Improving Breathing Problems Through Rhinoplasty

Not every plastic surgery procedure is rooted in vanity. Nearly half a million rhinoplasty surgeries take place in the United States each year and a large portion of those are for reconstructive purposes. Whether it’s correcting a broken nose, or a deviated septum the patient has had their whole life, rhinoplasty can improve a wide array of breathing problems. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequent problems it can correct:

Deviated Septum

The nasal septum consists of the tissue which separates one side of your nose from the other. When it is misaligned, one or both airways can be obstructed. This can greatly impair breathing. In turn, it causes the affected individual to rely more heavily on breathing through their mouth. This can pose a number of health problems. Depending on the severity of the condition, some individuals may have difficulty obtaining enough air, especially during physical activity. This is especially bad for asthmatics and severe allergy sufferers, who already have breathing problems. It can also contribute to snoring.

Fortunately, a skilled plastic surgeon should be able to improve a deviated septum through rhinoplasty. However, lateral movement of the nasal bridge is particularly tricky, so full correction may not be possible. Sometimes, a secondary surgery (revision rhinoplasty) may be needed to achieve the desired outcome in severe cases. If you would like to compare your nose to others and gauge the severity of your condition, a rhinoplasty forum may be a good place to start.

Collapsed Nasal Valve

Occasionally, the flaps of cartilage at our nasal openings are not strong enough (or their opening isn’t big enough). When this is the case, a plastic surgeon will use various techniques to try and improve it. They may use a cartilage graft to “prop” open the nasal valve. Typically, this cartilage graft is obtained from either your ears or ribs. However, it’s important to note that rib cartilage grafts often warp in the years following surgery, so it’s best to avoid them.

Choosing a Rhinoplasty Surgeon

There are tons of rhinoplasty surgeons in this country, but very few of them actually know what they’re doing. Unfortunately, because plastic surgery has turned into such a big business the past few years, many doctors have “bought” their good reputation through marketing and PR. The best plastic surgeons don’t need to spend money on ads and appear on TV shows; instead they earn their business through word-of-mouth referrals. So remember, just because a plastic surgeon claims to be a rhinoplasty specialist, it doesn’t mean they are. So before you choose a surgeon, do as much research as possible. Using a rhinoplasty forum to get advice and opinions is one way to do this.

When choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon, it’s also important to choose one that specializes in your gender and ethnicity. For example, African American rhinoplasty is often more difficult since the cartilage can be harder to manipulate. Therefore, African American rhinoplasty surgeons (surgeons that specialize in African American noses) are a good idea for these patients. In the same way, rhinoplasty on males is usually considered to be harder than females. This is because the cartilage and overlaying skin is different. This is why it’s so important to choose a doctor that specializes in your type of nose.