It’s a given that most people get a nose job, or rhinoplasty, to enhance their facial appearance. They want to look better and more attractive by making their nose smaller, straighter or narrower.
However, rhinoplasty has other valuable benefits independent of improved looks. There are people who are recommended for a nose job not because their nose is physically unattractive but because its internal or external structure creates an obstruction only surgery can fix. The fact that they might end up with a nicer, more aesthetic nose is simply a bonus side effect of nose surgery.
Even if the main purpose of the nose job is cosmetic, rhinoplasty can have several non-cosmetic benefits.
Nose Job to Fix a Deviated Septum
A septum is the little wall that separates the two sides of your nose. It should be located exactly in the middle so that the sides are even and each takes in an equal amount of air. When the septum is off-center, or deviated, one side of your nose may be bigger than the other, and the smaller side takes in less air. A deviated septum can cause difficulty with breathing through your nose, frequent nosebleeds, sinus pressure, infections and headaches.
Rhinoplasty can correct a deviated septum by correcting the septum placement back to center. Without the obstruction of a deviated septum, you can breathe easier and get rid of the related sinus pain and pressure. Most people have some deviation in the septum, and may be surprised to find an improvement in breathing after healing from surgery.
Rhinoplasty for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a when you stop breathing periodically in your sleep. One cause of this is an obstruction of the nasal airways. Rhinoplasty can improve airflow and clear the nasal passages. This will make it easier to breathe and can reduce the occurrence of sleep apnea, which can be fatal in extreme cases.
Nose Surgery for Snoring
Quite naturally, better breathing means better sleep uninterrupted by snoring. This will improve the quality of your sleep and make you feel more rested in the morning. Surgery to fix snoring can also improve sleep for your spouse and others in the household who may be kept awake by your loud snoring.
Improving Allergies with a Nose Job
While rhinoplasty does not necessarily cure allergies, nose surgery can relieve the chronic symptoms of allergy sufferers. Allergies cause inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages, preventing proper breathing, causing nose drips and other discomforts. Rhinoplasty can widen the nasal passages to reduce allergy-related irritation, swelling and pain.
Choosing the Right Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Rhinoplasty can make a world of difference to not just your physical appearance, but your emotional and physical health as well. However, achieving the best outcome from your nose job surgery depends entirely on the skill of your plastic surgeon.
Because rhinoplasty is considered one of the most complex plastic surgery procedures, it’s critical to make sure your surgeon has the skills to deliver the results you desire. Do your research by looking at examples of their work, ensure all of your questions are answered at your consultation, and make sure your plastic surgeon is experienced and board certified.
Daniel Man, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a high-end private practice in Boca Raton, Florida.
