Do you have chronic nasal congestion that seems to last all winter? A stuffy nose that doesn't respond to regular treatment may be caused by abnormalities within the nose. If this is the case, a surgical procedure may help you breathe more comfortably.
A facial plastic surgeon can examine the inside of your nose. If a blockage exists, a procedure to improve the problem may provide dramatic relief.
A common cause of breathing problems is a deviated septum, or crookedness in the wall of cartilage that divides the interior of the nose into two chambers. The crooked septum narrows the airway, causing the stuffy feeling. Polyps or cysts in the nose have the same effect.
Another cause of chronic stuffiness is enlargement of the structures inside the nose that warm incoming air. These structures are called turbinates and may need reduction.
Internal problems often are found in noses that are unusually large or crooked, but even an attractive nose may hide problems within. Aging also can cause breathing problems.
The tip of the nose droops downward with age, as nasal cartilage thins and loses elasticity. This narrows the breathing passage, and loose tissue within the nose may further obstruct the airway.
To correct structural defects within the nose, surgeons use a procedure called septoplasty. Incisions usually are made inside the rim of the nose and sometimes between the nostrils. The structures within the nose are repaired, and excess tissue is removed. If necessary, a strut made from the patient's cartilage is grafted in place to support the tip. A light splint may be used to support the nasal structures while healing takes place.
The procedure is very similar to the one used to improve the appearance of the nose. In fact, aesthetic nasal problems may be corrected at the same time.
Most insurance plans cover the cost of surgery to correct breathing problems. Some companies do not cover the entire cost if the surgery also improves the appearance of the nose. Be sure to discuss the proposed treatment with your insurance company ahead of time to determine what portion of the cost will be covered.
A facial plastic surgeon can examine the inside of your nose. If a blockage exists, a procedure to improve the problem may provide dramatic relief.