MMA Fighter, International Patient
Dr. Monisha Kapoor Aesthetics | Saket, New Delhi
Patient identity withheld per confidentiality guidelines.
Condition
The patient presented with a clinically significant left-sided septal deviation alongside an external nasal deformity caused by years of contact trauma in MMA. His left nostril was substantially narrowed, and he was breathing predominantly through the right side. The external nose showed mild dorsal asymmetry and a slight deviation off the central facial axis. Both functional and aesthetic concerns were addressed in the same surgical plan, since correcting only the septum would have left the visible asymmetry untreated.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
For a fighter, breathing efficiency is not a quality-of-life issue. It is performance-critical. Every round, every sparring session, every cardio block was being limited by half-functioning airflow. Beyond the ring, his work as a model meant the camera picked up every degree of asymmetry on the bridge. He had been weighing surgery for months, scrolling through before-and-after galleries, watching surgeon videos online, and reading patient reviews. He chose to travel from Dallas to New Delhi specifically because of Dr. Monisha Kapoor’s reputation in this space — particularly for her work with athletes and patients who need both function and aesthetics handled in one operation.
What Was Assessed During the Consultation
- Internal nasal examination — degree and location of septal deviation, turbinate status
- External nose — dorsal axis, tip position, symmetry from frontal and basal views
- Skin and soft tissue thickness — to plan how the framework would show through
- Functional assessment — airflow patterns through each nostril independently
- Patient goals — restored breathing, refined but masculine nasal profile, no overdone look
- Sport-specific considerations — recovery timeline aligned with his training calendar
- Medical fitness — full pre-anaesthesia workup
- 3D imaging session — pre-operative simulation done so the patient could visualise the planned outcome before agreeing to surgery
Why This Approach Was Chosen
- Combined septoplasty with open rhinoplasty was selected so both the airway and the external structure could be corrected in a single operation — avoiding two anaesthetic episodes
- Open approach was chosen because the external deformity needed direct visual access to the dorsum and tip for accurate axis correction
- 3D simulation during consultation was used to align expectations on the aesthetic side, particularly important for an international patient travelling for surgery
- Conservative reduction with structural support — the plan preserved a strong, masculine profile rather than over-refining, which would have looked unnatural for his face and frame
Step-by-Step Overview
Pre-operative markings finalised and final 3D simulation review with the patient. General anaesthesia administered with continuous monitoring. Septoplasty performed first — deviated portions of the septum corrected, cartilage repositioned to the midline. Septal cartilage harvested for use as grafts in the rhinoplasty stage. Open rhinoplasty access via a small transcolumellar incision. Skin and soft tissue elevated off the cartilage and bony framework. Dorsal correction performed — axis realignment and conservative profile adjustment. Tip refinement done with cartilage grafts and shaping sutures. Intraoperative checks for symmetry, airflow, and structural support. Layered closure with fine sutures; internal splints and external nasal cast applied.
At the 10-day follow-up, the patient already reported a clear functional change. Once the splints were removed at Day 5, he described being able to breathe through his left nostril for the first time in years — his exact words during follow-up were that it felt life-changing. The external nose was still in the early swelling phase, as expected at this point in recovery, but the dorsal axis was already noticeably more aligned. Final aesthetic outcome will continue to refine over the coming 12 months as the soft tissue settles.
Note: Final aesthetic outcome in combined septorhinoplasty becomes fully visible at 12 to 18 months post-surgery.
“I am an MMA fighter and part-time model from Dallas, Texas. Fighters end up with deviated septums all the time, and I needed both a septoplasty and a rhinoplasty done in one go. I did my research, looked around, and Dr. Monisha Kapoor had the best results I came across — particularly for noses. The consultation included 3D modelling, which made me feel completely informed before going ahead. The staff and the facilities were excellent. The first five days post-op were rough with peak inflammation, but the moment the splints came off at Day 5, I could breathe through my left nostril for the first time in years. It was life-changing. At 10 days post-op I already feel I have the best nose I could have asked for. If anyone is considering a septorhinoplasty, I cannot recommend Dr. Monisha Kapoor highly enough.”
Profile: Male · 26 years · MMA Fighter and Model · Dallas, Texas, USA
Procedure: Septoplasty with Open Rhinoplasty · Dr. Monisha Kapoor Aesthetics, Saket, New Delhi · April 2026
Surgeon: Dr. Monisha Kapoor · Dr. Monisha Kapoor Aesthetics
Instructions Given to the Patient
- Wear external nasal splint for 5 to 7 days
- Internal soft splints removed at first visit
- Sleep with head elevated for 2 weeks
- Prescribed antibiotics/anti-inflammatory
- Saline nasal irrigation to keep airway clean
- No contact training/sparring for 12 weeks
- No swimming, sauna, or steam for 8 weeks
- Avoid spectacles on bridge for 6 to 8 weeks
- Sunscreen on nose for 3 months
- Follow-up visits at Day 5, 10, 1mo, 3mo, 6mo, 12mo
Recovery Timeline
Q1. Can septoplasty and rhinoplasty be done together?
Yes. A combined septoplasty and rhinoplasty — often called septorhinoplasty — is performed in a single operation under one anaesthetic. This approach is common for patients with both a deviated septum and an external nasal deformity.
Q2. How long is the recovery for combined septoplasty and rhinoplasty?
The first week is the most intense phase. By Day 5 to 7 the splints come off and breathing improves. Most return to work in 2 weeks. Athletes are cleared for contact training at around 12 weeks.
Q3. Why do international patients travel to Delhi for rhinoplasty?
Patients travel from the USA and elsewhere due to Dr. Monisha Kapoor’s track record, ASAPS membership, and integrated Saket facility. 3D imaging is particularly valued for pre-travel confidence.
Q4. Why choose Dr. Monisha Kapoor for septorhinoplasty?
Over 15 years of experience and the first Indian woman member of ASAPS. She is recognized for combined functional and aesthetic work for both domestic and international patients.
Q5. Is rhinoplasty safe for athletes who plan to return to contact sport?
Yes, with an experienced surgeon and full recovery. The framework is strengthened during surgery. A 12-week minimum break from training is mandatory before impact is permitted.
Considering Septoplasty, Rhinoplasty, or Both?
A consultation at Dr. Monisha Kapoor Aesthetics in Saket, New Delhi gives you the chance to ask questions and understand what is realistic for your case. International patients welcome.
plasticsurgeonmonisha.com | +91 8860851727
Patient feedback published with written consent. Identity withheld per guidelines.