Although we sometimes use cocaine to dilate the nasal passageways, chronic use has caused perforations and obstruction. Rhinoplasty and creating a very small nose can reduce the nasal air passages. If the internal valves have been made very sharp, spreader grafts can improve airway obstruction in such cases. Collapse of cartilage like the lower laterals and upper laterals which form the support for the outer walls of the nose can also interfere with the airway. Airway obstruction is one of the risks of rhinoplasty and in itself not malpractice.
Records are always valuable for any good evaluation.
I hope this information proves of some use. If my office can be of further assistance, please let us know. My staff and I try to ensure the comfort of our out of town guests during their consultations and procedures. I underwent a septoplasty surgery to streaghten it and endoscopic sinus surgery to open up the sinuses because I had 6 sinus infections in one year. I came to during the surgery and bleed while the septal splints were being but in.