Can A Septorhinoplasty Result in Improved Breathing as well as A Better Nasal Shape?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have some septorhinoplasty questions:

a. A desired outcome of this procedure is improved breathing. You’ve mentioned a couple of ways to achieve this through fixing the deviated septum and inferior turbinate reduction. With the CT scan now available, is this still the approach you would take?
b. I’ve been doing research on implant vs cartilage for the dorsum augmentation and based on the long term risks I’d prefer to have a cartilage graft. What is your experience with cartilage graft augmentation rhinoplasty and where is your preferred cartilage source?
c. How long can I expect my nose to be congested for? The reason I ask is that I’ve had issues with severe pressure pain while on previous flights when I have been congested due to allergies. I’m planning on staying in Indianapolis for around 2 weeks after surgery before getting a flight back, will this be sufficient time?

A: In answer to your septorhinoplasty questions:

a. The approach for your breathing improvement remains the same….septoplasty, interior turbinate reductions and possible spreader grafts.
b. The key in nose cartilage grafting is what volume of cartilage is needed to do the job. If modest dorsal augmentation is needed then septal cartilage would be sufficient. Larger amount of dorsal augmentation require a rib graft harvest.

c. Most significant nasal congestion improves by 3 to 4 weeks after internal nasal airway surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana