The age old advice to “take a deep breath” carries more truth than you might realize. How you feel is largely determined by how you breathe. Headaches, sinus infections, an inability to smell, nasal congestion, and nosebleeds are all signs of a common internal nasal deformity: a deviated septum. Breathe easier with nasal septoplasty, a type of functional rhinoplasty that corrects a deviated septum and improves your ability to breathe. Rhinoplasty is so much more than just changing your looks; we want to transform how you feel!
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The septum is the strip of bone and cartilage that separates the two sides of the nose. Ideally the septum cuts the nasal cavity exactly in half, leaving two equally sized passageways for air to flow. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. A deviated septum occurs when there is some sort of misalignment to the septum. It is estimated that 80% of people have some sort of deviation. Minor imbalances may not need correction, but bigger variances can lead to serious breathing difficulties.
How Is a Deviated Septum Corrected?
If you have a deviated septum, come see Dr. Epstein, one of Chicago’s premier rhinoplasty surgeons. He’ll use rhinoplasty to even out your nostril size and to restore optimal function to your nose. A deviated septum can be corrected without making major cosmetic changes to the nose or can be performed as part of a cosmetic rhinoplasty.
During a septoplasty, excess bone and tissue are removed from the septum. The surgery typically takes less than two hours. Most patients return home the same day to recover. Septoplasty is typically performed as an open rhinoplasty, a procedure where a small incision is made on the columella and the skin is lifted, allowing for easy access to the nasal structures.
Am I a Good Candidate for Functional Rhinoplasty?
Would you like to improve the function of your nose? Do you have trouble breathing? Come to MAE Plastic Surgery and find out if functional rhinoplasty is right for you. If you want to make cosmetic changes to your nose too, we can help. Functional rhinoplasty can typically be performed on patients once the nose reaches its full, adult size. This typically occurs during the late teens. If you’re struggling to breathe or have signs of a deviated septum, a septoplasty may help. Schedule your consultation today and learn more about this procedure.
