I had a septoplasty surgery in June 2014, not happy with outcome. How long should I wait to correct this problem again?

Question

I had a septoplasty surgery in June of 2014 to correct what another doctor had done. My nose became very narrow on the left side of my nose (it wasn't narrow before). After this surgery my nose still feels the same,blocked on one side. I'm not happy at all with the surgery, Because of this I keep getting migraines almost everyday, feeling tired because I'm mouth breathing all day. So I wanted to know how long should I wait before trying to correct this problem again? Thank you!

Bryan Friedman, DO · Answer

I know that nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing can be very troubling.    The thin portion of your nose may correspond to your internal nasal valve, that is the area of most resistance to nasal breathing.   A spreader graft may improve the thinness you describe as well as open up the collapsed valve.  Additional the lateral sides of your nose have structures called turbinates that also may be obstructing your breathing.   There are various modalities of treatment to help with your troubles.  I suggest seeking an ENT doctor who may be able to help youregards

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Sue in Sterling Heights, MI:Sorry you didn’t have better luck when
you had your surgery done in June. If the nose is not satisfactory on the outside, you may indeed need a revision
rhinoplasty. If it's possible, you might be
able to receive some help with a non-operative revision rhinoplasty, but those
decisions need to sit on a back burner until a minimum of six months after
surgery, because that's how long it takes for everything to settle down and
for nature to have completed the basic healing or welding process. Regarding the blockage: that's
an issue that will also have to be addressed. It's not good if you are getting headaches and may be possible
the internal procedure could even be done a little sooner.You would have to have evaluation by someone
very skilled, experienced and highly specialized in rhinoplasty,
septoplasty, and all cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to make an evaluation about the optimal time. Or at least the minimum waiting period would be for
you to have correction of the internal problems.It is no fun to have headaches.    *Have you discussed the matter with your surgeon?    *What is the surgeon’s timetable?    *What does the surgeon think would have to be done?   *Does the surgeon have a game plan to correct your problem?These are the questions you should ask. If you have any doubts or
uncertainties that are not dispelled by re-consultation with your surgeon, then
it is very appropriate to have a second opinion by another surgeon who “majors”
in nasal surgery, both cosmetic and functional.When you go for your consultation, be sure to bring all your
records.That would include the
operative report, preoperative photographs and, of course, a copy of the
doctor’s chart notes or medical records.Your surgeon’s office will be glad to make those available to you.

Sanaz Harirchian, MD · Answer

Hi sue113. Sorry to hear you are having such issues. There are many reasons to account for problems breathing through the nose. There can be anatomic blockage, either from a deviated nasal septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse. In addition, the lining of the nose can be inflamed from allergies, blocking the airway. I would recommend evaluation with a nasal specialist to try to clarify exactly what is causing your breathing issue. Good luck. Best, Dr H

I had a septoplasty surgery in June 2014, not happy with outcome. How long should I wait to correct this problem again?

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I had a septoplasty surgery in June 2014, not happy with outcome. How long should I wait to correct this problem again?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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