You might consider a “nose job” for a variety of reasons, but one of the most overlooked is the ability to breathe more comfortably. It’s another significant benefit to rhinoplasty.
Consider the procedure if you are experiencing:
- One or two blocked nostrils.
- Significant nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, and sinus infections.
- Tenderness and headaches.
- Difficulty sleeping.
Dr. Max Pekarev discusses breathing problems and rhinoplasty below; as an experienced plastic surgeon, patients turn to him for a variety of procedures, including nose reshaping, facelifts, and blepharoplasty. Read on, and then contact our practice to discuss how surgery might improve your comfort.
What Causes Breathing Problems?
Many patients consider rhinoplasty as a way of improving the appearance of their nose and adding greater aesthetic beauty to their entire face. Surgery can offer better symmetry; address bumps; narrow wider noses; reduce their overall size and projection; and alter prominent nostrils.
Within the nose, however, there are important processes at work that deliver oxygen to your body, remove carbon dioxide, and keep particles from irritating your breathing passageways. One structure that plays a role in these processes is the septum: the divider between your nostrils.
The septum is made up of bone and cartilage (which may be used as donor material in a typical rhinoplasty.) The ideal septum provides an even “split” between the nostrils. However, trauma, such as a blow to the nose, or heredity can cause the septum to “deviate” from this midline. A deviated septum can restrict your airflow and can create all of the symptoms described above.
How Rhinoplasty Can Resolve Breathing Problems
During a rhinoplasty, your plastic surgeon re-shapes the nose according to the goals of the procedure. Often, this requires removing cartilage from the nose or using it in different locations to change the appearance of the nose.
This process also gives the surgeon the opportunity to change the septum’s structure. If breathing issues are one of the reasons for your rhinoplasty, your surgeon can widen or straighten the nasal airway.
As in any rhinoplasty, your surgeon should employ balance: using donor material to create better aesthetics while retaining the strength of the nose’s underlying structure. The right results give a patient greater, long lasting comfort and a more attractive appearance.
Choose a surgeon with experience in rhinoplasty and knowledge of best practices. Schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Max Pekarev by calling (817) 529-9199.
