Why can't I breathe after getting a rhinoplasty 10 months ago?

Question

It's been 10 months since I received a rhinoplasty. I still can't breathe fully through my nostrils and find myself taking big gasps of air every other moment. It's overwhelming. It just feels like it's stuffed but I have no mucus! I do feel I can breathe better when I'm laying down, getting ready to sleep. I can't go to my surgeon because he's in a different county. What are some reasons that's causing my breathing difficulties?

Cem Altindag, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for the question. An ENT (Otolaryngology) consultant should examine the nose (The first step) in detail. The second step might be nose -sinus coronal plan CT. According to the findings, a medical therapy (or rarely surgery) would be given. Regards. Cem Altindag. The Nose Clinic

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. While it is normal to experience difficulty in breathing after rhinoplasty (the inner lining of the nose may be swollen), it should only be temporary. In your case where you are still experiencing breathing problems at 10 months post-op, there may be other mechanical obstructions (e.g., a displaced bone or cartilage). To know for sure and to address the issue, I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon, particularly one with a strong rhinoplasty portfolio. Your surgeon can do a proper evaluation, determine the cause of your difficulty in breathing, recommend the best approach, and ensure the best possible outcome.

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Although an exam would be required to know for sure, most likely your nasal passages are narrowed, restricting your breathing. There are a few techniques that can be utilized to improve this, but it all depends on where the obstruction is occurring. Again, and exam would be the best way to determine this. Hope that helps, and all the best!
-Dr. P

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Stephanie,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Ten months is quite enough for postoperative swelling (which can compromise breathing) to resolve. It is very likely that some type of mechanical obstruction (narrow airway, spur, turbinate size, etc.)  creates current problem. This needs to be checked and appropriately addressed. For that reason, I would strongly advise you to see your original surgeon. Good luck.

Why can't I breathe after getting a rhinoplasty 10 months ago?

Answers (8)

Answer: Breathing issues

Answer: Breathing issues

Answer: Nose obstruction after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose obstruction after rhinoplasty

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Why can't I breathe after getting a rhinoplasty 10 months ago?

Answers (8)

Answer: Breathing issues

Answer: Breathing issues

Answer: Nose obstruction after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose obstruction after rhinoplasty

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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.