11/09/2025
What if I told you a septoplasty doesn't always help your breathing, especially in the long run?
Not all septoplasties are done the same way.
The septum is a sandwich with two layers of mucosa surrounding a middle layer of cartilage and bone.
In some cases, the mucosa is opened, a window of the deviated cartilage is removed, and then the mucosa is repaired.
This by itself can definitely remove areas of blockage because of the deviated septum, and significantly improve breathing.
However, over time, I have seen the middle part of the nose gradually collapse, as the supportive cartilage beneath it has been removed, like having the foundation emptied out underneath a house.
This collapse results in a "saddle nose", and it can be especially true with people with baseline softer/thinner cartilage, like many people of Asian, African American, and Hispanic descent.
This closes down the airway, causing significant obstruction because of the collapsed roof of the nose.
The risk of a saddle nose can be minimized with additional maneuvers at the first surgery, like keeping a strong L strut, and including spreader grafts to strengthen the remaining septum.
The deformity and collapse can be improved like for this person, usually with a combination of cartilage grafts, just like adding new support beams to the collapsed home to support the roof and walls.
A new blockage in breathing after an old septoplasty might just be allergies, but it might also be due to gradual collapse.
More information is on our website, detailing the risks and benefits of secondary nasal reconstruction after a septoplasty. Come on in for a consultation for a customized treatment plan for you!
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π¨ββοΈ Dr. Huay-Zong Law
βοΈ (214) 241-1997
π Dallas, TX
π Plano, TX
β π₯ Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
π Craniofacial Fellowship Trained
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