Breathing issues can significantly impact quality of life, and for many individuals, these difficulties result from structural abnormalities in the nasal passages. Patients undergoing nasal surgeries to correct breathing problems may also take the opportunity to address cosmetic concerns related to the appearance of their nose. This comprehensive guide will explore the causes of breathing issues, common concerns, treatment candidates, and procedures to improve breathing.
Overview
There are numerous acute and chronic health problems that may cause an individual to experience breathing problems. Any sudden change in a person’s ability to breathe requires immediate medical evaluation, and respiratory issues related to chronic heart or lung disease should be managed by a cardiologist or pulmonary specialist. However, stable, longstanding nasal breathing difficulties caused by structural abnormalities can often be addressed with cosmetic procedures by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
The Specifics
What Causes Breathing Issues?
Understanding nasal anatomy is crucial to see how subtle abnormalities in nasal structure can significantly impact its function. The nose is the first organ in the respiratory system and is composed of bone and cartilage. The septum vertically divides the nose in half, creating the two nostrils.
The Anatomy of the Nose
The nostrils open into an intricate system of hollow, curving passageways known as the nasal turbinates, which moisten and warm air before sending it to the lungs. Geography plays a role in determining the shape and size of a person’s nose, as lungs prefer air that is sufficiently warm and moist. People with ancestors from hot, humid climates tend to have shorter, wider noses, while those from cool, dry environments have longer, narrower noses.
The shape and size of the nose aren’t the only factors in determining how air is delivered to the lungs. Deviations in the nasal septum (a.k.a. a “deviated septum”) can cause a narrowing of either nostril, impacting air flow to a noticeable level. In severe cases, structural asymmetry can even be visible to the naked eye.
Common Breathing Concerns
The American Lung Association identifies various medical conditions that can cause breathing issues, ranging from lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to hypertension and asthma. As it relates to the nose, the following concerns could lead to breathing issues:
- Deviated Septum: This common condition occurs when the cartilaginous “wall” separating the two nostrils deviates to one side, constricting the nostrils and varying in severity.
- Nasal Structure: The size and shape of the nose and nostrils contribute to the overall structure of the nose. Factors such as genetics, injury, age, or medical conditions (like nasal polyps, nose bumps, and nose angle) can impact breathing.
- Nostril Size: The size of the nostrils is determined by the shape of the nose and the size of the septum. Nostrils that are too large may be an aesthetic concern, while nostrils that are too small can cause breathing difficulty due to reduced air flow.
Candidates for Treatment
Once more serious illnesses have been ruled out, if breathing issues persist due to structural causes, a consultation with a plastic surgeon can be beneficial. Studies have shown that 75 to 80 percent of humans have some deviation of the nasal septum, one of the most common causes of breathing difficulties due to reduced airflow through the respiratory system.
The Nasal Obstructive Symptom Evaluation Scale (NOSE) helps judge a patient’s degree of nasal obstruction and allows practitioners to assess if plastic and reconstructive surgery is an appropriate solution. Procedures to correct respiratory issues can also be used to make alterations to nose shape and size.
Procedures to Improve Breathing Issues
Whether a patient’s concern is related to the size or shape of the nose and nostrils or a deviated septum, there are reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries that can improve breathing while also amending the aesthetic appearance of the nose.
For Deviated Septum
A septoplasty procedure corrects a deviated septum by straightening the septum and evaluating the blocked nasal structure to remove any impediments. When combined with a rhinoplasty (a.k.a. nose job), which addresses the external structure of the nose, the dual surgery is known as a septorhinoplasty.
For Nose Structure
A rhinoplasty comes in various surgical and non-surgical forms. As it relates to correcting the shape or size of the nose for improved breathing, a plastic surgeon can use either an open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty technique to straighten the nose, adjust the size, change the nasal angle, or enhance the nasal bridge for improved air flow.
For Nostril Shape and Size
Combined with a rhinoplasty or performed alone, an alarplasty surgery can correct the symmetry and size of the nostrils. An incision is made between the nose and cheek, allowing excess skin to be removed and the nostrils to be reshaped and/or resized.
The Takeaway
Plastic surgery procedures like cosmetic rhinoplasty and alarplasty are not always limited to aesthetic concerns alone. A board-certified plastic surgeon can address structural abnormalities like the shape and size of the nose and nostrils and deviated septums to significantly improve breathing. Additionally, these procedures can often be combined to improve both function and appearance. In such cases, health insurance may cover part or all of the surgery cost. It is possible to breathe easier and improve self-confidence through a safe and trusted cosmetic procedure.
