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Functional Rhinoplasty & Breathing

Can previous cosmetic surgery cause breathing problems later?

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Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.

A

Yes — this is one of the more common reasons patients seek revision rhinoplasty. A previous surgery that narrowed the bridge too much, over-resected cartilage, or didn't account for the internal nasal valve can create or worsen breathing difficulty, even if the original goal was purely cosmetic.

This is precisely why Dr. Kim evaluates internal airway structure — not just external appearance — during every revision consultation, even when a patient's primary concern is aesthetic. Addressing a breathing issue that developed from a previous surgery typically involves rebuilding structural support, such as a spreader graft, to widen the narrowed area while maintaining the external shape you're hoping to achieve.

Consultation Tip

If you've noticed any breathing changes since a previous rhinoplasty, even subtle ones, mention this specifically at the start of your revision consultation — it changes how Dr. Kim evaluates and plans your case.

Ready to talk to Dr. Kim? Reach out on WhatsApp to book your video consultation: Chat with us on WhatsApp (+82 10-4434-6234)

— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery

What follows is general guidance. The actual cause and surgical approach are decided only after an internal examination, a CT scan and a review of your previous surgical history.