Can Rhinoplasty Give Me a Bigger Nose and More Room in Nasal Passages for Breathing?

Question

I have a smallish nose. I would like to have a bigger nose and more room to breathe. What are the chances that a rhinoplasty would help me breathe better?

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Making a nose bigger in Rhinoplasty is possible, but much more complex than reductive Rhinoplasty. Improving nasal function (breathing) is also possible depending on the nature of the problem which is impairing nasal air flow. If the problem is structural (deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, post-surgical), it can usually be addressed with surgery. If nasal breathing is impaired by environmental factors (allergy), other treatments should be explored first.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Making the nose bigger is a cosmetic procedure and not a breathing procedure. If there is a breathing issue regarding the nose, this is done out of medical necessity. The two procedures that are performed on the inside of the nose to improve airflow dynamics are a septoplasty and turbinate reduction procedure. The combination of these two will improve airflow through the nose if needed. Making the nose bigger is a cosmetic procedure and is paid for by the patient. There are multiple different cartilage grafts that can be placed to make the nose taller, wider, and to fit and balance with the facial features.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

It is possible to increase the size of your nose and improve your breathing while doing so. Rhinoplasty alone may help you breathe better, depending on the nature of your situation. If you have a deviated septum as well, a functional septorhinoplasty may be performed where your deviated septum is fixed and your nose may be cosmetically altered and made more aesthetically pleasing while increasing functionality.

	I would really need to see photos and/or perform an examination in order to give you the best advice. Please feel free to send me photos, you may find my contact information in my profile. Thank you and best of luck.

	Dr. Nassif

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, there are procedures and techniques that can be used during rhinoplasty that can help with your breathing. Depending on your anatomy, cartilage from within your nose can be used to open of the breathing passages to allow more airflow. Good luck.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

If you have a small nose or saddle type of nose, then enlarging the size of the nose and elevating the dorsum can help improve breathing. The same goes true for small collapses nostrils. However, just increasing the size of the nose alone is not sufficient to improve breathing. There has to be structural issues that are affecting the nasal airway. People with small noses breathe just as well as people with large noses if there is no compromise of the nasal airway. I hope this information helps.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi,

	Great question.  Yes, in aumentation rhinoplasty, the nose may be made larger with the use of cartilaginous nasal septal grafts.  Spreader grafts, columellar structs, tip grafts, and lateral alar batten grafts may be used to help improve functional breathing as well.

	Choose your rhinoplasty surgeon most carefully.

	Good luck and be well.

	Dr. P

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It is the inside of the nose that may need to be made larger, not the outside. The airway can be obstructed due to allergies, hormones. etc. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon or allergist if you have allergies.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty has the traditional image of only making noses smaller. Frequently we also make noses bigger when indicated and improve or restore better breathing. As a matter of fact, I add to a number of areas in most rhinoplasties for aesthetic and functional reasons. You should be evaluated by a rhinoplasty expert who has experience in functional as well as aesthetic nasal surgery.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

Certainly, cosmetic nasal surgery can be planned to make your nose larger. This "augmentation rhinoplasty" usually includes building your nose up using your own cartilage. The specifics depend on your very unique anatomy and desires.

	A rhinoplasty does not automatically improve breathing. Rather, careful diagnosis for your underlying nasal obstruction is in order. Depending on these result, rhinoplasty with or without septoplasty will be designed with your functional problems in mind but not all disorders leading to poor breathing can be improved with rhinoplasty.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Breathing issues are multifactorial.  Sometimes, it is as easy as putting in spreader grafts which open up the internal valve a bit.  Difficult to tell without examining you.

Can Rhinoplasty Give Me a Bigger Nose and More Room in Nasal Passages for Breathing?

Answers (16)

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