I've wanted a rhinoplasty for years but I'm claustrophobic and the thought of not being able to breathe after surgery terrifies me. I read about the Kotler nasal airway and wanted to know if anyone had feedback about it.
Answer: Claustrophobia after nasal surgery Nasal congestion is common after rhinoplasty. This rarely causes insurmountable issues once everything is thoroughly explained to the patient by the PS. One thing is however important to pay attention to is that any concurrent septal deviation or other intra nasal obstruction, potential or existing, is also addressed.
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Answer: Claustrophobia after nasal surgery Nasal congestion is common after rhinoplasty. This rarely causes insurmountable issues once everything is thoroughly explained to the patient by the PS. One thing is however important to pay attention to is that any concurrent septal deviation or other intra nasal obstruction, potential or existing, is also addressed.
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April 21, 2016
Answer: Rhinoplasty and claustrophia Hello Kathysume,All patients dislike the sensation after surgery when they have restricted nasal breathing. Previously many surgeons would fully pack the nose with gauze strips. This would fully occlude the nose until the gauze was removed.Now, the septal leaflets are often quilted to each other with suture and/or splints are used. I used both to maximize the nasal airway as it heals. However, despite using nasal splints like Kotlers or Doyles, you will still be a lot more stuffy for about a week, then you were before surgery (there are some exceptions to this), and sometimes the splints get blocked by crusts or clots. The sensation would be like having a cold where you have a stuffy nose that will last until the splints are removed usually 5-7 days later.I believe that when I tell my patients the above information, they seem to be fine postoperatively since they know what to expect.Good luck.Michael M. Kim, MD
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April 21, 2016
Answer: Rhinoplasty and claustrophia Hello Kathysume,All patients dislike the sensation after surgery when they have restricted nasal breathing. Previously many surgeons would fully pack the nose with gauze strips. This would fully occlude the nose until the gauze was removed.Now, the septal leaflets are often quilted to each other with suture and/or splints are used. I used both to maximize the nasal airway as it heals. However, despite using nasal splints like Kotlers or Doyles, you will still be a lot more stuffy for about a week, then you were before surgery (there are some exceptions to this), and sometimes the splints get blocked by crusts or clots. The sensation would be like having a cold where you have a stuffy nose that will last until the splints are removed usually 5-7 days later.I believe that when I tell my patients the above information, they seem to be fine postoperatively since they know what to expect.Good luck.Michael M. Kim, MD
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