Problem breathing from the left side of my nose - Would I qualify for a rhinoplasty? (photos)

Question

I do have problem breathing from the left side of my nose more than my right side which is my biggest concern along with my side profile! Growing up I did get hit in the nose a few times with sports or an elbow which caused my nose to always bleed.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for posting your photos and questions. As a specialist in rhinoplasty surgery, I hear issues like yours on a daily basis. You appear to have a dorsal hump caused by a combination of excess bone and cartilage. The bone can be filed down and cartilage trimmed so that they will create a straight line for your profile. This would be considered a rhinoplasty, and it only would address the cosmetic factors of your nose. If you have trouble breathing out of one nostril, it could be due to turbinates and/or the septum, so a physical examination would be necessary to determine the cause of your labored breathing.  I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon in person to discuss your concerns.

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Yes, you would be a candidate for a rhinoplasty procedure. I would recommend a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for an in-person examination to determine the cause of your difficulty breathing and to further discuss your aesthetic goals. At our practice, we do the vast majority of our rhinoplasty procedures using the closed approach and we use imaging software to ensure our goals align. Best of luck!

Christian L. Stallworth, MD · Answer

You mention two issues with your nose - breathing difficulties (which are most likely from a septal deviation) and a desire to improve your profile.  Both can and should be addressed in a rhinoplasty surgery.  Schedule a consultation with an experienced board certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon that can assess your nose and discuss your options.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Septoplasty is commonly performed at the time of rhinoplasty. In fact, it's always best to have both procedures performed at the same time to optimize both a functional and cosmetic result. If you decide to have rhinoplasty, narrowing of your tip and nostrils may be considered. Thank you. Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You appear to be good rhinoplasty candidate. Your breathing should be able to be corrected at the same time.

Problem breathing from the left side of my nose - Would I qualify for a rhinoplasty? (photos)

Answers (5)