A 225 pound injury
When Ben Motl unracked 225 pounds for a bench press challenge in February 2024, something went dangerously wrong: The barbell slipped off the rack and came down directly onto his face, crushing his nose.
The spotters didn’t even have a chance to react because Motl had not yet lifted the bar off the rack. “It happened so fast,” he said. “Before understanding what happened, it came down and then I pushed it back up.”
The accident caused significant trauma to his nose, but a CT scan taken at a local hospital did not tell the full story right away. It did show a broken nose on one side, but Motl was referred to Eric Barbarite, MD, a WashU Medicine ear, nose and throat specialist for further evaluation.
Looking beyond the CT scan
Given the severity of the accident, Barbarite expected Motl’s injury to be worse. “His imaging demonstrated a fracture to the bones of the nose and a deviated septum,” Barbarite explained. “When I evaluated Ben in person, he was only five days out from the injury and was still quite swollen. Some patients have swelling, thick skin or prominent facial features that may mask an injury that is severe under the surface.”
As time went on, it became clear that Motl’s injury was more extensive than it initially appeared. “I didn’t have any particular symptoms at first, but breathing, especially at night, wasn’t improving even when the swelling went down,” Motl said.
Rest at night felt impossible for him. Together, he and Barbarite decided it was time to do more.
Motl’s surgery
Motl underwent a functional rhinoplasty (corrective nose surgery) in August 2025. “Ben’s rhinoplasty was functional, meaning it was for breathing and medical purposes,” Barbarite explained.
Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which focuses primarily on appearance, a functional rhinoplasty is performed to improve breathing and fix structural problems inside the nose. Functional rhinoplasty often improves airflow through the nose, reduces mouth breathing and decreases breathing troubles during sleep or exercise.
“After the surgery, Dr. Barbarite said that the septum wasn’t just deviated, but shattered as well,” Motl said. “It was definitely a good thing I got this done.”
Dreams – A surprising benefit
Motl described the first week of recovery as challenging but manageable. “Recovery was a little rough the first week, but afterwards it was fine,” Motl said. “I didn’t have too much discomfort or swelling.”
As healing progressed, he began noticing major improvements in his breathing, especially at night. “Now that I am fully healed, I can breathe much better and more fully. Apparently, I wasn’t getting enough airflow because I dream again since having this done.”
Barbarite says this is something he occasionally hears from patients after functional rhinoplasty.
“Many people report better sleep because breathing through the nose becomes easier,” he said. “Like Ben, patients have reported remembering dreams again, or even having them for the very first time, after surgery. This can happen because better breathing leads to fewer sleep interruptions and increased time in deep sleep.”
Medical care for face injuries
Barbarite encourages patients to see a medical professional after facial injuries, especially if they have long-term changes in breathing like Motl did.
“Seeking care with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor or facial plastic surgeon is important to determine whether fast intervention may help correct the damage from an injury,” Barbarite said.
Today, Motl says the procedure had a major impact on his quality of life. “The process was straightforward, well-instructed and you always had the team within reach if questions arose.”
He also went back to lifting weights after the procedure under Barbarite’s medical guidance.
WashU Medicine otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat)
WashU Medicine ear, nose and throat specialists care for patients with breathing issues, facial injuries, sinus conditions, hearing disorders, sleep concerns and more. To make an appointment with a WashU Medicine otolaryngologist like Dr. Barbarite, schedule online or call 314-362-7509.