People tend to associate nasal surgery, particularly rhinoplasty, with a certain amount of vanity about the appearance of the nose. While one of the main reasons why people consider rhinoplasty is to improve aesthetics, appearance isn't the only thing that drives people to surgery. Issues with the way a person's nose functions, as well as a congenital deformity or damage that occurred later in life can all play a part when it comes to deciding whether rhinoplasty is an appropriate choice or not.
Deviated Septum
A deviated septum is simply a septum that leans to one side or other, decreasing the size of the nasal passage in one nostril. The constricted nasal passage can make it difficult to breathe or can lead to facial pain and bleeding from the nose. Not every person with a deviated septum requires surgery to correct it, but surgery is the only way to actually repair the issue. For some people, managing the symptoms caused by the deviation is enough. Some people also don't experience any trouble breathing or have any other issues, even though they have a deviated septum.
Technically, the surgery that corrects a deviated septum, septoplasty, focuses on the interior of the nose only. The procedure straightens the septum, often by cutting away some of it and repositioning it so that the nasal passages aren't blocked. Depending on a patient's circumstances, septoplasty on its own might be sufficient to correct the problem. Some do need rhinoplasty as well, to alter the shape of the nose and fix any difficulties.
Injury Causing Deformity
A person might have been totally happy with the way his or her nose looked at birth and for many years of his or her life. But, a sudden life change, such as an injury to the nose due to sports, an auto accident, or a violent fight, can dramatically change the way the nose looks. For example, a nose that breaks might not heal properly, leaving a person with a hump on the bridge of the nose or with an asymmetrical nose. Rhinoplasty can help restore the appearance of an injured nose.
Your nose doesn't have to be the source of much difficulty in your life. If you have had problems with your nose's function for years or if you were in an accident that caused the shape or size of your nose to change, rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty can be right for you.
When considering any type of nasal surgery, remember to choose a surgeon with plenty of experience performing rhinoplasty and who specializes in the procedure. Dr. Anurag Agarwal, Dr. Richard Maloney, and Dr. William Ross are plastic surgeons with the experience you need. Please call 239-594-9100 to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled physicians.
