Rhinoplasty and Nasal Breathing Disorders

Are you one of the many people who would like to make a change in the appearance of your nose?  

Perhaps you are happy with your appearance but would like to be able to breathe better?  Both of these aspects of the nose can be addressed with a relatively simple procedure called a rhinoplasty.

A rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is a specialized procedure performed by facial plastic surgeons.  Usually done under anesthesia, the surgeon can make many changes to the shape and function of the nose.  Some of the problems that can be addressed include removing a “hump” on the top of the nose, refining the shape of the tip or ball of the nose, making the nose smaller as a whole, or even opening the breathing passages to allow more airflow into the nostrils.  

How are these changes made?

The first stage of a rhinoplasty usually involves the nasal septum.  This is a thin piece of cartilage that separates the right  and left sides of the nose.  Commonly referred to as a septoplasty, this piece of cartilage is removed or straightened.  If the septum is deviated causing difficulty breathing, this maneuver will help.  Also, part of this septum is harvested in order to refine or make changes to the outer shape of the nose.

The next stage is to remove the hump by softening the nasal bone.  Sometimes in order to remove the hump and make the nose less wide, the nasal bones need to be moved inward.  This may require the surgeon to precisely break the bones so that they heal in a more desirable position.

Once the upper portion is finished, the tip can be addressed.  This is where surgical experience and expertise is of the utmost importance.  Refining the shape of the nasal tip and making the nose look smaller in the lower portion requires very fine techniques.  When performed correctly, the nose looks very natural and softer in appearance.

Does insurance cover the cost of a rhinoplasty?

Yes.  If you have difficulty breathing, then insurance will cover the procedures that help you breathe better.  This can be a significant portion of most rhinoplasty procedures.  If you desire an improved appearance, you would be responsible for that portion of the surgery.