Can a Rhinoplasty Help With Breathing?
When most people think of rhinoplasty, they think of a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the nose. Although this is the most common motivation for rhinoplasty, the popular surgery can have other benefits as well. Namely, rhinoplasty can be effective in treating certain types of breathing issues.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping the nose to improve its appearance and/or function. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove and/or reshape nasal bones and cartilage to achieve the desired aesthetics and alleviate breathing problems.
Rhinoplasty and Breathing Problems
Rhinoplasty can be custom-tailored to address a variety of breathing problems. Some of the issues that may be corrected during the procedure include:
- Deviated septum: A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage that separates the nostrils is crooked or off-center. This can cause one nostril to be smaller than the other, making it difficult to breathe. Rhinoplasty can correct a deviated septum by straightening the cartilage and improving airflow.
- Narrow nasal passages: If your nasal passages are too narrow, it can be difficult to breathe through your nose. Rhinoplasty can widen the nasal passages by removing excess tissue or bone.
- Enlarged turbinates: The turbinates are small, bony structures inside the nose that help to warm and humidify the air you breathe. If the turbinates are enlarged, they can block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. Rhinoplasty can reduce the size of the turbinates, improving airflow and reducing breathing difficulties.
Common Breathing Issues Addressed
Rhinoplasty can also help with a variety of other breathing problems, including:
- Chronic congestion: If you are constantly congested and have difficulty breathing through your nose, rhinoplasty may be able to help by improving airflow and reducing congestion.
- Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing for short periods during sleep. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a narrow airway. Rhinoplasty can widen the airway, reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea and improving sleep quality.
- Snoring: Snoring is often caused by a narrow airway or other structural issues within the nose. Rhinoplasty can address these issues, reducing snoring and improving sleep quality.
What Is the Takeaway?
When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty can not only enhance your nasal appearance, but it can also alleviate breathing problems and greatly improve your quality of life. When you sit down with one of our expert surgeons at Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, they’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses any breathing issues you’re experiencing. Contact us today if you’d like to schedule your consultation.
