Documented Adverse Effects Associated with Empty Nose Syndrome After Common Nasal Surgeries

Thinking About Nasal Surgery? Know the Risks of Empty Nose Syndrome.

If you're considering nasal surgery to address chronic congestion or for cosmetic reasons, it's essential to understand not only the potential benefits but also the possible risks. Procedures such as rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and turbinate reduction are commonly performed — but long-term follow-up data is often limited. In some cases, patients have experienced serious and lasting side effects.

One of the lesser-known yet most concerning complications is Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) — a condition that can develop after nasal surgery and lead to severe physical and psychological distress. ENS can significantly impair normal breathing and has been associated with sensations of suffocation, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. For those affected, it can profoundly diminish quality of life.

This article examines 16 documented cases of severe outcomes associated with ENS. If you're planning nasal surgery as a permanent solution to breathing problems, it's crucial to weigh the potential risks against the expected benefits. Though rare, ENS can have a lasting impact on both mental and physical health.

Below, you'll find an embedded file with detailed personal accounts from 16 individuals who underwent nasal surgery to resolve long-standing congestion — only to encounter unexpected and life-altering consequences.

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Embedded word file - English version