A surprising number of the rhinoplasty patients I treat at my Chicago practice suffer from allergies and have questions about how that may affect the outcome of their surgeries. It’s important that all patients considering rhinoplasty inform their surgeons about their allergies, because even sneezing can make a difference.
On online forums such as RealSelf, questions about the impact allergies have on cosmetic nose surgery and whether functional rhinoplasty can eliminate allergies are fairly common. Allergies can affect recovery following rhinoplasty, for example, by causing temporary increased swelling. Allergy medications may be recommended during this time to help limit symptoms such as sneezing, which can also complicate recovery.
Some patients who have enlarged turbinates and suffer from seasonal allergies wonder whether rhinoplasty can fix both of these problems. Unfortunately, the surgery won’t eliminate allergies, which occur when the immune system responds to foreign substances such as dust or pollen. But combining cosmetic nose surgery with the functional aspects of rhinoplasty may alleviate breathing problems some people with allergies experience. Surgery to reduce turbinates, for example, can be performed at the same time as rhinoplasty. This doesn’t “cure” seasonal allergies, but it might help improve the symptoms.
These are complicated and delicate procedures that require a board-certified plastic surgeon who is very familiar with these types of issues. The most important thing for rhinoplasty patients who are concerned about having allergies is to discuss these concerns during the consultation.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures among both men and women. The results in the vast majority of cases give patients improved self-esteem. There’s no reason to let allergies prevent you from considering rhinoplasty.
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