Improve Your Breathing With Septoplasty

Posted December 19, 2018 in Rhinoplasty, Septoplasty

Rhinoplasty is known to provide some of the most dramatic transformation to a person’s face. However, plastic surgery performed on the nose can provide much more than just an aesthetically pleasing profile and enhanced confidence; it can also improve the function of the nose.

Also known as a deviated septum, a crooked nasal passageway can make it hard for a person to breath correctly, causing them to snore and can give the appearance of a crooked nose. It can be especially frustrating when the shape of the nose affects a person’s lifestyle. Septoplasty can help you achieve a better facial profile and open the nasal passageways to improve your overall breathing.

What Is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum, the thin piece of bone and cartilage that divides the nostrils, is crooked. This displacement can make one of your nasal passages smaller than the other and cause several complications, including:

While a deviated septum can result from trauma, such as from a car accident or sports injury, many people are born with this condition. Some patients may not even realize they are affected until later on in life. Occasionally, one nostril may be noticeably smaller than the other, and other times it may not be as noticeable.

What’s the Difference?

Nose surgeries can fall into two categories, rhinoplasty and septoplasty. Although they are usually lumped together, there are some distinct differences between the procedures.

Septoplasty

During septoplasty, a deviated septum is corrected by straightening the nasal septum and, if necessary, removing any excess cartilage that may be obstructing the function of the nose. Septoplasty can be performed alongside rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to alter the shape and size of the nose, either to correct natural irregularities or deformities caused by trauma. This procedure also focuses strictly on the aesthetic aspects of your nose by removing nasal humps and adjusting the width of the nostrils.

Knowing the Right Procedure for You

If you think you may have a deviated septum, Dr. Chin will be able to answer your questions during your consultation. When determining what procedure your nose requires, you’ll find that the answer should be fairly clear. You’ll know whether your desires are a need for better functionality or purely aesthetic. If you fall somewhere in the middle of the two categories, it is possible to combine your septoplasty procedure with rhinoplasty, ensuring that you change your breathing and your facial profile.

Typically, Dr. Chin prefers to perform both procedures together. During your consultation, Dr. Chin will use the VECTRA® XT device to take a digital photograph of you and digitally simulate your new nose shape so you can see what your nose may look like following your surgery.

To learn more about septoplasty and to determine if you are an ideal candidate, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Chin by calling (559) 435-9646.