Rhinoplasty, also called a nose job, is a surgical procedure done to change the size or shape of the nose
. While generally considered a cosmetic procedure rhinoplasty is also done to correct breathing problems. When breathing through the nose is restricted due to bone structure or other problems rhinoplasty can help to correct the problem. The nose job can change the outer appearance of the nose but can also change the inner structure of the nose creating an unrestricted breathing area.
Some of the breathing problems that can be corrected by rhinoplasty include snoring, mouth breathing and nasal restriction. These can happen when the inside of the nose is too small to facilitate normal breathing. Rhinoplasty can correct the problems by changing the inner structure of the nose virtually unblocking the restriction.
When necessary to correct breathing problems rhinoplasty is often covered under typical medical insurance plans. Patients who undergo rhinoplasty to correct breathing problems can expect to have much better breathing through the nose as a result of surgery. Breathing properly through the nose will help people function normally and will often reduce the incidence of mouth breathing.
Both children and adults may undergo rhinoplasty to correct breathing problems. The surgeon will examine your nose to determine what needs to be done to correct the problems. Rhinoplasty will change the structure of the nose effectively opening up the nasal passages to allow for freer breathing.
Rhinoplasty procedures can range in complexity depending on the extent of the changes needed. The surgery is usually done as outpatient surgery and is completed at the surgeon's office. The patient will usually have some swelling and pain immediately following the surgery but this can be controlled through pain medication. The swelling will subside in a few days to a week and within a week or two the patient can return to normal activities.