Posts by wanderingmason86

lonehawk8 said:Thanks! Honestly, I’m looking for something more about the aesthetics than just pure function. Do you happen to know how he fares in that department?

To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't know! From the brief time I spent at my check-up, I got the impression that fine-tuning looks isn't exactly his... how should I put this... primary focus. 🙂 Truth be told, I didn't even bring up the aesthetic side of things regarding my nose (which, frankly, isn't my favorite feature anyway)...
Anyway, he's decent enough, but I'm not sure he'd be thrilled to take on extra work given how slammed he is—especially when you consider his duties at the hospital. Your best bet would be to try reaching out to him directly and see if he performs any procedures at a private clinic.

lonehawk8 said:Hey everyone, it's me again! So, quick question: has anyone here actually visited Liviev Kalogjera? 😢

I went to see him a few years back, though just for a routine checkup. Word on the street is he’s a top-tier specialist when it comes to functional sinus issues—I even know someone who says he completely "fixed" their breathing. For my part, I wasn't a huge fan of the constant crowd outside his office. It felt like everything was rushed; appointments seem to last maybe two minutes tops. If you're dealing with something complex (like I am), it's pretty much impossible to untangle all your concerns in such a tiny window. Honestly, I walked out of his office with more questions than answers! My advice? If you can, try to book a private appointment instead—if that's even an option, since I haven't looked into it deeply.

lonehawk8 said:If you’re looking for both a nose that actually works and one that looks great, you won't find what you need at the Cleveland Clinic in Miami. At their ENT department, there are only three doctors performing nose surgeries, and none of them specialize specifically in aesthetic head and neck surgery. Honestly, my advice? Head up to Washington, D.C. Look for the younger surgeons who have actually specialized in aesthetic surgery; they’re hungry to prove themselves and push boundaries, yet they already have a solid track record of flawless work behind them. You don't need those old-timers like Dr. Glušac, Glumičić, Poljak, or Račić. Those guys have pretty much hit their ceiling; they know they aren't going anywhere new, so they tend to breeze through everything—from the initial consultation right down to the actual surgery—with zero empathy and barely any real care for the patient.

First off: if anyone in this discussion actually knows their stuff when it comes to otolaryngology expertise, it's Betty Edwards22.

In my experience, the issue isn't really about raw knowledge, fancy titles, specializations, or even the sheer skill level of many of our doctors (some of those "old-timers" you mentioned are actually impeccable experts), but rather about will, desire, and time—or as you put it, empathy. Over time, everyone's drive and enthusiasm tends to fade, and given the current state of things in the country, I wouldn't be surprised if our doctors are hitting that burnout phase earlier than expected.

It all comes down to the individual. You could be the greatest surgeon in the entire universe, but if they aren't willing to truly dedicate themselves to you, it doesn't matter.

Paul Kern60 said:Honestly, I can't believe people go through this! I actually need a rhinoplasty myself. My nose was fine originally, but after a car accident, it ended up broken, and now I need to get a bump removed, straighten it out, and lift the tip. But listening to you all talk, I’m practically dying of fear here... did you have the same experience with Dr. Ignatovski?

Nah, I don't really have anything in common with most of the doctors being mentioned here. 🙂
My situation is a bit of a mess because I've broken my nose multiple times and had several surgeries over the years. As a result of those breaks—or maybe from one of the early procedures, which was ages ago—my nasal valve dynamically collapses, making it nearly impossible to breathe. In the meantime, none of the "experts" I consulted could actually spot or fix the issue; they just kept blaming allergies or deviated septums and whatnot... until they eventually stripped away most of the cartilage I actually had left. Now, the reality is that nobody wants to—or even knows how to—fix it because... well, "it's a total nightmare," as one surgeon literally told me. The ones who might be capable of handling it simply won't touch it. Basically, it's much harder to perform, takes way longer, and is just a massive headache for them. 😉
And I never even wanted a "pretty" nose; I just wanted to be able to take a breath! What a joke. 🙄

That being said, you really shouldn't be terrified. The chances of you running into the same specific complications I did are slim to none. I'm more of a statistical outlier. 😉
Theoretically, sure, there's always a risk of something going wrong during surgery... but the odds of that happening to you are incredibly low. 😁

Ashley Peterson44 said:Since my valve collapsed, I’m looking at a reconstruction using cartilage from my ear, while the specialist tries to manage things with some narrowing and autologous grafts.

