Rhinoplasty & Sinus Infection

Also called a nose job, rhinoplasty is surgery that shapes your nose. Since most of your sinuses surround your nose, any changes in your nasal shape may affect your sinuses and how they function. Although rhinoplasty may be used to reduce instances of sinus infections, this surgery can also increase your chances of developing sinus infections during recovery.

• Rhinoplasty and sinus infections often go hand-in-hand.

The Facts

• Usually performed for cosmetic purposes, rhinoplasty can also be used to improve the overall function of your nose. During rhinoplasty, your surgeon will adjust or remove bone and cartilage in your nose in order to create the desired nasal shape. Your sinuses are four sets of cavities in your facial structure that are filled with air and contain openings to your nose. A sinus infection, commonly referred to as sinusitis, is the infection or inflammation of at least one of your sinuses.

Structural Problems

• If you have certain health conditions involving structural problems with your nose, such as a deviated septum, you are more likely to develop chronic sinus infections that can be solved with rhinoplasty. When you have a deviated septum, the lining (septum) that separates the two sides of your nose is located too far to one side. Although this condition can occur in up to 8 out of 10 people, according to the Mayo Clinic, in some severe cases--typically the result of an injury--your septum is located so far to one side that your airflow becomes reduced.

  This reduced airflow and the resulting mucus buildup causes chronic sinus infections as well as nasal congestion and breathing problems. Septoplasty (surgical relocation of your septum) combined with rhinoplasty restructures your nose to minimize the reoccurrence of these chronic sinus infections.

Rhinoplasty Complications

• Regardless of your reason for undergoing rhinoplasty--cosmetic purposes or improved nasal function--your nasal passages may swell and develop blockages as a result of your surgery. Since these nasal passages drain your sinuses, you could develop a sinus infection. According to DermaNetwork.org, a sinus infection resulting from rhinoplasty typically occurs 2 to 3 days following your surgery. Symptoms may include a headache (mild to severe), nasal discharge and overall discomfort and fatigue, as well as pain.

Treatment

• Rhinoplasty surgery itself is often the treatment for sinus infections caused by nasal abnormalities. Before undergoing this surgery, make sure you effectively communicate your concerns with your surgeon so he can discuss possible complications such as sinus infections and address any questions you may have about your structural abnormality. If you experience sinus infections as a complication of rhinoplasty surgery, your doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics and pain medication, choosing the best options for you based on your individual medical history.

Considerations

• Even though it is often performed for small cosmetic issues, rhinoplasty is still a serious surgery that may result in complications other than sinus infections. Occasionally, irregularities in your bone or cartilage structure may cause you to experience breathing problems after rhinoplasty that you didn't have before your surgery. Depending upon the severity of your breathing problems, you could begin to suffer from increased sinus infections, as well. The Mayo Clinic states that you may need to go through additional surgery in order to alter your nasal shape and resolve these issues.