0203 811 8175
Many patients with sleep apnea want to know whether rhinoplasty or nose surgery could help improve their breathing at night. While rhinoplasty is commonly associated with cosmetic changes, certain types of functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty can play a major role in improving airflow — and for some patients, reducing sleep apnea symptoms.
This guide explains how nose surgery relates to sleep apnea, who may benefit, and what to consider before choosing this treatment option.
Rhinoplasty alone does not cure sleep apnea, but functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty can improve airflow and help reduce symptoms in patients with nasal obstruction.
Sleep apnea is primarily caused by airway collapse, and CPAP remains the first-line treatment; surgery is considered when CPAP is ineffective or not tolerated.
Correcting a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or removing polyps can improve breathing and may lessen snoring and nighttime blockages.
Surgery outcomes vary — some patients experience major improvement, while others may still need CPAP or additional treatments.
A specialist evaluation is essential to determine whether nasal anatomy is contributing to sleep apnea and whether rhinoplasty or septoplasty is appropriate.
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder where airflow repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. These interruptions can last several seconds and may occur dozens of times per hour.
Common symptoms include:
Loud snoring
Waking up gasping or choking
Daytime fatigue
Poor concentration
Morning headaches
Irritability or mood changes
If untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke
Metabolic disorders
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — the most common type — often occurs when the airway becomes physically blocked during sleep.
The most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). A CPAP machine delivers air through a mask to keep the airway open.
However, not everyone responds well to CPAP or finds it tolerable long term. This is where certain forms of nose surgery may be considered — especially when nasal obstruction contributes to poor airflow.
Although cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on nasal shape, functional rhinoplasty and septoplasty target structural issues inside the nose that may contribute to sleep apnea.
A deviated septum narrows the airway and increases airflow resistance.
Septoplasty straightens the septum, helping improve breathing.
Functional rhinoplasty can reinforce these valves, improving airflow.
Surgery can reduce or remove obstructions that restrict airflow.
However, fixing cosmetic issues can be combined with addressing functional issues as well during the same surgery.
Important:
Nose surgery does not cure sleep apnea in all cases — but for the right candidate, it can significantly reduce symptoms, improve airflow, and increase tolerance of CPAP by making breathing more comfortable.
Scientific studies and clinical evidence show that:
Improve airflow
Reduce nasal obstruction
Decrease snoring
Improve CPAP tolerance
It may not eliminate sleep apnea entirely
Some patients still require CPAP or adjunct treatments
Results depend on the anatomical cause of obstruction
For patients whose sleep apnea is significantly related to nasal blockage, nose surgery can be an important part of treatment.
As with any surgery, rhinoplasty or septoplasty carries risks such as:
Infection
Bleeding
Swelling or bruising
Temporary numbness
Nasal dryness or congestion
A qualified surgeon will evaluate your nasal anatomy, airway, medical history, and sleep study results to determine whether surgery is likely to be beneficial.
You may be suitable if:
You have sleep apnea with documented nasal obstruction
Your septum is deviated
You struggle to tolerate CPAP due to nasal blockage
You snore heavily and breathe poorly through your nose
You have polyps, enlarged turbinates, or internal valve collapse
You want to improve both nasal breathing and nasal appearance (combined functional + cosmetic approach)
A surgeon may recommend additional airway procedures if sleep apnea involves multiple anatomical levels (e.g., tongue base or soft palate).
Rhinoplasty can help improve breathing but does not cure sleep apnea in most patients. Functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty can widen the nasal airway, reduce obstruction, and improve airflow, which may lessen symptoms.
In some cases, correcting a deviated septum or removing nasal obstructions significantly improves symptoms. However, rhinoplasty alone rarely cures sleep apnea, especially if the cause is throat-level obstruction. Many patients still require CPAP or other treatments after surgery.
Nose surgery can improve nasal airflow and make CPAP more comfortable or more effective. It may reduce nighttime breathing difficulties but is usually part of a broader treatment plan, not a standalone cure.
Septoplasty can improve breathing by straightening the septum and opening the nasal airway. This reduces airflow resistance and may lessen snoring and apnea episodes, particularly in patients whose symptoms are linked to nasal blockage.
Functional rhinoplasty and septoplasty are the procedures most commonly recommended for sleep apnea because they correct structural airway issues such as a deviated septum, narrow nasal passages, or internal nasal valve collapse.
Some patients can reduce their CPAP pressure settings after surgery, while others may still need CPAP long-term. Whether you can stop using CPAP depends on the underlying cause of your sleep apnea.
Yes. Polyps or other nasal growths can restrict airflow and worsen sleep apnea. Removing them can improve breathing and reduce symptoms.
Yes, when performed by a qualified facial plastic surgeon. As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, and temporary breathing difficulty. These are generally uncommon and manageable.
Yes. Straightening the septum can increase airflow, reduce resistance, and lessen apnea events in patients whose sleep apnea is worsened by nasal blockage.
Patient Journey We are here to guide you to make the right decision for your well-being. If you are considering an aesthetic change to your appearance, we know that it’s one of the most important and personal decisions you wish to make. Therefore you need to be certain that the medical advice you receive is […]
Patient Aftercare All cosmetic surgery procedures at Berkeley Square Medical come with a comprehensive aftercare package and a 24-hour service so you can be assured you are always under the care and guidance of our surgical team. All your immediate aftercare is included in the cost of your surgery so there are no hidden extras in our […]
If you are considering Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that it's probably one of the most important decisions you're likely to make, therefore, you need to be sure it's right for you and you receive professional and independent advice about your procedure.
Our Philosophy We began our journey setting foot in the highly fashionable area of Berkeley Square, Mayfair where luxury fashion, galleries and five-star hotels all conveniently meet to set the example for world-leading client services and experience. Our goal was to create a cosmetic surgery practice that would not only exceed patients’ expectations but provide […]