I’m actually dealing with a very similar issue right now, and honestly, I’m struggling to find a doctor who truly understands how to fix this or even wants to take on the challenge. Are you heading over to a specialist in Canada or somewhere else? Or if you're staying here in the States, which surgeon are we talking about? Feel free to shoot me a DM if you'd rather talk privately!

THANKS!

steelpanther11 said:Since I'm still a student, I was wondering where I could get treated without paying out of pocket by using my health insurance instead.

I can't say for sure how all the clinics stack up, but if your main goal is minimizing the wait time for an appointment—based on the last time I checked, the quickest turnaround for a kidney ultrasound was at the Siget Health Center in New York City, which took about 30-something days.

mellowcobra8 said:Hey everyone!

In my case, they ended up removing way more cartilage than actually necessary, and now my nasal bridge is collapsing... Honestly, it was actually easier to breathe when my bridge felt "solid" rather than having this hollow space that just sucks inward every time I take a breath. Believe me, less is definitely more here. Think of it like construction—you want to leave as much "material" as possible in case you need to make some structural repairs down the road. There’s a sweet spot for resistance; if there's too much, breathing is a struggle, but if there's too little, everything falls apart. You aren't going to get a good result if someone just punches two massive holes in your nose structure. 🙂

Also, you really have to factor in the future. If you're sticking with combat sports, your nose is going to take hits constantly. You'll likely end up needing another procedure later on or at the end of your career anyway. So, your choice is basically this: go for something minimal now and deal with the impact as best you can, or just tough it out until you hang up the gloves and then go in for the "grand overhaul." 😁

Alright, looks like we’re officially agreeing to disagree! 👍

My biggest issue—aside from my damaged nasal conchae—is this dynamic collapse of the internal valve. Honestly, there isn't a better fix than using a mechanical dilator. While nasal drops help a little bit, my cartilage is just so weak that everything collapses the moment I take even a tiny breath unless it's physically stabilized. In that sense, this method of widening the nostrils really works for me (though if you were to dare try it yourself, maybe it wouldn't be quite as effective).

It basically works on the same principle as a Nozovent dilator, which, if I recall correctly, is widely recommended by doctors. It uses that same logic—expanding the nostrils from the inside without touching the septum—but obviously, the design isn't perfect since we're essentially talking about earplugs used as tools. But hey, that's why the price tag on those medical-grade dilators is so much higher... 🙂

I’ve never injured myself even once, but okay, let's say theoretically it *could* happen.
However, if you're careful, nothing happens except that breathing becomes way easier. If someone is incredibly clumsy and a total klutz at the same time, they might catch their jaw during dinner, and then they won't have to worry about their nose anymore anyway! 😉

There are other variations of dilators out there, but everyone can just Google that if they're interested. All I want to say is that we shouldn't just blindly chant "surgery, surgery, surgery" and strip people of the ability to help themselves (at their own risk and, of course, with a tiny chance of injury due to being careless). I wish I didn't have to reinvent the wheel every time; I'd love to read more practical advice like this instead of just seeing posts like, "Oh my god, I had surgery and now I have a dot on my nose, when will it go away?!!!" or "I had surgery two weeks ago, am I allowed to get pregnant yet??!" (Look, I know we're in a nose surgery thread, I'm just speaking generally 😁)

At the end of the day, mouth breathing is unhealthy and, if you want to get technical, dangerous—just like surgery and pretty much anything else. For me, these DIY combinations (like making my own version of a Breathe Right strip) help me avoid using decongestant drops almost entirely, but hey, to each their own. I don't have any extra nasal mucosa left to spare (and not much septum either). 🙂

P.S. I read somewhere that some kind of soothing ointment could help moisturize and repair damaged membranes without causing harm—maybe check it out if you're curious!

