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Rhinoplasty Surgery: Nasal Polyps

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Rhinoplasty Surgery: Nasal PolypsNasal polyps occur in various colors and sizes. They typically range from pink to brownish-yellow in color. Early on, the polyps look like teardrops.

But they appear similar to grapes on a stem upon becoming larger. Nasal polyps can occur in one or both nostrils simultaneously and may grow alone or in clusters.

Polyp clusters or large polyps can cause breathing obstructions and impact the sense of smell. Polyps can block the sinuses leading to recurrent infections.

The surgeon will assess the patient’s nasal polyps and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on this examination. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.

 

Who may get Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps occur in around four to 40 percent of the population. They are almost two to four times more likely to occur in men than in women. Individuals with nasal polyps usually develop them in their youth or middle-age.

Polyps occur more frequently in people who experience repetitive sinus infections, asthma, and allergies. They also commonly develop in children with cystic fibrosis.

 

Diagnosis

Simply by asking the patient questions on their symptoms and nasal condition, an experienced surgeon usually diagnoses nasal polyps. The surgeon can assess the nasal polyps by viewing the insides of the nose with a lighted device.

To confirm the diagnosis, the surgeon may order the following tests:

  • CT scan
  • Nasal endoscopy
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Skin prick allergy test

 

Treatment

Steroid Nose Drops or Spray

To reduce the inflammation in the polyps, the surgeon may prescribe nasal drops or a steroid spray to the patient. Steroid nose drops or sprays are commonly prescribed in the treatment of one or a cluster of small polyps. The side effects of the treatment may include:

  • Headache
  • Nosebleeds
  • Sore throat

 

Steroid Pills

The patient may require steroid pills if they have larger polyps or more severe inflammation. The doctor may prescribe steroid pills to the patient by themselves or in combination with a nasal spray.

Steroid can effectively reduce the size of the polyps. However, they may present side effects such as weight gain. The patient should use steroids only for a few weeks and not longer.

 

Other Medications

Sometimes, the surgeon may prescribe other medications to treat the underlying condition that may be aggravating the swelling. For instance, they may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial conditions, antifungal drugs for fungal infections, and antihistamines for addressing allergies.

 

Surgery

If the polyps are substantial in size, or the patient is not responding to other treatments, the surgeon will recommend a surgical procedure to treat the condition.

 

Polypectomy

Polypectomy is a common surgical procedure to eliminate polyps. The surgeon performs this procedure with the patient under either local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon places a long, narrow pipe connected to a camera inside the patient’s nose and sinuses.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

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