
Last year I was struggling significantly with my breathing and had a couple of referrals with the NHS ENT team regarding a Nasal Valve Collapse. Unfortunately, the NHS were not able to address my nasal valve issue and would only correct my deviated septum, so I looked elsewhere for private options and spoke with several surgeons about a functional septorhinoplasty.
I found Prof Chatrath online after researching surgeons who specialise in nasal issues, particularly nasal valve collapse. It seems there are very few surgeons in the UK who perform this type of surgery.
On first consultation, Prof Chatrath was very understanding of my issue and we began a course of steroids straight away. After a trial period, he recommended a nasal endoscopy to properly assess the problem. This revealed a deviated septum and severely enlarged turbinates, both of which he suspected were playing a significant role in my breathing issues and nasal valve strain.
We agreed to proceed with a septoplasty, intranasal Z-plasty (I believe to widen and stiffen the internal valve area), RF turbinate reduction, and alar batten and rim grafts on to correct the issue using a closed, non-invasive approach. Paul also recommended RF turbinate reduction being mindful of the risks of Empty Nose Syndrome, which was reassuring.
Other surgeons I consulted recommended a full open rhinoplasty with lots of cartilage grafting, which I understood was is a lot to go through. Paul instead was keener on a more conservative closed septorhinoplasty and was clear that this would not rule out future options if it wasn’t successful, so not to overtreat a problem that wasn’t there. He was very honest about expectations, and I felt I was in very safe hands.
The procedure itself was slick and fast. I had no bruising and felt back to normal around three weeks post-op. Post op care was great. I did have an accident 12 days after surgery, and Paul saw me again at very short notice to make sure everything was okay. Maria, his secretary, was also extremely helpful and quick to respond throughout.
9 weeks post op and I’m so relieved. My breathing and valve collapse is now so much better than it was before the surgery and I’m super grateful to have met Prof Chatrath. In addition to the improvement in my breathing, my nose actually looks stronger and more balanced too which is an unexpected bonus. The surgery has given me a massive quality of life improvement. A huge thank you to Paul and his team.
Seen for:
Septorhinoplasty