P.S. 2 Just remembered you mentioned you already tried that ointment... :-/

Donna Johnson16 said:At first glance, I thought the whole idea of shoving sticks up your nose sounded incredibly impractical, but apparently, I was wrong. 😢
...

Honestly, what can I even say? Look, I’m not running a preschool here, nor am I handing out medical mandates on what everyone *must* or *should* do. I’m just sharing an idea that actually worked for me. I think anyone with half a brain can figure out that swallowing a Q-tip or jamming one into your septum until you're bleeding isn't exactly a top-tier suggestion. And hey, if someone is truly determined to cause themselves harm, there are much faster and more efficient ways to go about it—good grief, I didn't suggest stuffing firecrackers or a scalpel up into your sinuses! 🙄

By the way, I really wish I could have received some actual practical advice from my doctors. Unfortunately, their surgeries didn't fix my breathing at all; in fact, they ended up doing more harm than good. Only one of them even mentioned that DisiLakse strips exist. Everyone else just droned on about corticosteroid sprays, which have absolutely nothing to do with my specific issue (though they did trigger nosebleeds after a few weeks of use).

Besides, the idea isn't nearly as impractical as the reality of being forced to breathe through your mouth for the rest of your life. When you're stuck in a situation like that, any idea starts looking good if it offers a bit of relief. Last time I checked, one DisiLakse strip cost about five bucks and lasts maybe ten hours max. In other words, fifty cents an hour just to breathe—pretty sweet deal, right?
On the flip side, people tell you: "Don't use drops, don't use dilators, don't do this, don't do that," while simultaneously preaching: "Just take deep breaths, get some exercise, stay positive..." Listen, folks, some things just don't go together! If nobody else is going to help, you have to find a way to help yourself. Otherwise, you can just opt for chronic pharyngitis and whatever else comes with lifelong mouth-breathing.

I’m not angry, and I’m certainly not attacking you, so please don't take this as an apology (whether you see it as one now or later). 🙂
It’s just that all this endless "don't do this, don't do that" advice gives me an allergic reaction, especially when my head is throbbing because of my nose. Sometimes you feel like drinking poison just to make it stop, let alone sticking a 1-inch dilator up your nostril for a moment. If I could turn back the clock, I’d rather walk around with a Q-tip in my nose for the rest of my life than let some idiot destroy my nasal turbinates with electrocautery—even if that leads to the "awkwardness" you're talking about. That would still be better than the actual, irreversible damage I'm living with right now.

Anyway, I'm heading off to continue mouth-breathing and try to catch some sleep. 🙂

Ryan Cooper37 said:Thanks, yeah, I’ve noticed that sometimes one nostril clears out just as the other one starts clogging up—it usually happens right when I wake up in the morning. Then I'm stuck having to use drops in the clogged side just so I can actually breathe... but what do you think the real solution to my problem is? And who should I actually see about this? So, you're saying even with healthy nostrils, one might periodically clog up, but you just don't notice it unless you have a deviated septum... right? Also, I'm worried—can you get cancer or something scary from using those nasal drops? A doctor once mentioned that over time, it could cause the mucous membrane to atrophy or something similar... but nothing else helps when I get blocked (not even steam inhalations, saline sprays, or anything like that). I can't breathe through my mouth constantly, and the only way I can function is by manually holding the other nostril open, which obviously isn't sustainable... I tried those nasal strips, but they don't open things up enough for me.

Well, go get a proper exam at a major hospital, not one of those small private clinics... maybe try the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, or a large municipal center like Cleveland Clinic (that’s basically the order I’d follow if I were in your shoes 🙂). If it turns out to be just a deviated septum, you'll breathe great afterward, though there's always a chance that after a successful surgery, some other hidden issue finally reveals itself. Either way, you absolutely have to get a professional evaluation first.
Most people actually deal with a nasal cycle, but since the total resistance during inhalation stays constant (because when one side closes, the other symmetric side takes over the load), they don't feel any discomfort. But for those of us with pathologically narrow nasal passages, we feel every single little shift or swelling in the wider nostril as labored breathing.
Nasal drops work by constricting blood flow to the mucous membrane, which eventually causes it to dry out. Using them constantly in the long run is definitely not a good idea... You aren't going to get cancer, but in the absolute worst-case scenario, you might end up with a perforated septum, though you'd have to be really heavy-handed with the drops for that to happen. 😁

