Evidence of Adverse Outcomes Linked to Empty Nose Syndrome Following Rhinoplasty, Turbinate Reduction, and Septoplasty

Key Considerations Before Nasal Surgery: Risks of Empty Nose Syndrome

If you're contemplating nasal surgery to treat chronic nasal congestion or for cosmetic improvements, it’s important to consider not only the potential advantages but also the possible risks. Procedures like rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and turbinate reduction are common, yet long-term data on their effects is often scarce. Some individuals may experience significant, lasting complications.

One of the most concerning and less commonly discussed risks is Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS), a condition that can occur following nasal surgery, leading to both physical and psychological discomfort. ENS can severely affect normal breathing and is often linked to sensations of suffocation, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and depression. For those who develop this syndrome, it can severely reduce their overall quality of life.

This article looks into 16 documented cases of severe outcomes related to ENS. If you’re considering nasal surgery to permanently address breathing issues, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the potential risks alongside the expected benefits. Although rare, ENS can have long-term effects on both mental and physical well-being.

Below, you’ll find a file with detailed personal stories from 16 individuals who underwent nasal surgery to treat chronic congestion, only to face unforeseen and life-changing consequences.

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