Question: Hi Dr. Naderi, I have had a septoplasty in the past; however my septum has redeviated to the right side again. I also had a turbinoplasty but a turbinate in my left nostril is now blocking most of my nasal pasage. I went to an ENT doctor and he said that if I get another septoplasty that my nose may collapse because my anterior cartilage is the only structural support I have left and he said that I should do another turbinoplasty. I was wondering if I should consult a plastic surgeon instead and if there is actually something that can be done so that I can breathe better? Do you any advice on how to find a honest plastic surgeon?
Answer: Hi,
An ENT surgeon or a Facial Plastic Surgeon with previous ENT surgery training is who you want rather than a cosmetic plastic surgeon who will know very little if anything at all about the inside of your nose or your breathing.
Revision septoplasty can be done but it depends on the extent of surgery you had before. It is very complex and difficult and cartilage may need to be added or replaced to support your nose to prevent collapse. Reduction of turbinates is a relatively easy procedure and if the inferior turbinates are too big then your breathing should improve with turbinate reduction. There are other causes of nasal airway obstruction as well that need to be evaluated and sometimes, the reality is that there are limitations to surgery.
