Can Rhinoplasty Help Me Breathe Better

By Dr. Asif Pirani

A rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure. It can be done as a way to help enhance your nose’s proportions in a more harmonious manner, but the surgery can also achieve more than an altered physical appearance. One of the biggest advantages to a rhinoplasty is actually functional rather than cosmetic by allowing you to breathe easier through your nose. Patients who are seeking a corrected nasal shape often suffer from breathing issues as a result, but some patients may come in strictly for nasal breathing concerns.

Types of Functional Rhinoplasty

There are several common nasal problems that can lead to difficulty breathing through your nose.

• Deviated Septum: A deviated septum is the most common cause of obstructed nasal breathing. A deviated septum is when the internal partition between both nasal passages is crooked, restricting airflow up the nose. Many patients who suffer from a deviated septum have dealt with it their entire lives and have no idea that they could be breathing better. In order to fix a deviated septum, we can do a corrective Rhinoplasty to put the septum in proper alignment and free up the nasal passages.

• Enlarged Turbinates: Turbinates are shelves of bone that extend throughout your entire nasal cavity. In some cases, often with chronic allergy sufferers, the turbinates can overgrow with tissue, causing them to obstruct your airway. Turbinates are integral in your nasal system, so in this type of rhinoplasty, the turbinates will not be removed, but can be reduced in size to improve breathing.

• Nasal Polyps: Nasal polyps are small growths that can obstruct the nasal passage. The polyps can be removed in order to remove any obstruction from your nasal passage.

• Nasal Valve Collapse: Your nasal valve is the narrowest part of your nasal passage. Lined with membranes, the valve regulates how much air can go into your nasal passage. A collapse of the valve can happen due to injury, aging, or disease and result in a restricted nasal airway. Depending on the cause of the collapse, a Rhinoplasty can be an option to make breathing easier for you.

How do you know why your Nasal Passage is Restricted?

While most of the causes for a restricted nasal airway are correctable, you might not know what type of problem you are initially suffering from. In order to help find the root cause of a nasal breathing concern, you should come in for a consultation, allowing us to examine the inside and outside of your nose. That way, we can find the origin of your breathing trouble while helping you alter the appearance of your nose if you would like to.

Coming into your consultation prepared can also help your doctor diagnose your breathing concerns. Write down when you found it most challenging to breathe and any symptoms that you may have experienced. Together, we can make a treatment plan to help you get back onto the path of healthy breathing.