Can boxers get perfect nasal breathing back?

Question

I boxed back in the day and broke my nose 3 times. The shape still looks good. However, I never had breathing problems before I boxed. My nose was perfectly clear and 100% straight. Now, my nose feels like the inside is collapsing and I constantly have to sniff to breathe. It just feels like it's totally crushed on the inside...more than deviated septum. I don't even remember what it's look to breathe normally, but I know I REALLY want to. Will I ever be able to breathe normally again?

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Trauma to the nose causes enlargement of the nasal bone and makes it looks wider. After nasal and septal fracture, the nose loses its support and if you apply a pressure on the tip it can easily touch the upper lips. In this case, where there is no nasal support, the tip of the nose will drop as you age. By the Closed and Atraumatic Technique your breathing issues can be fixed and the whole appearance can be rehabilitated. Thanks to this technique the level of swelling and bruises will be minimal, the healing will be faster and the tissue damage will be prevented. To find out more please click on the attached link.Best regards

Wayne F. Larrabee, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
To echo the former response, it is absolutely possible to improve your nasal breathing! The structure of the nose is fairly complex, and when it comes to nasal obstruction there are multiple sites which may be contributing to your symptoms - including the septum (*not just the portion you can see, but also higher up and further back), inferior turbinates along the floor of the nose, internal nasal valve and external nasal valve, and nasal bones. After multiple traumatic events to your nose, it is likely that the problem is not isolated, but rather involves several different areas. We have surgical techniques to address each of these different problem areas, and collectively improve nasal airflow. However, given the number of times your nose has been injured, it is likely that the structural support is compromised and that there is a lot of scar tissue, which may make surgery more challenging and a perfect result unrealistic. This is not to say that we cannot greatly improve your breathing though.
In order to determine the root cause of your symptoms and come up with a surgical plan, I would recommend a consultation appointment with a facial plastic surgeon at which time they can discuss options and realistic outcome goals.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

Improving the function of the nose is absolutely possible.  In situations of multiple trauma, such as boxers and MMA fighters, the damage may be to a degree that complete correction is impossible.  It sounds as though the structure of your nose is mostly intact however so the place to start is by consulting with an experienced nasal surgeon to assess your options.

Can boxers get perfect nasal breathing back?

Answers (3)

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.

Can boxers get perfect nasal breathing back?

Answers (3)

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.