Functional rhinoplasty options to help with breathing?

Hello and thank you for your question. Addressing breathing issues is actually one of the most common reasons people seek out and undergo a rhinoplasty. An open rhinoplasty can best address both the functional issues and any potential aesthetic concerns with your nose. I would be able to open up and reinforce your internal and external nasal valves to improve the airflow through your nose!

This truly a surgery of millimeters- and whether you're looking for a minor adjustment or a major transformation, it requires exceptional surgical skill to achieve functional and natural-looking results! Because your nose is the DEFINING feature of your face- I would only recommend seeing a surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty procedures, and who has significant training and experience performing these surgeries. I actually trained under one of the world leading rhinoplasty experts (who performs 1,000+ nosejobs annually).

I recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with rhinoplasties) to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate your options, and develop a personalized plan just for you. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Hi, It is better for you to consult with your facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and give you opinion based on examination.

A septoplasty and turbinate reduction can improve breathing but also breathing can be improved from a rhinoplasty. If you have a collapse of the internal nasal valve then this can be corrected. I would need photographs to give you a more accurate answer. Also, there is no such thing as a general plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons are completely trained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello and thank you for your question. It is difficult to provide a complete opinion without a more detailed description of your concerns. After a turbinate reduction, turbinates can certainly grow (hypertrophy) and be amenable to a repeat reduction. Revision septoplasty is sometimes required in patients who develop a subsequent deviation. Internal and external nasal valve collapse could also be contributing to your concerns. An in person consultation with a board certified otolaryngologist (ENT) may be of great benefit to you to address your breathing concerns.

Many people experience airway blockage in their nasal valves, and this may be repaired with cartilage grafting, depending on somebody's condition. Since you have had previous nasal surgery, I would suggest that you visit with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists so you could see what you expect moving forward from both a functional and cosmetic standpoint. If you do not have enough nasal septal cartilage available for reconstruction, sometimes rib cartilage is necessary. We prefer autologous rib from a tissue bank. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph