Can Rhinoplasty Help Breathing?

Posted March 04, 2025 in Rhinoplasty

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Rhinoplasty, commonly known as nose surgery or a “nose job,” is often thought of solely as a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of your nose. However, rhinoplasty isn’t just about aesthetics—it can also be used to improve your breathing and the overall functionality of your nose. If you have issues with how your nose works, like chronic nasal congestion, snoring, or difficulty breathing, rhinoplasty may be the solution to your problems. In this blog, we’ll explore the functional benefits of rhinoplasty and the conditions it can address in order to help you determine if it is a beneficial procedure for you.

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How Rhinoplasty Can Improve Breathing

Rhinoplasty can enhance breathing by correcting structural abnormalities inside your nose. Some people are naturally born with nasal structures that restrict their airflow, while others develop breathing issues later due to trauma, injury, or aging. By reshaping and restructuring your nasal passages, rhinoplasty can significantly improve your airflow in and out of your nose and eliminate breathing difficulties. A functional rhinoplasty procedure may involve straightening a deviated septum, reducing enlarged turbinates, or shoring up collapsed nasal valves. These adjustments can lead to better nasal function and an overall improved quality of life.

Benefits of Rhinoplasty for Breathing

Undergoing rhinoplasty to correct breathing issues provides several benefits, including:

Improved airflow: Correcting obstructions caused by structural nasal issues allows for easier breathing through your nose.
Reduced snoring and sleep apnea symptoms: Breathing issues like snoring and sleep apnea contribute to sleep disturbances (for you and your partner), so correcting them can improve your sleep quality and overall health.
Less nasal congestion: Ensuring that your delicate nasal structures are in the correct position can reduce chronic congestion and painful sinus pressure.
Better athletic performance: If you are an athlete or enjoy exercising and other fitness-related activities, you may benefit from increased endurance and better performance when you can breathe through your nose properly.
Higher quality of life: You may not realize it, but nasal obstructions could be the cause of chronic headaches, fatigue, and discomfort. Rhinoplasty can improve or eliminate these issues.

Common Structural Issues That Affect Breathing

Several nasal conditions can interfere with your ability to breathe properly. Some of the most common include:

Deviated Septum

The septum is the cartilage and bone that divides your nostrils. If it is crooked or off-center, it can partially block one or both nostrils, making it difficult to breathe freely. A rhinoplasty procedure that includes septoplasty (septum correction) can significantly improve the flow of air through your nose.

Nasal Valve Collapse

The nasal valves are the narrowest part of your nasal airway. Weak or collapsed nasal valves can restrict your airflow, making breathing difficult. Rhinoplasty can be used to strengthen these structures, improving or restoring nasal function.

Enlarged Turbinates

Turbinates are small structures inside your nose that help to filter and humidify the air you breathe. When turbinates become enlarged due to allergies, infections, or other factors, they can obstruct your airflow. Rhinoplasty surgery can include a turbinate reduction to restore breathing ability.

Nasal Fractures

A broken nose can result in misaligned bones or cartilage, which may lead to chronic breathing issues. Rhinoplasty can help realign your nose, restoring normal airflow.

Chronic Sinus Issues

Some people may experience recurring sinus infections or constant nasal congestion due to structural blockages in their nose. Rhinoplasty can improve your nasal structure, helping to reduce these issues and promoting better sinus drainage and airflow.

What Is the Difference Between Functional and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?

The difference between functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty is that one (cosmetic) primarily focuses on enhancing the appearance of your nose, while the other (functional) is performed to correct breathing issues. Many people get a combination of both, fixing aesthetic concerns like bumps or humps on the nose or a crooked or too-large nose while simultaneously addressing some of the functional issues mentioned above. The best way to find out if you need a cosmetic or functional rhinoplasty—or a combination of both—is to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist (ENT specialist). They will examine your nose and determine whether your breathing problems require surgery and how best to achieve your desired results.

Learn More About Rhinoplasty in Coral Gables

Rhinoplasty is not just a procedure that focuses on aesthetics—it can actually be life-changing for people who struggle to breathe due to nasal structure issues. By correcting structural problems and improving your nasal function, rhinoplasty can help you breathe more easily, sleep better, and enjoy a better quality of life. If you’re thinking about undergoing rhinoplasty to address breathing issues, it’s time to schedule a consultation with one of the skilled surgeons at Careaga Plastic Surgery. To learn more, call our office today at (305) 929-0445 or complete the online contact form.