Functional rhinoplasty - it still amazes me to breathe through my nose

I have suffered from allergies for as long as I can remember. Self admitted mouth breather. But for the most part, I just took Zyrtec and Flonase and just dealt with the remaining issues. Well, then covid-19 hit and wearing a mask was brutal (verge of a panic attack at the eye doctor).

I started working with my PCP virtually. We tried switching me to dymista, which did help some but it still wasn't pleasant. Then moved up to taking Sudafed every day, but I couldn't take it at night without sleep issues.

So she recommended I see an ENT to check for nasal obstructions and such. My ENT said that I had a deviated septum (that she could correct), but my main issue was nasal valve collapse (which was outside her expertise). Thankfully she referred me to Dr. Rich. Consultation went great, he answered all my questions.

Then I just had to wait for the surgery and pre-op to be scheduled. I was in for surgery 30 days after my initial consultation. Surgery went well. Recovery was as he had described (about 4 days after I felt normalish). He provided me with his cell number so I could reach out at any time with questions or concerns. And I was back to work a week later. Once the splints came out, there was a lot of blockage (swelling, scabbing (normal) and mucus (normal for me)).

Fast forward to about 2.5-3 months post surgery. Most of the swelling had gone down, the left nostril was perfect, my spouse said I no longer sounded like Darth Vader at night, and when I was not combating sinus drainage from allergies my right side was also good (it was the worst side to begin with). But I did not truly realize the change that had been made until I went to a yoga class. For the first time in my life I was able to follow the instructor's breathing cues and breathe through my nose.

I am 4.5 months post surgery now and it still amazes me to breathe through my nose most of the day. 100% recommend if you have functional issues. I am including a side by side of before and after. The picture on the far right is before and not breathing. The middle is before while breathing (see how my nose would close in). And the picture on the left is after.