I've got two suggestions for you:

Try "beefing up" those nasal strips—they contain a little plastic spring (maybe one or two), so once you peel them off, you could take those springs out and DIY your own custom strip using some blue medical tape. It works wonders for me, and it's incredibly cheap... I just pick up some tape every couple of months for a few bucks. 🙂

Or, look for a mechanical dilator online! Just be careful with that, as it might not do the trick for everyone. For instance, you could take a Q-tip (make sure it's clean, obviously!), fold it in half, and gently insert it shallowly into your nose so it sticks out in a "V" shape (widening the nostrils from the inside). Try wearing that when things get really tough instead of reaching for the drops, but please, be careful not to introduce any bacteria!

P.S. These are just my own "home remedies"; I've never had a doctor suggest them to me. But they work for me, and I haven't had any side effects! 🙂

Ryan Cooper37 said:Has anyone here actually dealt with Dr. Klapan over in Chicago? I've heard he's pretty good. I’ve got this nasal deformity—it looks totally fine from the outside, but internally things are a mess. About two years ago, I took a nasty spill on my bike and landed right on my face, which just made my existing deviated septum even worse. Now, I’m stuck using Olynth spray in my right nostril every 10 or 12 hours just to breathe normally. It’s especially brutal before bed; if I don't use it, there's zero chance I'm getting any sleep. I know, I know—using nasal spray that often isn't great for you, but honestly, I feel like I can't function without it. I also noticed that my right nostril gets completely blocked whenever I’m walking a lot or doing any kind of intense workout. Why does that happen? Is there any actual fix for this? And please, don't give me a lecture about how I shouldn't rely on the spray, because I really don't have a choice—I can't breathe otherwise! That's exactly why I want to get this sorted out, maybe through surgery or something similar. So far, when I use the spray, everything feels fine and I haven't noticed any major side effects yet. Thanks!

I went to see him for a private consultation quite a while back, and honestly, I wasn't impressed. I was trying to explain my specific issue to him, but he wouldn't really listen; he just kept telling me this general, generic story about respiratory problems instead of focusing on my case. To make a long story short, the end result was that he suggested a procedure that wouldn't have helped me at all (and might have actually made things worse), all while charging a hefty fee for it.
Now, I'm not saying he wouldn't be helpful for *you*, especially if what you're dealing with is a "textbook" fracture or a standard deviated septum. But if your situation involves something more complex—like a collapsed valve, for example—I suspect he might miss that entirely, and therefore won't be able to provide the right solution.
What you're experiencing sounds like the nasal cycle. One side is likely narrowed because of that crooked septum, so then the other side tries to compensate by swelling up and clogging. Long-term reliance on nasal sprays isn't going to solve the root cause, but you already know that. 😉

Betty Edwards22 said:Man, if medicine worked like buying lettuce at a farmer's market...
If prices dropped that fast—you’d be in huge trouble...

Anyway, the indicator is placed like a little checkmark on your fingertip. But sure, you could technically bring microbes into the salad bowl too—which isn't exactly ideal.

Thanks for the correction.

As for everything else, I actually have quite a bit to say on that. I have several specialist doctors in my family, so I know a thing or two about our medical system that isn't just a "farmer's market." The market definitely exists here, just like it does everywhere else in this country. It's just hidden from view—maybe that's why it seems like a myth to you. You'll see. 😉

Anyway, I wanted to write this earlier, but the timing wasn't right... I was reading through your previous replies and, since I'm older than you and—according to my psych tests—pretty sharp, I’m going to take the liberty of giving you some friendly advice (I really don't mean to be rude):

A great doctor isn't someone who acts like a walking medical encyclopedia, occasionally dropping knowledge just to pull off a sarcastic ego trip. Medicine is more than—or at least should be more than—your idea of a "market," where it's just a simple transaction between a buyer and a seller (or a doctor and a patient). You're young, but you're already acting like a retired professor who’s seen it all and knows everything, thinking that gives you the right to look down on ordinary, "unimportant" mortals. Come back down to earth! Anyone who has ever studied anything for even a second gets burned by that illusion of omnipotence—that feeling that their knowledge lifts them above the "herd" of average people. Slowly, the honeymoon phase will fade, and that cloud of idealism will burst. Don't let yourself get fooled: there will come a day when you're processing patients like items on an assembly line, and you'll be dying of boredom. What I'm trying to say is—don't be arrogant. Try to delay that day for as long as possible because, believe me, it'll be better for both you and your patients.

Now, back to the topic...

Here is a specific challenge for you:
How can I get in touch with a doctor from the ENT department at the Mayo Clinic (I'll tell you the name if you're feeling helpful)? Sounds like a silly question, right? It's not!

During my two-minute appointment, I didn't have time to discuss a very vital issue—one that determines whether or not I go through with surgery. Specifically, if I have the operation, there's a chance I might end up with an iatrogenic case of atrophic rhinitis (I assume you've studied secondary atrophic rhinitis). On the other hand, if I skip the surgery, I'm certain I'll be breathing through my throat for the rest of my life (that's a joke, I know people don't actually breathe through their throats 😉).

So... to make sure I don't end up cursing my nose or the surgery later, I'd really like to chat for a few minutes with the surgeon performing the procedure. I want to talk man-to-man, not like a pilgrim talking to God.
How do I pull this off without needing a new referral for an appointment I've already had, and without waiting another few months? They won't give me a phone number, I don't have an email, and I'm not about to barge into the clinic like I own the place.

Come on, please, be a pal and help me out—turns out I'm actually better at navigating the local farmer's market after all. 🙄

Elizabeth Fox57 said:So, I was wondering about this myself—you aren't even supposed to have nail polish on! And honestly, it feels like such a mystery. Why would they be that strict about it? It seems so specific, right? 😉

You really want to keep an eye on nail color! Think of it like a built-in dashboard for your body—just like a fuel gauge tells you when your car is running low, your nails can act as a visual indicator of your oxygen levels. If those oxygen concentrations start to dip, you'll actually see the color shift. It’s definitely one of those little things that's worth watching closely!

Tyler Adams said:If you're heading over to Vrabac Emergency Services, just a heads-up: you can't actually book an appointment in advance. It’s not like that where you call ahead and set a time. Instead, you just grab a referral from your primary care doctor, show up at the clinic, and wait your turn in line. It's pretty much a "show up and wait" kind of situation! 🙂

So, I already went in to see another doctor! I actually asked Sister Marina if she could squeeze me in for just a quick 30-second checkup because of this one mole, and then I went ahead and scheduled a full, comprehensive exam for later on since it wasn't an emergency. 🙂).
Thanks! Either way, it’s good to be in the loop about those "just in case" scenarios—honestly, I didn't even realize Vrabac Emergency Services was a thing! 🤷

driftinggull83 said:Try booking an appointment through the Kruge Emergency Services clinic with the dermatologist. I went there last year for some moles, and they were able to squeeze me in just two weeks later. Fingers crossed it’s still that quick!

Honestly, all I've ever heard about her is bad (and mind you, I'm just going off hearsay since I haven't dealt with her myself), but hey, you don't ask for advice while you're in the restroom! Thanks for the tip! 🙂

I really need to see a dermatologist ASAP because I've spotted a mole that looks pretty suspicious. Does anyone know a doctor who can squeeze me in this month or maybe next at the latest? The doctors at the major hospitals are booking appointments out until next year! 🙄

Ryan Cooper37 said:Thanks for getting back to me so fast🙂...but I honestly think I might have damaged my nasal lining from using drops constantly. I've been using Olynth with hyaluronic acid twice a day, almost every single day for nearly two years now. I wouldn't say I'm in pain, but my right nostril feels perpetually stuffed up. I can't tell if that's because of the drops or what you mentioned... also, about a year and a half ago, I took a nasty spill on my bike and landed right on my nose. The bottom part was broken and my lip got split, but I didn't go to a doctor or anything; I just let it heal on its own. Now, I don't get why my nose clears up when I'm being active, like during a walk. Does some kind of pressure change happen in the nose that opens things up? And for instance, when I talk a lot, it starts to clog—I can literally feel the lining swelling up within seconds, cutting off my airflow. It's the same thing when I wake up in the morning... why does that happen?

Think of your nasal lining like a dynamic system that reacts to what your body needs. In a perfectly healthy state without any obstruction, your nostrils aren't actually 100% open at all times; it’s more like one side is at 80% and the other is at 50%. Since that's plenty for breathing normally, most people don't even notice. But when your body senses a higher demand—say, during exercise or a bout of anxiety—one of the reactions is to trigger extra decongestion in the nasal lining. That whole process is totally normal! You probably just wouldn't notice this natural cycle if you didn't have that old fracture that narrowed your airway. You can't really "cure" the nasal cycle itself.
As for those drops, after using them for that long, you're looking at a whole different issue. Your lining likely swells up even more once the medication wears off—do a quick search for "rhinitis medicamentosa."
My advice? Try to phase out the medicated drops and switch to a simple saline solution (you can grab the IV-style saline bags at any pharmacy). Honestly, you're going to struggle to breathe for a few days, but it's a step you eventually have to take. After a week or so, you should start feeling better, and then you absolutely need to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist.

P.S. Check out these other discussions on the forum: first, second.

Ryan Cooper37 said:Hey everyone,

I’ve been dealing with this breathing issue on my right nostril... for a few years now, it feels like it's constantly getting blocked up, while the left side stays totally fine—unless I manually pull my nostril open with my finger to get some air. It just feels like everything constricts when I inhale. If I use nasal drops in my right nostril, I can breathe normally for a little while, maybe a few hours. I’m guessing it might be a deviated septum or something similar, but here’s the weird part: every morning, and especially whenever I spend time in enclosed spaces, the congestion gets intense. Lately, when I blow my nose, I even see tiny bits of blood, probably from swollen capillaries. But then, the second I step outside for a walk in the fresh air, it starts clearing up completely, almost like nothing was ever wrong! Then, as soon as I sit down, stand still, or head back indoors, it clogs right back up again. Honestly, I can barely sleep without using those nasal drops; it's a rare day if I don't need them to drift off. Has anyone else dealt with this? What could be going on? The biggest mystery to me is why walking for a bit clears it all out, yet sitting still or being inside triggers the blockage immediately.

I deal with almost the exact same thing! My left side is usually "fine" (which is rare because it gets congested too sometimes), but my right side is chronically blocked unless I physically pull the nostril outward to create space.
What you're describing sounds like the nasal cycle—that alternating congestion and decongestion that happens naturally. Most people don't even notice it because their nasal passages are pretty symmetrical, so when one side swells, the other side picks up the slack. You're feeling it because one side (the left for me, the right for you) is narrow enough that it actually causes symptoms. The opposite side—your "good" side—often reacts over time by swelling up too, which is likely why you feel that constant sense of obstruction due to compensatory hypertrophy of the turbinates. Essentially, the body tries to compensate, and things get crowded on both sides.
That trick you do where you pull your nostril to the side to help you breathe is actually known as the Cottle maneuver. In many cases, if there aren't other major issues, it's a classic sign of nasal valve collapse. This can often be fixed with cartilage grafts, but you won't know for sure until you sit down with an ENT specialist. Just a heads-up though: in the US, some of our top specialists tend to be a bit hesitant about performing that specific procedure, so you might have to do a little digging to find a doctor who is experienced with it and willing to do it.
Instead of relying on those drops, I’d highly recommend trying those DisiLakse strips. They basically do exactly what you're doing with your fingers—they widen and stabilize the narrowest part of your nasal cavity (the valve area). They’ve been a lifesaver for me!

Thomas Ward12 said:Can someone please answer my question? It's actually really important to me.

I’ve actually dealt with similar issues myself regarding chronic nasal congestion... I just sent you a private message!

I’m looking to connect with anyone who has had nose surgery performed by Dr. Kalogjera. If you have, would you mind shooting me a private message? I'd love to ask a few quick questions for a short interview... 🙂

Thanks so much!