Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure often performed to address cosmetic concerns such as a dorsal hump, crooked bridge, or bulbous nasal tip. It can also correct asymmetry and structural issues that affect the shape and proportions of the nose. But beyond cosmetic changes, some patients consider rhinoplasty to address breathing difficulties caused by internal nasal obstructions.
If you have trouble breathing through your nose, you may be wondering whether rhinoplasty is an appropriate solution. At Ridenour Plastic Surgery in St. Louis, MO, we evaluate the underlying cause of nasal obstruction to determine whether surgical intervention could improve airflow.
What Is a Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose by modifying bone, cartilage, or both. It can refine the nasal bridge, adjust the tip, and correct asymmetry for better balance with facial features. The approach varies depending on the structure of the nose and the specific concerns being addressed.
Is a Rhinoplasty Just for Aesthetics?
While rhinoplasty is often performed to refine the shape of the nose, it can also address functional concerns. Structural issues inside the nose may contribute to breathing difficulties, and in some cases, surgical correction can improve airflow. For patients seeking nose augmentation, rhinoplasty can enhance the nose’s proportions while also correcting any obstructions that affect nasal function.
What Causes Breathing Issues in the Nose?
Several structural and inflammatory conditions can interfere with airflow through the nose. These issues may develop naturally or result from injury, affecting how easily air moves through the nasal passages. Understanding the underlying cause of obstruction is the first step in determining whether intervention is necessary.
Deviated Nasal Septum
The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal passages. When it is off-center or significantly crooked, it can partially block one or both nostrils and make breathing more difficult. A rhinoplasty specialist evaluates the degree of deviation and how it impacts airflow to determine whether correction is needed.
Enlarged Turbinates
Turbinates are small structures inside the nose that help filter, warm, and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs. If they become swollen due to allergies, irritation, or chronic inflammation, they can obstruct airflow. Some cases of enlarged turbinates fluctuate with environmental triggers, while others remain persistently swollen.
Nasal Valve Collapse
The nasal valves are the narrowest areas of the nasal passages, and their structure is part of what regulates airflow. Weak or narrow nasal valves can collapse inward when breathing in and lead to chronic nasal obstruction. In some cases, nose reshaping techniques may be necessary to improve the function of these valves.
Chronic Congestion or Inflammation
Long-term inflammation inside the nose can result from conditions like allergic rhinitis, sinus infections, or exposure to environmental irritants. Swelling and mucus buildup can create persistent nasal blockage and make it difficult to breathe through the nose. Unlike structural issues, inflammation-related obstructions may vary in severity based on triggers.
Trauma-Related Nasal Obstructions
Nasal injuries can lead to fractures, cartilage displacement, or internal scarring, all of which may restrict airflow. A broken nose that heals improperly can cause permanent asymmetry or block one side of the nasal passage. In some cases, nasal surgery is required to correct damage and restore normal breathing function.
Which Conditions Can Be Treated With Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty can address a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, and trauma-related obstructions. If the septum is severely misaligned, repositioning it can improve airflow through both nostrils. When the nasal valves are weak or collapse inward, strengthening the cartilage in this area can prevent obstruction. Fractures that heal incorrectly can create long-term breathing issues, but modifying the bone and cartilage can help restore function.
Can Cosmetic Concerns Also Be Treated During Functional Rhinoplasty?
When correcting breathing issues, adjustments to the nasal structure often change the external appearance as well. If you want to refine the shape of your nose, we can discuss cosmetic modifications alongside functional improvements. Nose surgery performed for breathing concerns may also involve refining a dorsal hump, straightening a crooked nose, or adjusting the tip for better proportion.
What Techniques Are Used During Functional Rhinoplasty?
Surgical techniques depend on the type of obstruction and the modifications needed to improve airflow. Closed rhinoplasty involves internal incisions, which leave no visible scars but still allow us access to reshape the nasal structure. This technique is often used when refining cartilage, correcting minor asymmetry, or adjusting the septum. When more extensive corrections are required, an open approach may provide better visibility of internal structures.
Reinforcing weak nasal valves may involve taking cartilage grafts from other areas of the body, such as the ribs, septum, or ears, to strengthen support and prevent collapse. Septoplasty, a procedure often performed with rhinoplasty, repositions the septum to create a more open airway. In cases where turbinates are excessively large, reducing their size without affecting their function can enhance nasal airflow.
How Functional Rhinoplasty Works
Rhinoplasty surgery begins with anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable throughout the procedure. Incisions are made based on the extent of correction needed. If the septum is deviated, it is repositioned to allow for better airflow. Once the necessary adjustments are made, the nasal structure is stabilized, and the incisions are closed.
What to Expect During Your Rhinoplasty Recovery
Swelling and congestion are common in the first week as the nose heals from surgical adjustments. A splint may be placed on the outside of the nose to maintain its new shape, and internal supports may be used if structural reinforcement is performed. Bruising around the eyes typically fades within two weeks, while most swelling gradually improves over several months. You should avoid strenuous activities and any pressure on the nose during the early healing phase. Breathing improvements become more noticeable as internal swelling subsides.
Breathe Easier With the Right Rhinoplasty Approach
Rhinoplasty can improve nasal function by addressing structural issues that make breathing difficult. Correcting a deviated septum, reinforcing weak nasal valves, or reducing enlarged turbinates can create a clearer airway while maintaining the natural shape of the nose. To learn more about treatment options at Ridenour Plastic Surgery in St. Louis, MO, call (314) 501-7946 or contact us through the online form.
