People having breathing difficulties due to nose structure may consider nose surgery to improve their breathing. Two types of these surgeries have a lot to do with your nose and how you breathe – they’re called Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty.
Rhinoplasty, or what many people call a ‘nose job’, is all about changing the shape and size of your nose to make it look better. Septoplasty, though, is different. It fixes the structure inside your nose (called the nasal septum) to help you breathe easier. Both surgeries can be relevant to you, and they can affect your breathing in different ways. (1)
In this article, we’re going to dig deeper into Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty. We’ll talk about how they can help you breathe better, what risks they have, and what benefits you can expect from them. Our goal is to make sure you understand these nose surgeries and how they relate to your breathing. So, let’s dive in and find the right option for you.
Rhinoplasty is the medical term for a nose job. It involves changing the shape and size of your nose to give it a more balanced appearance. This type of surgery can also be used to reduce the size of your nostrils or bridge or to correct a deviated septum. During the procedure, a surgeon will remove or add tissue to reshape and restructure your nose.
Septoplasty, a surgical procedure frequently confused with Rhinoplasty, plays an essential role in correcting functional irregularities of the nose rather than aesthetic modifications. It primarily targets the nasal septum – the thin wall separating your nostrils – an area pivotal for unhindered breathing.
Rhinoplasty, while typically aimed at changing the way your nose looks, can inadvertently impact the way you breathe. This is because the structure of your nose plays a big role in your ability to breathe properly. If the surgery changes the structure too much or in a certain way, it can make it harder for air to pass through your nose.
This risk of reduced breathing ability after Rhinoplasty is called ‘reduced breathing patency’. It’s a fancy term to describe a situation where your nose isn’t as good at letting air in and out as it was before. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s a risk that comes with the surgery.
That being said, there are ways to reduce these risks and improve your chances of not only getting a nose that looks the way you want but also one that functions well. The key lies in the expertise of the surgeon and the surgical plan – if they’re well-considered and thoughtfully planned out, they can minimize the risk of reducing your ability to breathe after the surgery.
It’s important to have an open conversation with your doctor about this. They should be able to explain all the risks involved, answer your questions, and reassure you about any concerns you might have. And remember, this is your decision to make – so make sure you’re as informed as possible.
Septoplasty, as we’ve discussed earlier, is a surgical procedure mainly aimed at rectifying structural issues within your nasal septum. But how exactly does this process improve your ability to breathe?
Think of your nose as a traffic tunnel. The septum is like the median strip that splits incoming and outgoing traffic. If this median strip deviates or becomes ‘crooked,’ traffic becomes uneven and can lead to congestion. Similarly, a deviated septum can cause an imbalance in airflow, leading to breathing difficulties.
Septoplasty comes into play to solve this issue. It straightens the septum, aligning it back to its central position. This correction allows for a balanced distribution of air passing through both nostrils, thus, improving the overall breathing process.
However, it has to be noted that Septoplasty isn’t a one-fix-for-all solution for all nasal issues. While it’s quite effective in addressing breathing problems caused by a crooked septum, it can’t resolve issues caused by other conditions. For instance, allergies and nasal polyps can also result in breathing difficulties, but these issues typically require different treatment approaches.
Nasal surgeries like Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty can be instrumental in helping individuals with breathing difficulties lead more comfortable lives. Let’s dive deeper into the potential benefits.
While nose surgeries can offer significant benefits, they also come with risks. Here, we will discuss some of the potential risks and limitations associated with Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty for those with breathing difficulties.
To navigate these potential risks and shortcomings, it’s important to have thorough discussions with your healthcare provider. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific condition and circumstances, helping you make the most informed decision possible.
Remember, the goal of any surgical intervention should be to improve your quality of life, and understanding the complete picture, including potential risks and shortcomings, is an essential part of this process.