Spreader grafts & internal nasal valve collapse after minor bump to the face?

Question

Hi - after minor bump in the face I began having issues breathing from one nostril. In addition to hypertrophied turbinate on that side I have mild static internal nasal valve collapse. Most drs I consulted w/say try reducing turbinate but one suggested surgery w/spreader graft. Love nose cosmetically and I'm extremely worried any surgery would widen the nose which some drs have said but this one says no. Desperate to breathe, but worried. What to do?

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Addressing breathing issues is actually one of the most common reasons people seek out and undergo a rhinoplasty. An open rhinoplasty can best address both the functional issues and any potential aesthetic concerns with your nose. I would be able to open up and reinforce your internal and external nasal valves (with multiple grafts, including spreader grafts) to improve the airflow through your nose! I rarely perform turbinate reduction, since I feel spreader grafts (in the right hands) are much more effective at improving airflow- and when created and placed properly, they do not widen the nose. Unfortunately, most surgeons just aren't able to do them properly and they end up creating wider noses.

This truly a surgery of millimeters- and whether you're looking for a minor adjustment or a major transformation, it requires exceptional surgical skill to achieve functional and natural-looking results! Because your nose is the DEFINING feature of your face- I would only recommend seeing a surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty procedures, and who has significant training and experience performing these surgeries. I actually trained under one of the world leading rhinoplasty experts (who performs 1,000+ nosejobs annually).

I recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with rhinoplasties) to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate your options, and develop a personalized plan just for you. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you spray a topical decongestant in your nose on the side that is obstructed, that would mimic the effects of a turbinate reduction. Since that would not change the appearance of your nose, and would be minimal inconvenience and downtime, a trial with a topical decongestant for several days may be helpful. Wishing you well moving forward! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

If you just had internal nasal work, such as a turbinate reduction procedure, you are likely to have a fair amount of improvement in your breathing. I usually say you might get like a good maybe 50-60% improvement from that alone. That might be enough for you. However, we also usually say if you want the "maximum" improvement, that would involve treating your nasal valves as well. Spreader grafts can widen your nose but you could either ask for thinner spreaders and/or recessed spreaders, which will make less of an impact on the width of the nose. At worst, you could always do the turbinates first and then only if it's not enough improvement go for the other as they won't impact each other.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The turbinate can be reduced easily in one setting.  If that does not solve your problem then you have an internal nasal valve collapse on one side and that will be repaired by a cartilage graft.  The turbinate will not cosmetically change the nose but the cartilage graft may.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Do the turbinectomy  only and see how it works. I do turbinectomies routinely and they work great. I’m not a big believe in spreader grafts. I think they are overused and unnecessary in many cases

Spreader grafts & internal nasal valve collapse after minor bump to the face?

Answers (5)

Answer: Turbinate reduction or internal nasal valve collapse

Answer: Turbinate reduction or internal nasal valve collapse

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Spreader grafts & internal nasal valve collapse after minor bump to the face?

Answers (5)

Answer: Turbinate reduction or internal nasal valve collapse

Answer: Turbinate reduction or internal nasal valve collapse

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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.