Skip to main content

How Rhinoplasty Can Correct Nasal Obstructions


Charles A. Messa, III, MD, FACS
  • CATEGORIES:

Posted April 15, 2024 in Rhinoplasty

close-up of woman's nose

Rhinoplasty is widely known for its ability to reshape the nose, but it can also be performed to correct a deviated septum and improve breathing. This blog discusses how blocked nasal pathways cause issues and how septoplasty—a type of rhinoplasty—can fix these issues. 

3 Min Read:

Issues With Nasal Pathways

Even a slight cold can make someone appreciate simply breathing easily through their nose again. You’ve probably heard of rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a “nose job,” and its ability to create a more proportional nose in conjunction with the rest of one’s facial features. However, rhinoplasty can do much more than simply improve the appearance of your nose; it can also improve your breathing and eliminate snoring.

If the cartilage between your nasal passages is crooked, it can cause issues with air as it travels in and out of your nose. This often results in difficulty breathing and snoring when sleeping, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Rhinoplasty can help these issues by correcting nasal obstructions.

What Is a Septoplasty?

A septoplasty is a specific type of rhinoplasty that fixes a deviated septum. Nasal obstructions occur when the nasal passages are crooked, so people with a deviated septum—crooked cartilage between the nostrils—often face breathing difficulties and less airflow.

Septoplasty surgery fixes the nasal structure to eliminate blockages that restrict airflow. During the procedure, Dr. Messa will reposition the septum so it is in the center of the nose, providing a better alignment for nasal functions. A septoplasty can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with another type of rhinoplasty to enhance and improve the shape and size of the nose if desired.

During a septoplasty procedure, incisions are typically made inside the nasal cavity, allowing your surgeon to lift the mucosal lining off the septum. The septum is then straightened and repositioned—parts may be cut to achieve the ideal position. Once the septum is straight and centered,  the mucosal lining will be returned, and the incisions will be closed.

What Are the Benefits of a Septoplasty?

If you have a deviated septum that interferes with your quality of life on an everyday basis, you may want to consider septoplasty. Breathing issues can be frustrating, especially when performing more strenuous physical activities. Excessive snoring can interrupt your sleep at night and may disturb people sleeping in the same room as you. Septoplasty can correct a deviated septum to reduce these issues. Clearing out nasal blockages and straightening the spetum allow for clearer, easier breathing and may reduce snoring to help you sleep through the night better. Patients who get septoplasty often find that their day-to-day lives are significantly improved due to eliminating breathing issues.

What Else Can a Rhinoplasty Do?

If you want to enhance the aesthetic of your nose in addition to correcting a deviated septum, you may consider adding a different type of rhinoplasty with your septoplasty. Some of the benefits of rhinoplasty include:

  • Altering the size of the nose to balance facial proportions
  • Creating facial harmony among all facial features
  • Reducing the size of the nose bridge
  • Fixing asymmetrical nasal features
  • Removing humps, bumps, or other nasal deformities
  • Adjusting nostrils so they are proportional to the rest of the nose

Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation in Weston, FL

Take the first step towards improving your breathing and overall quality of life by scheduling your rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Messa in Weston, FL. To learn more about rhinoplasty at Weston Cosmetic Surgery Center, call us at 954-659-7760 or 877-250-8117 or fill out our online contact form today.

Please fill out the form below.

"*" indicates required fields