The Hidden Consequences of Cosmetic Rhinoplasty: Postoperative Nasal Obstruction Impairs Pulmonary Function, Exercise Capacity, and Sleep

Aim: Rhinoplasty is widely performed for aesthetic enhancement, but its potential effects on respiratory health are often overlooked particularly in individuals without prior nasal obstruction. This study aimed to evaluate whether postoperative nasal congestion after cosmetic rhinoplasty affects pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and sleep quality.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to compare 40 patients who developed nasal congestion after cosmetic rhinoplasty with 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry, and exercise capacity was measured by the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test. Subjective symptoms were evaluated using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), and Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS).Results: Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was significantly lower in the rhinoplasty group than in controls (78.18±6.95vs. 90.72±6.25, p