Will I be able to breathe after rhinoplasty surgery?

Question

I have cosmetic and functional concerns about my nose. I require rhinoplasty/septoplasty however I get horrible anxiety and panic attacks that affect my breathing. When I am sick and feel pressure in my sinuses that is accompanied with complete nasal airway blockage, I panic. Subsequent to my surgery, is this what I will experience? Or will I be able to breathe even slightly through my nose? Thanks!

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hi, and thank you for your question regarding rhinoplasty and recovery. Most patients find breathing to be difficult after a rhinoplasty or septoplasty procedure. Even if your board-certified facial plastic surgeon does not use packing, your nasal passages will be swollen and an excess of mucus will further impede your breathing. However, using a nasal rinse as directed by your board-certified facial plastic surgeon several times a day can make breathing significantly easier during your recovery. Also, your board-certified facial plastic surgeon can administer a steroid shot in the surgical area to help further open your breathing passages. Schedule an in-person consultation with your board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss these options in more detail. Good luck with your rhinoplasty, and best of health. 
- Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Based on the fact that you are already struggling with your breathing, undergoing a  septorhinoplasty will hopefully help correct your current issues, allowing you to breathe better.  With this surgery, comes a recovery period that may include packing and difficulty breathing through your nose.  Without packing, you may still feel as if you are congested, however, I recommend to my patients that they use a saline rinse 4 times a day to help.  Best you share your concerns with your surgeon.Best of luck,Dr. Philip Solomon - Solomon Facial Plastic - Toronto, Canada

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we do not place any painful packing inside the nose, however the nose will still be very congested after a septoplasty or a rhinoplasty procedure. It is possible to perform a steroid shot on the internal portion of the nose at the time of the surgery under anesthesia to help prevent panic attacks.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some surgeons pack the nos for a few days. I do not usually have to pack people's nose after surgery. However because of swelling, it may be difficult to breathe through your  nose for several weeks.

Jay Calvert, MD, FACS · Answer

This can be an issue depending on how severe your nasal airway is obstructed right now.  The more work that needs to be done to open the airway, the more swelling that can be anticipated after surgery.  This will take some time to subside.  Managing the airway issues is not necessarily a problem, but it does have to be dealt with so that you can have an easy post-operative course.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Ask your surgeon if you will require nasal packs.  If so, these stay in for 2 to 4 days and require you to mouth breathe.  You will experience swelling on the inside of the nose as well as the outside.  It takes months for the swelling to subside and for you see the final result.  Discuss the surgery with the physician who is treating you for the anxiety and panic attacks prior to surgery for medical clearance.

Will I be able to breathe after rhinoplasty surgery?

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