Maybe you’ve noticed one side of your nose always feels blocked, or you wake up gasping for air at night. You might experience frequent sinus infections or find it nearly impossible to breathe comfortably when you’re sick or working out.
If these symptoms sound familiar, you may have a deviated septum. And yes, rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” can help fix it. At Facial Plastic Surgery Miami, Dr. Anthony Bared, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes in procedures that not only enhance your appearance but also improve your breathing. Here’s what you need to know about how rhinoplasty can resolve your breathing issues and restore balance.
What is a Deviated Septum?
Your nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that separates your two nostrils. Ideally, it should run straight down the center. However, in many people, it has shifted to one side. This condition is known as a deviated septum.
Some people are born with a deviated septum. Others develop it due to trauma, such as a sports injury or accident. When the septum is misaligned, it can partially block airflow through one or both sides of the nose, making it harder to breathe normally. A deviated septum can range from mild to severe and may affect your nasal function, sleep, quality of life, and yes, even the appearance of your nose.
Common Signs & Symptoms of a Deviated Septum:
- Frequent nasal congestion on one or both sides
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- Persistent post-nasal drip
- Snoring or noisy nighttime breathing
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Facial pain or pressure
- Nosebleeds
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
- Dry mouth from breathing through the mouth
- Noticeable asymmetry in your nose’s appearance
How Can Rhinoplasty Fix Your Deviated Septum?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure used to reshape the nose, often for cosmetic reasons. But when it’s done to correct a functional issue like a deviated septum, it’s typically called septorhinoplasty, a combination of cosmetic reshaping and medical correction.
Dr. Bared performs rhinoplasty with an emphasis on both structure and aesthetics. When treating a deviated septum, he doesn’t just fix the internal alignment; he also considers how any structural changes will impact the appearance of your nose and your facial harmony.
Here’s How the Process Works:
- Evaluation: Dr. Bared conducts a thorough consultation, utilizing visual exams and, if necessary, endoscopic tools to assess your nasal anatomy and airflow.
- Surgical planning: If septal deviation is present, he creates a surgical plan to realign the septum, reinforce nasal support, and optimize both breathing and appearance.
- Procedure: Through a closed or open rhinoplasty technique, Dr. Bared adjusts the cartilage and bone in your septum to center it, improving the nasal airway. If necessary, he may also reshape the nasal tip or bridge for better balance and function.
- Recovery: Healing takes a few weeks, with full results appearing over several months. Most patients report a noticeable improvement in breathing and nasal comfort soon after surgery.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty to Fix a Deviated Septum:
- Improved breathing: One of the most immediate benefits is better airflow. By straightening the septum, the nasal passages are cleared of obstruction, allowing for effortless breathing.
- Fewer sinus infections: When airflow improves, so does drainage. A properly aligned septum allows mucus to flow freely, reducing the risk of chronic sinus infections.
- Better sleep: A deviated septum can interfere with sleep quality due to snoring or sleep apnea. Correcting it with rhinoplasty can help restore quiet, restful sleep.
- Enhanced appearance: Even if your primary goal is functional, the cosmetic benefits of rhinoplasty can’t be overlooked. Dr. Bared ensures that the nose remains proportionate and natural-looking, often improving symmetry and facial harmony.
- Relief from chronic congestion: If you’ve relied on decongestants or nasal sprays for years, you may finally find relief. Surgical correction provides a long-term solution to what may have seemed like a never-ending cycle of stuffiness and blocked breathing.
- Personalized results: Because Dr. Bared tailors each procedure to the individual, you receive a surgical plan that reflects your unique anatomy, goals, and facial features. This means the internal and external improvements are aligned with your needs.
Trust Your Nose (and Breathing) to a Specialist
If you’re struggling with nasal blockage, poor sleep, or facial discomfort, you don’t have to live with it. A deviated septum can affect nearly every breath you take. Fortunately, with the right expertise, it can be corrected safely and effectively.
At Facial Plastic Surgery Miami, Dr. Bared combines his world-class training, surgical precision, and artistic eye to deliver results that are functional and beautiful. Whether you want to breathe easier, feel better, or refine your appearance, rhinoplasty might be the solution for you. Schedule a consultation today to find out if you’re a candidate for septorhinoplasty.
