Rhinoplasty to Correct Breathing Issues
If you are unhappy with your nose’s shape, angle, or size, you have likely considered getting a rhinoplasty. However, rhinoplasties are not only used to correct a nose for aesthetic purposes. A rhinoplasty can also rectify breathing problems. Sometimes, a deviated septum, previous injury or a prior rhinoplasty is the cause of breathing problems. An evaluation of this problem requires an appointment with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Garrett Wirth. From there, Dr. Wirth can determine what is causing the issue.
A deviated septum is one of the most common causes of breathing problems. This occurs when the wall that separates the left and right nasal passage is bent, twisted or abnormal in any way. This causes difficulty breathing because it can block the nasal passages and disrupt the smooth, even airflow that should be present. A rhinoplasty surgery often remedies this, so long as the situation is correctly diagnosed, and the proper surgical plan is applied. Because of this, the experience of Dr. Garrett Wirth is essential. You will receive general anesthesia before the surgery begins. Then, before any incisions are made, Dr. Wirth will add local anesthesia to control bleeding and help make you more comfortable after the surgery. He will then begin to make incisions that will allow him to reach the bones and cartilage that surround and support the nose.
There are two techniques used for these incisions: endonasal or open. An open rhinoplasty has incisions that are made on the bottom of the nose (between the nostrils), while a very small cut and the remainder of the incisions are inside, such as the closed endonasal approach. Some proponents of open rhinoplasties believe that this technique permits surgeons to view inside of the nose more fully, thus allowing for better surgical manipulation (an important factor when correcting breathing problems).
For an endonasal rhinoplasty, the incisions are made inside of the nose. A surgeon may choose this technique because the scars will not be visible after the surgery. Advocates of this technique state that endonasal rhinoplasties still allow for good visualization during the surgery and eradicates the scar found on the bottom of the nose after surgery.
Dr. Wirth will then proceed to follow the plan that you made with him prior to the surgery. The procedure should take around two to four hours, but may take longer depending on circumstances. Recovery varies based on severity of the (now resolved) problem, and other possible factors (did the bones need to be broken and realigned, etc.) Dr. Wirth will instruct you as to how long you need to abstain from your regular activities. Other directions may regard normal symptoms you may experience and how to handle them, signs that you should be concerned about, and how to wear your nasal splint and bandages (if you are told to wear them). Swelling and bruising are normal and should be anticipated. This can be expected to last for up to two weeks. Generally, the surgical packing in and around your nose will be removed four to seven days post surgery.
Results of rhinoplasty are permanent, so it is important that you choose a knowledgeable surgeon. You can breathe easy knowing that Dr. Wirth has years of experience as a plastic surgeon to solve your nose-breathing problems. Contact him today for a consultation and get ready to breathe again!
To get your evaluation, schedule your consultation now with Dr. Garrett Wirth at (949) 238-6713, or fill out a complimentary case consultation form here.
Cosmetic Surgery