Breathing difficulties related to structures inside the nose are a common reason patients ask about rhinoplasty. The nose is not only an external feature; its internal shape plays an important role in how air moves in and out of the body. In some cases, the way the inside of the nose is shaped can make breathing through it harder than it should be. Whether surgery is an option depends on what is causing the difficulty, and this needs to be assessed carefully before any decisions are made.
What Causes Breathing Difficulties Through the Nose?
There are different reasons why someone might find it hard to breathe through the nose. One common reason is a deviated septum, which is when the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nostrils is off-centre instead of straight. This can reduce space on one or both sides of the nose and make it harder for air to move through.
Other parts inside the nose can also affect breathing. The turbinates, which are small curved structures that help warm and filter the air, can become enlarged and narrow the passages. The nasal valve, which is the narrowest part of the airway, can also be shaped in a way that limits airflow. Some patients are born with these features, while others develop them after an injury.
What Is the Difference Between Functional and Cosmetic Nose Surgery?
Nose surgery can be performed for cosmetic reasons, functional reasons, or in some cases, both at the same time. Cosmetic nose surgery focuses on changing the external appearance of the nose. Functional nose surgery, which is sometimes called septoplasty or functional rhinoplasty, addresses internal structural problems that are affecting how the nose works rather than how it looks.
When breathing difficulties are caused by a structural problem such as a deviated septum or a collapsed nasal valve, surgery to address that structure may be considered. This type of surgery is assessed and planned differently from cosmetic surgery, and the goals and risks involved are discussed separately during a consultation. Whether surgery is an appropriate option for your specific situation depends on a thorough assessment of what is actually causing the breathing problem.
Can The Procedure Address a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum is one of the more common structural causes of nasal breathing difficulties, and in some cases, it can be addressed surgically. A procedure called septoplasty involves straightening the septum to open up the nasal passages and allow air to move more freely. This can be performed on its own or at the same time as other nasal surgeries, depending on the individual patient’s circumstances.
Not all breathing difficulties are caused by a deviated septum, and not all deviated septums cause significant breathing problems. An assessment is needed to determine whether the deviation is actually contributing to your breathing difficulty and whether surgery is appropriate. Patients in Sydney & Central Coast who are experiencing nasal breathing difficulties are encouraged to seek a proper assessment so the cause can be clearly identified before any treatment is considered.
What Should You Expect If Surgery Is Considered?
If a structural issue is identified and surgery is considered appropriate, the procedure and its risks will be explained in detail during the consultation process. Like all surgeries, nasal procedures carry risks, and these vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient. Swelling and congestion inside the nose are common after surgery and mean that breathing through the nose may actually feel more restricted in the weeks immediately after the procedure while healing is underway.
Recovery takes time, and the full outcome of surgery is not seen immediately. Post-operative instructions need to be followed carefully, and follow-up appointments are an important part of monitoring how the nose is healing. How long recovery takes varies between patients and depends on what was done during surgery and how the individual heals.
What Should You Ask During a Consultation?
A consultation is the time to ask clear questions about what is causing your breathing difficulty and whether surgery is suitable for you. Helpful questions include what the assessment of your nasal structure shows, what is thought to be the main cause of your breathing issues, and whether non-surgical options have been considered. It is also important to ask what type of surgery is being recommended, what the known risks are, and what the recovery period is likely to involve.
Going into a consultation with a clear picture of your symptoms and how long you have had them helps the assessment process. Understanding whether surgery is appropriate for your situation, and what it realistically involves, is an important part of making an informed decision.
Why Choose Dr Laniewski for Rhinoplasty in Sydney (Bondi Junction) and Central Coast (Bella Vista & Erina)
Dr Peter Laniewski is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who completed his medical degree at the University of New South Wales before undertaking specialist surgical training in both General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and completed an international fellowship at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where he worked extensively in complex reconstructive surgery. He holds memberships with the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Australian Medical Association (AMA).
During rhinoplasty consultations, Dr Laniewski assesses the nasal structure carefully to understand what is contributing to a patient’s concerns, whether those concerns relate to appearance, function, or both. The risks involved, what the assessment findings show, and what recovery looks like at each stage are all discussed in detail. Follow-up appointments are treated as an important part of the overall care provided.
Dr Laniewski consults and operates from clinics in Bondi Junction, Bella Vista, and Erina. Patients across Sydney & Central Coast considering nose surgery or a functional nasal assessment have a range of locations to choose from. Each location is available for initial consultations and post-operative appointments.
