What Can Be Done if my Nose Seems Too Narrow and I Have Trouble Breathing Thru It?

Many patients with very thin noses and weak structural nasal support have trouble breathing through the nose due to nasal valve collapse. Repair of nasal valve stenosis or nasal valve collapse is a technically challenging procedure and should be customized to the individual patient. A thorough history and physical exam would be needed to determine the proper diagnosis and treatment, but if the septum is straight, the turbinates are small, other causes of nasal obstruction are ruled out, and the nasal valve area is clearly incompetent on exam, then surgical repair of the nasal valve area is likely warranted.
This is something that I commonly see and correct in my practice. This is also something that is not commonly performed by ENT surgeons or by plastic surgeons who perform very few rhinoplasty procedures.
Be sure to see an expert such as a facial plastic surgeon to review all the options.
Best,

Consider a consultation with an ENT or plastic surgeon. A simple examination will disclose whether you have a collapsed nasal valve or other internal nasal problem which would restrict airflow.  There could also be a deep septal deviation which isn't readily visible so a second opinion could not hurt and may provide you with some guidance and suggestions for treatment.

It is impossible to say what can be done to improve airflow through your nose without a face to face physical examination. If as you say the septum and turbinates are not the reason for the decreased airflow and in the absence of prior surgery or trauma the most likely cause is collapse of the nasal valves when breathing. The treatment then would depend on which valve is involved.

You can test this for youself closing off/collapsing one nostril with your index finger. Lift your chin up and look in the mirror as you inhale and exhale through the nose. If you see the open side collapsing during the breathing the cycle that is a problem with a nasal valve. The treatment is placement of cartilage grafts inside the nose to prevent the collapse. The position of the graft will depend on which valve is involved.

I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.

My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.