“Why is my breathing worse after my septoplasty?”

Initially it is due to postoperative swelling. With septoplasty the internal physics of breathing is altered and it takes time for your body to adjust. You should notice improvement after 3-6 weeks.

Your question is difficult to answer without further context. It is possible the septoplasty was unsuccessful, but it is also possible that the source of your difficulty breathing, or nasal obstruction, was due to something separate from your nasal septal anatomy. Formal nasal endoscopy - usually done by an Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) - might be a way to better isolate the true source of your nasal obstruction, despite already having had a septoplasty.

Nirav B. Patel, MD, JD, FACS, FCLM

Because there are other thing that you have to consider. Sinus and allergy issues. Also the exterior nose is important. Very multi-factorial. Takes a good exam and history.

I am sorry to hear that after your septoplasty, you feel like your breathing is worse. I will say that the first thing you should do is to contact your surgeon. It is possible that you now have a hole in your septum and thus feel like you cannot breath as well. It is also possible that if you had a turbinate reduction with your surgery, you have developed empty nose syndrome. This is a condition that is difficult to diagnose or treat. However, it is also rare. A third possible cause is a condition called nasal valve collapse. This is something that can be easily diagnosed and treated. Hopefully you find the correct cause and you and your surgeon are able to treat it accordingly.

Hootan Zandifar, M.D., FACS

My first thought is that you still have a lot of swelling where your doctor worked on the septum but I don’t know how recently you had surgery. There are also other structures like turbinates that can contribute to obstructions and that stay swollen as well. Have you discussed these concerns with your surgeon?
If you are not getting the answers you feel you should, you should get a hands on second opinion. It is difficult for me to voice anything concrete without examining you and having all your information.
Dr. M