Could a deviated septum and overgrown turbinate cause difficulty breathing & a brain freeze feeling when breathing in? (Photo)

Question

I was told by my ENT that my septum is deviated and that the turbinate has grown into that space. Its difficult to breathe especially when I exercise and work (work in healthcare and wear a mask). I feel like I'm getting a "brain freeze" sometimes, is this because of the turbinate? I also find i get a lot of redness around my nose and sores within my nostrils. Would a septoplasty help fix these issues? Also, I am unhappy with the appearance of my nose & interested in a rhinoplasty as well.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.The harmony between facial parts makes us instinctively recognize the beauty... without knowing it, without defining it, just a perception that surprises and captivates us.In this regard, I suggest perform a Closed Rhinoplasty (without visible scars) to treat the tip, base and nasal bridge.With this procedure you get a delicate nose, better harmonize with your other facial features.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty to address the size and shape of your nose and improve your breathing should help you address your concerns. You have to understand that there is no such thing as the “perfect” nose. As rhinoplasty surgeons, we are able to improve the structure and function of the nose to address specific issues you have with how your nose looks and and how well you can breathe. Perfect symmetry does not exist in nature. Attempts to improve the symmetry of your nose should be aimed at achieving an improvement in your asymmetry to the point where it is no longer very noticeable. If you look carefully enough, you will always be able to find imperfections. The goal is a normal looking nose that is in harmony with the rest of your anatomy.

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

A septoplasty is likely to improve the breathing and often helps the sinus headaches and even migraine headaches that start from behind the eyes. It is often a simple, 30 minutes procedure under general anesthesia.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A deviated septum can often be made straighter, but it might not become perfectly straight because the cartilage has memory.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A Cosmetic rhinoplasty and functional nasal surgery are two completely separate operations, but both can be performed at same time under the same anesthetic with a same recovery period. Expect  to pay for the cosmetic component yourself,  and the functional  breathing component surgery can be billed to patient's medical insurance, once medical necessity has been documented.

Could a deviated septum and overgrown turbinate cause difficulty breathing & a brain freeze feeling when breathing in? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Deviated septum

Answer: Deviated septum

Answer: Rhinoplasty for cosmetic surgery and septoplasty/ turbinate surgery for breathing

Answer: Rhinoplasty for cosmetic surgery and septoplasty/ turbinate surgery for breathing

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.

Could a deviated septum and overgrown turbinate cause difficulty breathing & a brain freeze feeling when breathing in? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Deviated septum

Answer: Deviated septum

Answer: Rhinoplasty for cosmetic surgery and septoplasty/ turbinate surgery for breathing

Answer: Rhinoplasty for cosmetic surgery and septoplasty/ turbinate surgery for breathing

Browse related questions

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.