Nose allergies, commonly known as allergic rhinitis, are not a life-threatening conditions but can make you feel uncomfortable. Many people suffer from nasal allergies and unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about it. These allergies aren’t caused by the structural problems of the nose and can’t be solved by a surgical procedure such as a rhinoplasty.

Most nasal allergies are a result of inappropriate immune responses to allergens (that are typically harmless). If you are allergic to pollen, dust or smoke, chances are your immune system is producing antibodies in response to these substances that can lead to discomfort and symptoms such as congestion of mucous membranes, fatigue, runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, pressure in the sinus that can lead to an itching sensation in the throat, and pain behind the eyes and cheeks.

The allergy can be annoying and very hard to treat which can result in long-term suffering. Some of the common substances that can trigger allergies include dust mites, tree pollen, and animal dander. Luckily, these allergies are seasonal and won’t last all year round. It is crucial to treat nasal allergies because the inflammation of nasal membranes can lead to problems such as acute sinusitis, sleep disturbances, otitis media, sleep apnoea, palatal abnormalities, dental issues and dysfunction of the Eustachian tube. These nasal allergies are typically cured with the help of antihistamine drugs, steroids, or by limiting exposure to allergens.

In this post, we are going to discuss the relationship between allergies and nose surgery.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has completed hundreds of nose surgeries in Australia. Dr Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon and who practices in Sydney and Wollongong NSW.

Types of Nose Surgery

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

There are two main types of nose surgical procedures- cosmetic rhinoplasty and functional rhinoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is aimed at addressing the aesthetic appearance of the nose while a functional rhinoplasty is intended to restore normal functioning of the nose. Functional Rhinoplasty is commonly performed for people dealing with a deviated septum and is called Septoplasty.

Can Nose Surgery help treat Nose Allergies?

Surgery, including rhinoplasty cannot treat a nasal allergy. However, Rhinoplasty can be used to treat conditions that exaggerate the symptoms of allergy such as turbinate hypertrophy, nasal polyps, and deviated septum. These conditions aren’t responsible for the allergies themselves but can surely make it very hard for the patient to breathe, thereby worsening the symptoms.

That is the reason why surgeons sometimes recommend undergoing nose surgery to help with the symptoms of allergies. One of the main problems people experience due to untreated nasal allergy is chronic sinusitis. This is due to chronic inflammation of paranasal sinuses that is persistent for more than one year. It can lead to nasal stuffiness, malaise and postnasal drip. If that is the case, then rhinoplasty can be extremely helpful in alleviating the persistent symptoms associated with this condition. If nasal sinus surgery is required to clear blocked and congested nasal sinuses, then this can be performed at the same time as rhinoplasty or septoplasty.

Will having Nasal Allergy Affect The Outcome Of a Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?

If you suffer from any kind of nasal allergies and you are considering rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, one question might pop up in your head: will the condition impact the outcome of the surgery? You don’t have to worry about it as having a rhinoplasty is generally okay for people struggling with nasal allergies. It is important to know that recovery post rhinoplasty will be slightly more uncomfortable for people suffering from nasal allergies. You will most likely feel a sense of congestion after undergoing the surgery during the recovery phase.

Patients who suffer from nasal allergies feel the urge to blow their noses more in comparison with people who don’t. Dr Hunt will ask you to avoid blowing your nose for a while till you heal fully. It can get uncomfortable for people who struggle with nasal allergies. It is recommended to avoid scheduling your surgery in the months when seasonal allergies are at their peak. Opt for a time of the year when you have fewer allergic symptoms.

Nose surgery can help with the following nasal conditions:

1. Deviated Septum

Did you know that nearly 80 per cent of people have an off-centre septum? While slight deviations can go unnoticed, moderate and serious instances can result in difficulty breathing, headaches, bloody nose, and increased susceptibility to sinusitis. A corrective septorhinoplasty or septoplasty can correct a deviated septum. Straightening the septum will greatly help nasal airflow and improve congestion and sneezing.

