Will Rhinoplasty Fix Breathing Problem?

My nostril passage is too narrow. I have had breathing problems ever since I can remember. This keeps me from being active, specially working out. Could a procedure like Rhinoplasty fix the problem?

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by xtianaxel in San Diego, CA

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Rhinoplasty is done for cosmetic purposes

A rhinoplasty is performed only for cosmetic nasal procedures. A septoplasty is performed for breathing issues out of the nose. A septoplasty and a rhinoplasty can be performed together if both cosmetic and breathing issues need to be addressed at the same time. Typically, the rhinoplasty is paid for by the patient and the septoplasty is billed to the insurance carrier the patient has.

Rhinoplasty Should Produce a Nose That Looks Good & Functions Well.

The goal of nose reshaping surgery is produce a nose that both looks good and functions well. If performed correctly by an experience surgeon who specializes in nose surgery, neither breathing nor appearance should have to be sacrificed for the sake of the other. Rhinoplasty -- or nose job surgery -- is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping the nose. Rhinoplasty is accomplished by removing excess bone and cartilage from beneath the skin covering the nose. In some cases, cartilage... more

Breathing and rhinoplasty

A narrow nose can certainly have breathing problems. Breathing problems can be multifactorial. Two that can be treated with rhinoplasty alone are related to septal deviations and enlarged turbinates. These can be examined on physical exam. Sometimes sinuses can affect the breathing as well and a good history and physical exam should be obtained.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

How to fix breathing problems caused by a narrow nose

Yes, having a narrow nose can cause breathing problems. You have two "valves" that affect the inflow of air to your nose. One is called the external nasal valves and these are basically the openings of your nostrils. The other valves are the internal nasal valves and these are formed by the middle cartilage of your nose known as your septum and the cartilage on the sides of your nose known as the upper lateral cartilages. The internal nasal valve has a certain degree of... more

Form and function

Form and function often go hand in hand when treating the nose. However, improvements in nasal breathing can often be achieved without altering the appearance of the nose and, conversely, a nose can often be improved aesthetically without correcting nasal function. Because of the complex interplay between nasal form and nasal function, it makes a lot of sense to see someone specialized in the nose in all its aspects. This includes not only the anatomy and structure of the nose, but also its... more

You should get your nasal blockage properly diagnosed.

Rhinoplasty is surgery to change the appearance and sometimes the funstion of your nose. You mentioned that your nasal passage is too narrow, but you need a more specific diagnosis. You should start with an ENT Consultation, or a dual-certified ENT and facial plastic surgeon. You should choose the later if you're not happy with the appearance of your nose. If your nose looks good, but is always stuffy, go to a board certified ENT. Best regards.

Eric M. Joseph, MD

198 reviews

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

Septoplasty will help breathing problem

You most likely have a deviated septum and possibly large turbinates (glands inside the nose that swell up during congestion). It is very unlikely that narrow nostrils alone are causing you difficulty in breathing. You should see an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose & Throat doctor) to assess the inside of your nose. Rhinoplasty strictly deals with the shape of your nose and not with breathing issues.

A well-done Rhinoplasty should help

A Rhinoplasty should address both the cosmetic and functional issues with your nose. If you are having trouble breathing through your nose, it may be due to a problem in the septum, turbinates or combination of the above. An experienced plastic surgeon will know how to evaluate your nose and determine which are the problems causing your difficulty. They should then be able to explain to you what procedures they would do to fix it.

It sounds like your nasal problem is structural

If your nasal obstruction is relatively constant; always there and always the same side it is probably structural rather than allergic or due to some of the other possible causes. There are a number of structures that can narrow your nasal airway and with varying success they can often be corrected as part of a rhinoplasty. The most common levels of obstruction are a deviated septum, large turbinate, or narrowing of the internal or external valves. It is important that your surgeon make a... more

Rhinoplasty does not always fix a breathing problem

It is important to select a surgeon who is skilled in management of the airway as well as the appearance of the nose. An experienced and skilled Rhinoplasty surgeon should be able to tell you what the problem is during the consultation and formulate a plan to achieve functional improvement as well as cosmetic satisfaction.

Rhinoplasty Along with Septoplasty Should Correct Breathing Problems

Hi Xtianaxel, Your rhinoplastic surgeon should be able to diagnose what is causing your breathing difficulty. Once the diagnosis is made, a surgical plan can be devised to not only help you to breath better, but also to achieve the cosmetic result that you desire. Take your time in choosing your rhinoplasty surgeon. The procedure is not a commodity. You are trusting a surgeon with your nose for the rest of your life. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD

21 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

Rhinoplasty to fix breathing problem

If your breathing problem is due soley to a collapsed nostral then a corrective rhinoplasty should help. However, there are many other factors at play such as septal deviation, turbinate deformities and allergic sequellae of the nasal lineing that often contribute to nasal airway obstruction which may have to be delt with at the same time. An experienced , board certifed,practioner will discuss the problems and the treatment.