Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a cosmetic procedure that is often done to improve the appearance of the nose. However, in many cases, rhinoplasty can also help with breathing difficulties caused by structural issues in the nasal passages.

In this article, we will discuss how rhinoplasty can clear the airways and improve breathing obstacles.

Anatomy of the Nose

The nose is a complex structure made up of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. It has two nostrils that lead into the nasal passages, which are lined with a mucous membrane.

The nasal passages are divided by a septum, which is made up of both bone and cartilage.

Common Breathing Obstacles

There are several factors that can lead to breathing difficulties. Some of the most common obstacles include:.

Deviated septum: When the septum is crooked or deviated, it can obstruct one or both nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
Nasal valve collapse: The nasal valves are located on the sides of the nose and help to regulate airflow. When they collapse or narrow, it can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose.
Turbinate hypertrophy: The turbinates are small, bony structures within the nasal passages that help to warm and humidify the air we breathe. When they become swollen or enlarged, it can make breathing more difficult.

How Rhinoplasty Can Help

Rhinoplasty can be an effective way to address structural issues in the nose that cause breathing difficulties. Depending on the specific obstacles, the surgeon may recommend one or more of the following procedures:.

Septoplasty: This involves straightening the septum to improve airflow through the nasal passages.
Nasal valve repair: The surgeon can repair or reconstruct the nasal valves to improve airflow.
Turbinate reduction: This involves reducing the size of the turbinates to improve breathing.

Types of Rhinoplasty

There are two main types of rhinoplasty: open and closed.

Open rhinoplasty: In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision on the columella, the fleshy area between the nostrils. This allows them to lift the skin and access the underlying structures of the nose more easily. Open rhinoplasty is often preferred for more complex procedures or when major structural changes are needed.
Closed rhinoplasty: In this procedure, all incisions are made inside the nostrils. This results in less scarring and a shorter recovery time, but it can be more challenging for the surgeon to access and manipulate the structures of the nose.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty is typically done under general anesthesia and may take a few hours to complete. The exact procedure will depend on the specific obstacles and goals of the patient.

Here is a general overview of the rhinoplasty procedure:.

The surgeon will make the necessary incisions to access the structures of the nose.
They will then reshape the bone and cartilage to achieve the desired look and improve breathing.
If necessary, they may also reduce the size of the turbinates or repair the nasal valves.
The skin is then redraped over the new framework of the nose.
The incisions are closed, and the patient is monitored as they wake up from the anesthesia.

Recovery and Results

Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and individual factors. However, most patients can expect to take about a week off from work or school.

Bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes are common and typically resolve within a few weeks. It may take several months for the full results of the surgery to become apparent.

In addition to improving breathing, rhinoplasty can also enhance the appearance of the nose. This can improve self-confidence and overall quality of life for many patients.

Conclusion

Rhinoplasty is not just a cosmetic procedure – it can also help to clear the airways and improve breathing obstacles.

By addressing structural issues in the nose, such as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse, patients can experience significant improvement in their ability to breathe through their nose. If you are struggling with breathing difficulties, talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if rhinoplasty is right for you.