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: Rhinoplasty surgery and breathing better Dear Kathysume,The Kotler nasal airway is one of a few different options to help the nose heal on the insideNo matter what you place inside the nose, it usually gets a little stopped up, and you can breathe through your mouthIn addition, it is important to see a rhinoplasty specialist who can also open the inside of your nose because typical rhinoplasty surgery is aimed at making the nose smallerIf you do not open the nasal airways at the same time, you may have breathing issues that you did not have before surgeryWhen you are ready, visit a few rhinoplasty surgeons who can address all of your concernsBest,Nima Shemirani
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Answer: Rhinoplasty surgery and breathing better Dear Kathysume,The Kotler nasal airway is one of a few different options to help the nose heal on the insideNo matter what you place inside the nose, it usually gets a little stopped up, and you can breathe through your mouthIn addition, it is important to see a rhinoplasty specialist who can also open the inside of your nose because typical rhinoplasty surgery is aimed at making the nose smallerIf you do not open the nasal airways at the same time, you may have breathing issues that you did not have before surgeryWhen you are ready, visit a few rhinoplasty surgeons who can address all of your concernsBest,Nima Shemirani
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November 12, 2014
Answer: Rhinoplasty and breathing performance after surgery Your ability to breathe nasally will be impacted to some degree over the short term after rhinoplasty - the hope is that the operation actually helps your breathing and not diminishes it.
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November 12, 2014
Answer: Rhinoplasty and breathing performance after surgery Your ability to breathe nasally will be impacted to some degree over the short term after rhinoplasty - the hope is that the operation actually helps your breathing and not diminishes it.
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November 12, 2014
Answer: Not being able to breathe after nasal surgery...what can I do? It is very unusual for someone to not be able to breathe through their nose after surgery. Congestion is very common but total obstruction of the nose would be rare. Splints and flexible airways can be used but it is important to ensure that anything placed inside your nostrils is not so large that it distorts the nose while you're healing. Ask your surgeon for their thoughts on this issue. I am pretty sure they will offer a plan that can reassure you. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon
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November 12, 2014
Answer: Not being able to breathe after nasal surgery...what can I do? It is very unusual for someone to not be able to breathe through their nose after surgery. Congestion is very common but total obstruction of the nose would be rare. Splints and flexible airways can be used but it is important to ensure that anything placed inside your nostrils is not so large that it distorts the nose while you're healing. Ask your surgeon for their thoughts on this issue. I am pretty sure they will offer a plan that can reassure you. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon
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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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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
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
