More Than Just Cosmetic–How Rhinoplasty Can Help You Breathe Better
Dr. Roberto Garcia | 08/26/2019
While most commonly associated with a desire to improve the appearance of one's nose, rhinoplasty is also a useful procedure for patients experiencing nasal breathing problems. In many cases, patients in Jacksonville, FL elect to undergo nose surgery to address both cosmetic and functional issues simultaneously. Although not considered the typical outcome, some patients who have undergone rhinoplasty for strictly cosmetic reasons ultimately report an unexpected improvement in their breathing and airflow following recovery. Whether you are looking to correct the size and/or shape of your nose or hope to get relief from chronic breathing difficulties, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roberto Garcia of Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL will provide you with the highest level of care and expertise.
Countless Americans unknowingly spend years suffering from nasal breathing difficulties that can often be corrected by a simple surgical procedure. Congenital abnormalities, trauma to the nose, previous nasal surgery, and various conditions that develop or progress as you age are all issues that can lead to nasal obstruction.
Causes of nasal obstructions
A leader in Northeast Florida/Jacksonville on rhinoplasty and the aesthetics industry, especially in regard to facial cosmetic procedures, Dr. Garcia is focused on giving patients a more aesthetically and appealing nose that meets their cosmetic desires and also functions properly. Read on for more information from Dr. Garcia about the causes of nasal obstruction that can be addressed through rhinoplasty and how they are attributed to one or more of the following factors:
Deviated Septum: The relatively sturdy piece of cartilage that acts as a divider between the two sides of the nose is referred to as the septum. A deviated septum is a fairly common structural abnormality, though the degree of deviation – or bending – can vary greatly among patients. When the deviation is severe enough to obstruct airflow on the affected side, patients can experience significant difficulty breathing. A deviated septum to this degree often occurs as the result of injury or as a congenital birth defect. The issue often becomes worse with age.
Nasal Valve Collapse: Another cause of obstruction that can result from trauma or injury to the nose is nasal valve collapse, also referred to as nasal valve narrowing. When this happens, the cartilage of one or both sidewalls of the nose is weakened or damaged, causing the nostril to appear to collapse with deep nasal breathing. Because the nasal valve is already the thinnest portion of the nose and is meant to appropriately restrict airflow, any further narrowing of the passage can lead to an excessive amount of airflow restriction and cause breathing difficulties.
Enlarged Turbinates: The nasal turbinates are mucosal structures within the nose that perform a variety of essential functions including filtering air and controlling humidity. Various environmental factors including allergens, infection, and positional changes can cause the turbinates to swell, blocking one or both sides of the nose and making nasal breathing extremely difficult or even temporarily impossible. While this condition typically resolves itself naturally or with minimal medication, some patients have a chronically enlarged turbinate which can be corrected by surgery.
Nose Size and Shape: Even if you don't specifically suffer from one of the above conditions, you may still find that you have periodic or chronic difficulties with nasal obstruction. This could be due to something as simple as the size and/or shape of your nose. Patients with a particularly thin nose or relatively small nostrils may experience a drastic improvement in their comfort level after undergoing nasal surgery.
Symptoms associated with nasal issues
Nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing aren't the only symptoms associated with a deviated septum or other structural abnormality of the nose. Additional signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have an underlying issue that can be addressed through surgery include:
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Difficulty sleeping
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Frequent nosebleeds
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Dry mouth
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Snoring
Many patients considering rhinoplasty in Jacksonville also suffer from frequent colds or issues with seasonal allergies. As a result, the nose may be prevented from draining properly due to nasal blockages and swelling. This can lead to an ongoing series of sinus infections from mucus buildup inside of swollen nasal tissues, which are an ideal breeding environment for bacteria. Patients with chronic sinusitis usually can experience the elimination of their symptoms following rhinoplasty.
Resolving nasal issues with rhinoplasty
It is important to remember that many conditions and symptoms can also be treated with medication or other methods before surgery is considered. There is also the possibility that rhinoplasty may not be the most appropriate of all the surgical options that are available to you. Separate or combined procedures, including septoplasty or septorhinoplasty, may also be useful in your particular case. The only way to know for sure if your symptoms or structural abnormality can be corrected through rhinoplasty is to be evaluated by a professional. Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roberto Garcia and the team at Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL are here to assist you in finding the perfect treatment plan or procedure for you.
Selecting the right plastic surgeon for your rhinoplasty procedure
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is the first step in addressing your nasal issues and if you should look to rhinoplasty for relief. Your post-surgical success is dependant upon your selected plastic surgeon's skills, success, and experience. It is important to choose a doctor who is board certified and is an expert in rhinoplasty surgery. The doctor you choose should make you feel comfortable to talk openly and ask questions about your issues and potential procedure.
With significant cosmetic as well as functional benefits, it is easy to see why rhinoplasty in Jacksonville is one of the most commonly performed procedures. To learn more about how nose surgery can help you look, feel, and breathe your best, call the Ponte Vedra Beach, FL office of Dr. Roberto Garcia at Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation today.