Difficulty breathing through nose. deviated septum. is rhinoplasty required?

Rhinoplasty Options: You need a septoplasty. This procedure is covered by insurance. A rhinoplasty to reshape the nose can be performed at the same time but this is considered cosmetic and would not be covered.

Maybe: It depends a lot on the nose, without pictures it is hard to say. If the deviated septum is the only problem causing the breathing, rhinoplasty is not required. However, if you have a crooked nose and deviation is only part of the problem, a functional rhinoplasty might be necessary to straighten the nose and fully improve breathing. This might be covered by insurance. D/w your doctor.

Occasionally....yes: Hi, if the external nasal structure is also deviated then correcting just the septum will not fully straighten it. Conversely if you went in for a rhinoplasty to correct a crooked nose and your septum was also deviated then both have to be corrected otherwise the deviated septum can force the external nose to remain deviated. The two go hand in hand like a support wall of your house and its roof.

It depends: Sometimes the only problem is that the internal cartilage and bone - the septum- is crooked or deviated. Sometimes however there is also a problem with the cartilage of the bridge or tip of the nose which can block the nasal "valve". This may require more extensive reconstruction. You should be evaluated by an experienced nasal surgeon to determine what you you need.

Sometimes: If the external nose is bent, collapses on inspiration or has other deformities rhinoplasty may be necessary in addition to septoplasty to get an optimal result. See a facial plastic surgeon for a consultation.

Not always: Sometimes a deviated septum is the sole cause of nasal airway obstruction. Other times however, the cause of obstruction is multifactorial. A crooked nose, weak nasal cartilages, enlarged turbinates, worn out nasal ligaments, and specific anatomic variants can all cause obstruction. Sometimes a septoplasty is all you need. Sometimes a more comprehensive septorhinoplasty is required.

No: Difficulty breathing may be structural or not. A structural problem can usually be corrected with surgery, which should help with your breathing problems. Most people have a deviated septum, but most do not have a severe enough problem to warrant rhinoplasty to correct this. However, they may be cosmetic concerns which could correct a deviated septum at the same time.

Deviated septum: If you are having symptoms of nasal obstruction- difficulty breathing through nose, snoring or perhaps other issues like recurrent sinusitis, you may consider surgical correction. Be sure to have your nose evaluated by a board certified otolaryngologist.