic rhinitis are best managed with medication. You would benefit from evaluation by a board certified surgeon that performs both revision rhinoplasty and functional airway surgery.

Breathing problems may be due to a number of issues. An exam would be necessary to give you the best advice. Answers to the following questions would help:1) How long has it been since your last surgery?2) Do you have allergies or any other known issues that have affected your breathing in the past?I would recommend following up with your surgeon for reassessment. Residual deviated septum may be a cause, as well as many other possibilities. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Dear Fred,It depends on what is causing your issuesAllergies can be a big cause of nasal obstruction that surgery can help, but may not be able to fix completelyI would see a couple of ENT or rhinoplasty specialists for an examBest regards,Nima Shemirani

Common reasons for breathing getting worse after a rhinoplasty include nasal valve weakness that was not recognized before surgery, a persistent deviation of the nasal septum, allergies, and removal of a large amount of cartilage from the nasal tip.  Also, some people just become more aware of their nasal breathing after surgery and are bothered by small differences from side to side that did not bother them before surgery.  You should be evaluated by a facial plastic surgeon, an ear, nose and throat surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty.  I have attached a link that might be helpful.