Solving Breathing Problems with Rhinoplasty

Explore how septorhinoplasty with Dr. Daniel Becker can solve breathing problems and improve nasal function.
A septorhinoplasty procedure straightens the deviated septum to improve airflow and alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion and sleep apnea.
When combined with septoplasty, rhinoplasty can effectively solve breathing problems and improve overall nasal function.

Chronic breathing difficulties are not only uncomfortable but also reduce the range of possible movements, thereby, the patient’s quality of life is affected. Although it is evident that there are many causes of breathing troubles like allergies or infections, there are also cases wherein people have nasal structures that cause breathing troubles. In such instances, surgery which is also referred to as a nose job, meaning, rhinoplasty could be the solution to better breathing.

How Septoplasty Can Improve Breathing Problems

Though rhinoplasty is a general term that means reshaping of the nose, the septoplasty is a more specific type which is mostly performed to address issues having to do with breathing due to presence of a deviated septum.

The septum is a thin piece of cartilage and bone that separates the nostrils and helps support the shape of the nose.

The implication of a deviated septum is that the septum is crooked, thus may lead to the blockage of one or both nasal passages. In septorhinoplasty the septum which has deviated is repositioned to enhance the width and functionality of the nostrils hence eradicating challenges in breathing. The procedure can help in relieving symptoms like; nasal obstruction, snooping and sleep apnea.

What to Expect During a Septoplasty Procedure

A septoplasty is usually done by a plastic surgeon who focuses mainly on carrying out the operation of rhinoplasty.

Firstly, the given operation may begin with local anesthesia provided by the surgeon or general anesthesia. The type varies according to the details of a surgery and personal preferences of the patient and the doctors. The objective here is to reduce the pain as much as possible.

In the operation, the surgeon makes a small surgical cut along the interior lining of the nasal septum and remodels it based on precisely diagnosing the deviation. Sometimes, this procedure may include taking out cartilage or bone more than required or straightening the septum. Once the surgeon is done with the required reshaping, the incision is closed using dissolvable sutures.

Then the patient is taken to a recovery room for close observation before he or she regains adequate consciousness to be discharged. The surgeon then explains the measures that they advised to their patient to take especially within the first week after the surgery; they include avoiding exercises, avoiding blowing their nose and recommending use of a saline nasal spray to help alleviate dryness of the nasal passages.

Septoplasty itself is a rather safe and effective technique that is commonly used to rectify septal deviations. But being a surgical procedure, it has its risks; these are bleeding, infection and scarring of the field where surgery was conducted. This is because it takes a certain degree of time for people to recover based on the type of nasal surgery that was conducted; however, some of the general things that people are likely to experience are as follows: It takes about two to three weeks to begin normal activities after the surgery.

What Other Breathing Problems Can Rhinoplasty Address?

Nasal Polyps

Another common reason for breathing problems is the presence of nasal polyps. These are small, noncancerous growths that can develop within the nasal passages, causing blockages and making it difficult to breathe. Rhinoplasty can be used to remove these growths and improve breathing.

Nasal Turbinates

Rhinoplasty can also address other structural issues that may be causing nasal breathing issues. For example, if the nasal turbinates (small structures inside the nose) are swollen or enlarged, they can obstruct the nasal passages and impede breathing. Rhinoplasty can be used to reduce the size of the turbinates and improve airflow.

Narrow or Collapsed Nostrils

In some cases, rhinoplasty can also be used to address breathing problems caused by a narrow or collapsed nostril. This may occur due to a congenital condition or as a result of aging, injury, or previous surgery. By increasing the size of the nostrils or strengthening the surrounding tissue, rhinoplasty can help restore normal breathing.

The Benefits of Rhinoplasty for Breathing Problems

The benefits of solving breathing problems with rhinoplasty go beyond just physical comfort. Rhinoplasty can also improve your quality of life in many ways. These are just a few potential benefits of nose surgery:

  • Improved breathing: Rhinoplasty can correct structural issues that can cause breathing problems, including a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or enlarged turbinates. By correcting these issues, the surgery can improve the flow of air through the nose, making breathing easier and more comfortable.
  • Reduced snoring: If breathing problems are causing you to snore, rhinoplasty may help reduce or eliminate snoring by correcting the underlying structural issues within the nose.
  • Improved quality of life: Breathing difficulties can affect your quality of life, causing fatigue, poor sleep, and decreased ability to exercise or perform physical activities. By improving your breathing, rhinoplasty can help you feel more energized, rested, and able to enjoy your daily activities.
  • Improved sense of smell: If you have a structural issue within your nose that is impacting your sense of smell, rhinoplasty may be able to correct it, leading to an improved sense of smell.
  • Improvements in the size and shape of the nose: While functionality may be your main concern, rhinoplasty also has the dual benefit of being able to reshape the nose, which may enhance your facial appearance.

It is important to note that it is not always possible to solve breathing problems with rhinoplasty.

Some issues that cannot be rectified with rhinoplasty include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis. Your surgeon will need to assess the underlying cause of your breathing issues to determine whether rhinoplasty is an appropriate treatment option for you.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty for functional reasons, it’s important to find a qualified, expert plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure. The right surgeon will be able to assess your individual needs, explain the risks and benefits of the procedure, and help you determine if rhinoplasty is the best solution for you.

Why Choose Becker Rhinoplasty Center?

Becker Rhinoplasty Center is one of the leading rhinoplasty practices in the United States. The center was founded by Dr. Daniel G. Becker, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty.

In 1986, Dr. Becker graduated from Harvard College with magna cum laude honors. He completed his Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery training at the University of Virginia Medical Center and then pursued a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He subsequently became a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania in 1997.

In addition to heading the Becker Rhinoplasty Center and lecturing as a Clinical Professor of Facial Plastic Surgery (Rhinoplasty) at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Becker is an accomplished author and international lecturer who has received numerous awards and recognitions for his expertise in the field.

Becker Rhinoplasty Center has treated hundreds of patients with a wide range of conditions, including structural issues that cause breathing problems. With locations in Sewell and Voorhees, the practice serves patients in both Central and Southern New Jersey, as well as patients from out of state and abroad who are seeking world-class rhinoplasty advice and care.

Contact Becker Rhinoplasty Center today to book a consultation and find out how rhinoplasty can vastly improve your breathing and overall quality of life.