Is there a risk of developing Empty Nose Syndrome after a rhinoplasty (without septoplasty/turbinate reduction)?

Question

Hello, I just found out from some people who ONLY had Rhinoplasty (without septoplasty and/or turbinate reduction) that they still ended up with Empty-Nose Syndrome. Now I’m very scared to have it done on me..is that really possible?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Empty nose syndrome is rare even after turbinectomy. If you are not having tubinectomy  your risk of empty nose is extremely low

Zachary Farhood, MD · Answer

This seems highly unlikely if the turbinates were untouched. Empty nose syndrome is due to over aggressive reduction of the turbinates, which function to warm, humidify, and regulate nasal airflow. They contain airflow receptors on their lining and if they are over reduced, although air will flow through the nose, the patient will not be able to sense it. This is quite rare nowadays as surgeons recognize how important the turbinates are but if it does happen there is little that can be done to help it.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

This is very rare condition that is not yet well defined as a medical condition. To my knowledge, there is no close relation with routine rhinoplasty; it seem to be more related to extensive turbinectomy, septoplasty, repeated surgery, etc. Hope this helps.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Empty nose syndrome after rhinoplasty: I have never had a case of empty nose syndrome after a rhinoplasty, nor have I ever heard of a patient developing empty nose syndrome after a standard rhinoplasty without septal work or turbinate reduction. I can’t imagine how or why that would occur.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is impossible do you get empty nose syndrome from rhinoplasty procedure. Empty nose syndrome is when too much turbinate tissue has been removed inside the back of the nose. Empty nose syndrome does not occur with the septoplasty either.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Having performed several thousand rhinoplasties, an Empty Nose Syndrome would be highly umlikely without a septoplasty and turbinate surgery.

I would suggest that you find a surgeon certified by the American Board of American Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, M.D., FACS

La Jolla, California

Is there a risk of developing Empty Nose Syndrome after a rhinoplasty (without septoplasty/turbinate reduction)?

Answers (6)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

How long should I keep my silicone nostril retainer after rhinoplasty?

What activities in rhinoplasty are needed to get similar results? (Photo)

Is the nose bone broken during open/closed Rhinoplasty?

Tightening skin prior to rhinoplasty?

19 months post op, can injections help polly beak deformity? If so, where can I do them. (photos)

Can't breathe well from left side of nose. What can be done for breathing issues/asymmetrical nose? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS