By Franklyn R. Gergits, MBA, DO, FAOCO

Picture this: you’ve just recovered from your nasal cosmetic surgery. Your nose looks fantastic, just how you hoped. But there’s one problem: you can’t breathe through your nose the same way you did before surgery. So what went wrong?

The Nose: Form Meets Function

The nose is one of the most defining features of the face. Many people seek rhinoplasty (cosmetic nose surgery) to achieve a more balanced appearance—whether they’re looking to make their nose more symmetrical, straighter, or smaller. Ideally, a well-performed rhinoplasty should not only improve appearance but also preserve or enhance nasal breathing. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

When Cosmetic Success Comes at a Functional Cost

During my training with top ENT and facial plastic surgeons in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA and then in  Buffalo, NY,  I had the opportunity to see both reconstructive and cosmetic cases. Most patients seeking rhinoplasty had no significant breathing issues before their procedure. They came in for aesthetic improvement and, after healing, often felt they could breathe just fine—or even better. But not everyone.

Some patients, even after an excellent cosmetic outcome, noticed they never regained their pre-surgery breathing ability, despite using decongestants, saline rinses, and nasal sprays as instructed. They waited, hoping for improvement, but nothing changed. The result? A beautiful nose that doesn’t work the same as it did before.

Post-Rhinoplasty Breathing Problems? ENT Evaluation in Scottsdale

Even minor structural changes during surgery can significantly affect your nasal airflow. We often say, “A millimeter of surgical change in a narrow airway can feel like a mile of obstruction.”

Here’s what might be causing the breathing issues:

• Nasal septum deviation or damage during surgery
• Turbinate reduction or enlargement post-op
• Nasal valve collapse, often from incisions or cartilage repositioning
• Scar tissue formation inside the nasal passages
• Over-narrowing of the nasal tip or bridge that affects airflow

These problems might not be visible externally, but they can create a major functional issue internally.

Why Surgeon Training Matters

When referring patients for cosmetic nasal surgery, I often recommend facial plastic surgeons with ENT (ear, nose, and throat) training. That’s not to say other surgeons can’t produce excellent results—but ENT-trained plastic surgeons are often more aware of the functional anatomy of the nasal airway.

They typically review pre-operative CT scans and perform nasal endoscopy to understand what’s happening inside the nose—not just outside. The goal should always be a balance where your new beautiful nose works well too.

What to Do If You Can’t Breathe After Nose Surgery

If your surgery is long healed and you still struggle with breathing, it’s time for a detailed nasal evaluation. At the Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center of Scottsdale, we offer:

• In-office CT scans to assess your sinus and nasal anatomy
• Nasal endoscopy to visualize the internal structures
• Medical therapy trials, including sprays or allergy treatment
• Minimally invasive in-office procedures to restore airflow if needed

We don’t jump straight to surgery—we start with the least invasive options first. But if medication doesn’t help, a minor, precise correction in the area of scarring or collapse can often restore your nasal breathing without altering your cosmetic result.

Restore Nasal Airflow

You might love how your nose looks—but if it’s not working correctly, it’s time to fix it.

At the Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center, we specialize in restoring nasal function after cosmetic or structural surgery. Our goal is to help you breathe confidently again—without sacrificing your results. Call us today at 480-525-8999 for a same-day or next-day appointment.

Breathe beautifully—with both form and function working in harmony.