Does a columelloplasty do anything to help improve nasal breathing when combined with a septoplasty and turbinate reduction?

Question

I have a very deviated septum and need turbinate reduction also as I can't breathe through my nose at all when lying down/sleeping. My nostril openings are narrow - like slits - would a collumeloplasy do anything to open my nostrils wider and would this help my breathing? (Considering a cosmetic rhinoplasty along with this surgery for function).

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A columella plasty is a component of a rhinoplasty performed for cosmetic purposes. A columella plasty does not improve the breathing out of the nose. A columella plasty involves making 2 incisions on the inside of the columella and trimming back excess cartilage and skin to  tuck the columella inwards for a hanging columella. Patients must pay for the cosmetic component themselves,  while a functional septoplasty and turbinate surgery is billed to the patient's medical insurance, once medical necessity has been documented at the time of examination and consultation.

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

The columella is the piece of skin separating the nostril openings. It is changed for aesthetic purposes. However if it is off center, it is most likely due to the caudal septum to which its attached.. It the airway is blocked from the crooked septum then correcting this will improve your airway.

Does a columelloplasty do anything to help improve nasal breathing when combined with a septoplasty and turbinate reduction?

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Does a columelloplasty do anything to help improve nasal breathing when combined with a septoplasty and turbinate reduction?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.