Breathing after rhinoplasty

Your dreams of having a plastic surgery nose makeover come true, but do you have trouble breathing along with it? Let’s get to the bottom of this question.

Why Can’t You Breathe After a Nose Job?

There are several reasons why you can’t breathe from one nostril after rhinoplasty or a whole nose.

Swelling

Patients panic when they cannot breathe through their nose immediately after surgery. It is essential to understand that this is an entirely normal phenomenon that can accompany you for two weeks after surgery.

If you have severe breathing problems after rhinoplasty (even at the end of the recovery period), you should see Dr. Kadir for further consultation.

Postoperative Deviations of the Nasal Septum

Often a deviated septum is the reason for revision rhinoplasty. Changes in the external structure of the nose can affect the internal anatomy.

The new nasal pyramid is formed about a year after surgery. During this time, mouth breathing after rhinoplasty can arise for various reasons (non-compliance with rehabilitation rules by the patient, pressure from glasses, and even a slight bump).

Changes in the Nasal Mucosa

One common complication after rhinoplasty is mucosal adhesions. If the swelling of the septum and the lower turbinate after surgery is not promptly resolved and the patient or doctor does not pay attention to it, there is a high risk of adhesions.

The use of vasoconstrictor drops may also be the cause of the difficulty breathing after rhinoplasty. As a result, the nasal lumen decreases, and breathing becomes permanently obstructed. The problem can be prevented by following all the rehabilitation rules and regular hygienic nasal cleansing. If the adhesion has already formed, a corrective or repeated surgery must be performed to correct the situation and return normal breathing to the patient.

Preventive Methods and Further Rehabilitation

These advanced devices aid in more precise sculpting of the nasal structure to ensure that the finished product is to be more akin to the product the patient wants. They can also view a virtual image of the post-surgical nose, which enables a patient to set realistic expectations and hence feel more at ease with the procedure.

So When the Patient Can Eliminate Rhinoplasty Breathing Issues?

Patients also wonder, “when will I be able to breathe after rhinoplasty,” and this is an answer. Nasal breathing in the first week after rhinoplasty can be difficult, although this does not mean complete obstruction, as in the old days when bandages were used in the nostrils.

Breathing is partially impaired due to natural causes:

 

• External and internal edema (the most severe is external, which goes away after 7-10 days by 50-60%)
• Drying up of blood and blood vessels in the nasal cavity
• Dryness of the mucous membrane inside the nostrils as a reaction to trauma

 

In addition to bandages, the practice previously used traditional nose cast that disfigured the face and firmly squeezed the nose, preventing full nasal breathing. Currently, thin and flexible thermoplastic nasal plaster is used instead, and soft silicone splints with holes for air circulation are used for nasal passages. So you don’t have to be afraid that you can’t breathe after rhinoplasty.

Holes inside the silicone splints allow partial patient breathing and natural cleansing. Silicone splint removal is usually 2-3 days after surgery. So you will not have a problem such as a mouth breathing after rhinoplasty.

Psychological and Emotional Factors

Rhinoplasty represents both physical change and the emotional path taken. Patients need to be prepared for the psychological recovery that includes numerous factors, among which the following have to be pointed out:

Body Image Adjustment

Getting used to a new appearance isn’t easy. It’s expected that one would undergo all sorts of emotions during this period. Most people go through emotions, which are followed by others in series, from elation and relief to uncertainty and anxiety. This adjustment period is completely natural while getting used to your new look. Remember, it may take some time for your new image to integrate itself completely into your idea of self.

Support System

One needs a strong support network from family and friends. They are the people who can give a person emotional support, help them deal with negative emotions, and also offer practical help in recovery. Their support can be a big source of comfort and security when going through this change.

Professional Support

If at any point you may feel the onset of anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems as a result of your surgery, do not hesitate to seek out mental health professionals; therapists and counselors will help you with ways to overcome such feelings and maintain your emotional well-being in the process of healing.

Self-Care and Patience

Recovery takes great care. It encompasses living healthily, following all the instructions your surgeon will give you after your surgery, and giving your body and mind time to heal. This requires patience because the full rhinoplasty results can only be apparent after a number of months.

Managing Expectations

It becomes very important to have realistic expectations from a rhinoplasty procedure. One has to discuss their goals and concerns with the surgeon to make sure one goes into the procedure with proper knowledge regarding achievable results. This plays an important role in avoiding disappointment and will contribute to a satisfying experience.

Final Thoughts

If at any point one continues to have difficulty breathing beyond the initial recovery phase, he or she should see their surgeon to determine the cause and to initiate proper treatment. In the long term, breathing problems could be indicative of an underlying issue that will have to be surgically or medically corrected. Follow-up visits and communication can allow for complications to be treated properly and for achieving optimal aesthetic and functional results from one’s rhinoplasty.

Every patient recovers at a different pace; patience is therefore most important. Most patients can resume easy breathing and derive full benefits from their rhinoplasty surgery within no time if proper care and attention are accorded to them. If you have questions or concerns about your recovery process, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Kadir for individually-tailored advice and support.