2. Swollen Turbines

Think of turbinates as the tonsils of your nose. They are essentially a structure that projects into the nostril and help filter, humidify and warm up the year you breathe. When your immune system reacts as a result of allergies and infection, your turbines can become swollen leading to turbine hypertrophy. We all get affected by this condition at one point or another. Usually, they are treated with antihistamines and decongestants. However, in some cases, surgical reduction of turbines can be required. Turbine reduction surgery is usually performed on its own but can also be done as a part of cosmetic rhinoplasty. Reducing the size of turbines will translate into less congestion and having an easier time breathing even when the allergy season is in full swing.

3. Nasal Polyps

Polyps are small spherical, noncancerous growths that can occur anywhere in the body- from vocal cords to the colon. They are most commonly found in the nasal passages or sinuses as a result of inflammation caused by asthma, allergies and chronic sinusitis. Smaller nasal polyps are painless but larger polyps can obstruct nasal airflow, thereby worsening the symptoms of allergy. Nasal polyps can be corrected via surgery. In some cases, this process can be done as a part of your rhinoplasty, leading to less congestion and lowering the risk of infection.

In Summary

All in all, we can say that nose surgery does NOT treat nasal allergies but CAN HELP treat accompanied conditions that can alleviate allergy symptoms such as a deviated septum and nasal polyps. Hence, surgery can be used to treat and relieve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

Moreover, it is OK for patients suffering from nasal allergies to undergo nose surgery or rhinoplasty. The procedure will NOT worsen the symptoms associated with your allergies but it can get a little more uncomfortable during the allergies. Hence, it is recommended to undergo the procedure in a season that is most comfortable for you.

FAQS about Nose Surgery and Nose Allergies

Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding Nose Allergies:

Can I get Rhinoplasty if I have allergies?

Generally, any kind of nose surgery can help treat nasal allergies. However, a SeptoRhinoplasty can treat certain conditions that can help relieve allergy symptoms- nasal polyps, deviated septum, and turbine hypertrophy.

What tests are done before Rhinoplasty?

Prior to rhinoplasty, your surgeon may request that you have a few tests. These may include and Full blood count, a CT scan of the nasal airway and possible allergy testing.

Does Rhinoplasty help with allergic rhinitis?

Rhinoplasty does not treat allergic rhinitis. If you have a curvature in the nose, rhinoplasty can prove to be helpful. If nasal cavities in your nose are widened, breathing will be relieved.

How do you know if you have a botched nose job?

Here are some of the signs of a botched nose job:

A low nose bridge
The disproportionate appearance of the nose
Pinched nostrils
High tip of the nose
Trouble breathing
If the bridge and tip of the nose are of the same width
Incorrect size of nostrils

Do allergies make your nose bigger?

If you are experiencing allergies or an infection, your turbines will become swollen which can make your nose look bigger.

Can Nose Surgery fix a runny nose?

Nose Surgery does not cure allergies. It may help decrease the severity of allergies in terms of congestion by making your turbines smaller. The irritative symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing will most likely still be present after the surgery.

How long does it take for a rhinoplasty to look normal?

Initially, you will be quite swollen and it can take up to three months for the swelling to go down. It doesn’t mean that your nose will look awful for the entirety of 3 months. Most people will start to see results post one month which will continue to improve over time.

Can you ruin your rhinoplasty?

Yes, you actually can ruin your rhinoplasty if you fail to stick to the pre and post-surgical instructions given to you by your surgeon. Avoid breathing through your nose and blowing it early on in the healing phase as it can lead to tearing and damage of the tissue. Post surgery trauma can also ruin your nose surgery results.

How do nose jobs go wrong?

You will be surprised to know that nearly 5 to 10 percent of all rhinoplasties fail. It typically occurs when you lose too much cartilage in the nose, it causes the cartilage to break down and causes your nose to become flat, leading to a variety of breathing and aesthetic issues.

What is a good age to get a rhinoplasty?

While there is no perfect age to get nose surgery, it is recommended to get it done between the ages of 18 and 40.

Does a rhinoplasty change your smile?

In some cases, a rhinoplasty can potentially affect your smile, but this side effect is considered temporary and barely perceptible.

Does a nose job change your smile?

In some cases, a rhinoplasty can potentially affect your smile, but this side effect is considered temporary and barely perceptible.

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

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Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Can Nose Surgery Help Treat Allergies?