Introduction: Rhinoplasty Can Sometimes Improve Function as Well
"I'd like to reshape my nose, but I actually have slight difficulty breathing""My mouth gets dry when I wake up in the morning" "Only one nostril tends to get congested easily"Many people have these concerns,Wanting to improve not only appearance but also nasal function— this need is growing year after year.
In fact, in recent rhinoplasty procedures,cases where improved breathing function can be expected alongside aesthetic improvementdo exist.
Moreover, when the cause is a structural problem,it may be covered by insuranceHowever, at most aesthetic clinics, self-pay treatment is the standard approach.
Why can nose reshaping be expected to improve breathing function as well?
The key is a surgical approach that addresses "the structure inside the nose"
Among nose reshaping procedures that improve appearance,Surgery to reposition the bones and cartilage inside the noseis included, andat that time,Expansion of the airway (nasal cavity) can also be expectedin some cases, so there is a possibility that ease of breathing may improve. However, results vary by individual.
3 structural causes of nasal congestion and their relationship to nose reshaping
1. Deviated nasal septum (Nasal septum deviation)
When the wall separating the left and right sides of the nose (nasal septum) is bent, one side of the nose tends to become congested more easily.This isNasal septum correction surgeryimprovement can be expected, often performed simultaneously with rhinoplastyis a representative procedure.
"Nasal augmentation ("Septum extensionsurgery") — during this procedure, correcting this deviation can lead to improved breathing function in some cases.
2. Inferior turbinate hypertrophy (inferior turbinate enlargement)
The inferior turbinate is a structure composed of bone and mucous membrane within the nasal cavity. When enlarged, it can obstruct airflow and cause chronic nasal congestion.In this case, inferior turbinate reduction surgery or cauterizationperformed simultaneously with rhinoplasty can improve both appearance and airflow in some cases.
3. Existing conditions such as chronic rhinitis and sinusitis
When performing cosmetic surgery, evaluation of chronic rhinitis or sinusitis is important.By obtaining otolaryngological diagnosis in advance, functional improvement surgery can be considered as needed, potentially leading to better results.
Examples of patient experiences
As a result of refining appearance, we also hear such testimonials. However, please understand that results vary from individual to individual.
- "Breathing at night feels easier"
- "I think mouth breathing has improved"
- "Breathing difficulty when wearing a mask has been reduced"
In cosmetic rhinoplasty, functional improvements can also be expected in some cases, though results differ depending on individual condition.
What combination of procedures is most effective
Functional improvement approaches in rhinoplasty
For those who have concerns not only about cosmetic goals, but also about functional issues such as "difficulty breathing" or "wanting to improve nasal congestion,"how to make appropriate treatment choiceswe introduce.
Choosing a clinic that provides treatment considering functional aspects
When improvement of breathing function is also desired,medical care by a physician with both otolaryngologic knowledge and cosmetic surgical skillsis important.
Currently,
- physicians who trained in otolaryngology and acquired nasal reshaping techniques
- physicians who deepened their understanding of nasal structure as cosmetic surgeons
and others,clinics with physicians on staff who can consider both appearance and functionare increasing.
Points to confirm
Confirm the following during consultation:
- septorhinoplasty and inferior turbinate surgery, etc.,status of availability for functional improvement procedures
- whether there is sufficient explanation about risks and complications
- whether a postoperative follow-up system is in place
Precautions when selecting surgical techniques
Among cosmetic nasal reshaping procedures,procedures that may affect nasal airflowalso exist.
For example,
On the other hand,combination of procedures that can improve appearance while also expecting functional improvementalso exist.
- septorhinoplasty + septal correction
- Rhinoplasty + Inferior turbinectomy/cauterization
- Rhinoplasty + Endoscopic sinus surgery (for cases with chronic sinusitis)
Frequently asked questions and answers
Q. Can insurance be used for rhinoplasty?→ Cosmetic purposes are handled as self-pay procedures.Septorhinoplasty and sinusitis treatment may be covered by insurance in some cases, but our clinic handles these as self-pay procedures.
Q. Can nose surgery really improve nasal congestion?→ Improvement can be expected if there is a structural cause, though results vary by individualIdentifying the cause of your symptoms is important.
If you're thinking, "What about my case?"
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Summary: Treatment selection considering both aesthetics and function
Rhinoplasty not only improves appearance, butby directly approaching the nasal structure, improvement in breathing function can also be expected in some casesdo exist.
When considering surgery,Treatment planning that takes into account both a "beautiful nose" and a "functional nose"about,We recommend consulting with a physician or clinic that can provide care considering functional aspects as well. Please understand that results vary by individual, and we ask for your thorough consideration.
References
Author of this article
Hiromitsu NakamuraPhysician
Zetith Beauty Clinic Ginza, Osaka, Fukuoka
With research presentation achievements at domestic and international academic conferences, also involved in technical guidance and education for Zetith Beauty Clinic as a whole. Specialized in precise rhinoplasty based on anatomical rationale, pursuing natural results tailored to each person's skeletal structure and tissues.