Have you been experiencing nasal congestion since undergoing rhinoplasty? The nose can take a long time to fully heal after rhinoplasty, and some patients experience swelling and nasal congestion that lasts for several months. But can rhinoplasty also affect breathing.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the shape or appearance of the nose, but it can also be done for functional reasons, e.g. to straighten a deviated septum, or repair an injury.
Can Rhinoplasty Affect Breathing
Unfortunately, some patients may experience difficulty breathing after undergoing rhinoplasty. This problem can occur if too much cartilage is removed during the operation. Nasal cartilage provides structure and support for the nose, so removing too much of it can cause the nostrils to collapse when breathing in.
Breathing problems after rhinoplasty can be corrected by restoring those areas weakened by the loss of cartilage. This involves grafting cartilage taken from inside the nose or behind the ear, into specially created pockets in the nose (learn more).
The operation to correct breathing problems after rhinoplasty is a simple procedure that will not affect the shape of the nose.
Choosing your rhinoplasty surgeon
Rhinoplasty is a challenging procedure that should be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, who fully understands the functional and cosmetic components of the procedure.
In order to get the best outcome, patients should choose a board certified ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon, who is also trained in facial plastic surgery. The surgeon should also be known for providing excellent rhinoplasty results.
Are you experiencing breathing problems after rhinoplasty? It’s important to have an evaluation done by an otolaryngologist. If you are in the Raleigh & Durham, NC areas, contact Dr. Adam Stein of Stein Plastic Surgery for a consultation.
You can reach Dr. Stein at www.facialdoc.com, or by calling (919) 585-5777.