Though it extends beyond aesthetics, rhinoplasty is frequently thought of as a cosmetic treatment to modify the nose. It can provide major functional advantages, especially for people who have trouble breathing because of structural problems. In these situations, rhinoplasty has two benefits: it improves a person's physical appearance and, by correcting breathing issues, also improves their quality of life.
Therefore, a lot of people in the USA undergo this cosmetic procedure every year. Data from a 2022 report shows that around 44,503 rhinoplasty procedures were done in that year. This shows a whopping 37% increase compared to the 32,484 procedures completed in 2019.
Rhinoplasty is a special surgical choice because of these two benefits combined: improved function and higher confidence. In this article, we will look at how rhinoplasty can improve breathing and boost confidence.
Addressing Structural Issues for Better Breathing
Breathing difficulties are frequently caused by structural issues with the nose, such as enlarged turbinates or a deviated septum. According to Healthline, there are many reasons you may have a narrow nasal passage, including genetics, injury, or aging. Regardless of the reason, the narrow nasal passage or other problems due to an asymmetric nose can lead to concerns.
For instance, it can cause problems like difficulty breathing, sleep problems, sinus infections, etc. These problems can be resolved by rhinoplasties, especially in conjunction with septoplasty, which straightens the nasal passageways and removes clogs.
Rhinoplasty can adjust the position of the septum to improve airflow and mitigate these concerns. While surgical rhinoplasty effects can last longer, it typically takes longer to recover from the procedure. There's also the potential for something going wrong during the surgery to lead to lifetime problems.
On the other hand, nonsurgical rhinoplasty is incredibly efficient and useful for treating the majority of common nasal issues. Furthermore, it can be used to correct asymmetry and post-surgical imperfections and also to slim a wide bridge. However, the question that arises here is how long does rhinoplasty last if done nonsurgically.
According to Aesthetica by Dr. Adam, nonsurgical rhinoplasty can last for 9 to 12 months. However, when done with the right expertise, the nose can remain softer and straighter for anywhere around two to three years. Moreover, the biggest benefit here is that this type of rhinoplasty only takes a few minutes with minimal downtime.
Functional Rhinoplasty and Sleep Quality
Breathing issues can also interfere with sleep, which is why rhinoplasty can be so helpful. Nasal blockages are frequently associated with sleep apnea, a disease in which breathing regularly stops and resumes during sleep. This may result in restless nights, exhaustion throughout the day, and other health issues.
An NCBI study mentions that one of the most prevalent sleep disorders in the world is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Around 936 million individuals aged 30-69 are affected with OSA. Risk factors for OSA have been identified as obesity, age, gender, big neck size, craniofacial deformities, etc. In the USA, the prevalence rate of OSA is 17.4% in women and 33.9% in men.
Improved airflow by functional rhinoplasty can help lessen or even completely eradicate sleep apnea symptoms. This can result in more peaceful sleep and improved general health.
Individuals who have had rhinoplasty for functional purposes frequently report being able to exercise with more ease since their breathing is no longer restricted. This improves everyday tasks and exercise by making them more pleasurable and less taxing, which enhances well-being.
Boosting Confidence Through Subtle Changes
Although the main goal of functional rhinoplasty is to improve breathing, aesthetic revisions are frequently made to improve the nose's look. A lot of people who have trouble breathing also feel self-conscious about their noses, for whatever reason—size, shape, or asymmetry.
A person's confidence can be greatly increased by rhinoplasty, which provides a holistic treatment that addresses both the exterior look and interior structure. It's important to remember that rhinoplasty doesn't always require noticeable appearance improvements to succeed.
In actuality, a lot of people choose understated changes that improve their look without drawing attention to their surgical history. Expert surgeons concentrate on achieving a well-proportioned, organic appearance that enhances other face characteristics and enhances functioning. A good rhinoplasty requires striking a balance between function and beauty since it improves both physical comfort and self-esteem.
As significant as the physical advantages of rhinoplasty might be the psychological ones. Many people experience social anxiety or self-consciousness in public situations as a result of nose dissatisfaction.
Having a nose that blends in better with the rest of the face might make people feel more confident and enhance social situations. This increase in self-worth may have a positive effect on a variety of spheres of life, including relationships and the workplace.
Besides rhinoplasty, there are many cosmetic surgery procedures that can impact self-esteem. A meta-review of several studies shows that 60% of adult males and 70% of adult women are dissatisfied with their bodies. This dissatisfaction is what leads to the need for surgical treatments for many individuals. Some factors impacting the self-esteem are:
Social media influence
Body dissatisfaction and anxiety
Selfie behavior
Celebrity influence, etc.
Recovery and Long-Term Benefits
Individual recovery following rhinoplasty differs from patient to patient based on their health, aftercare, surgeon expertise, etc. However, there's usually a general timeline associated with such procedures. In this case, most patients may anticipate a progressive improvement over a few weeks to months in both appearance and respiration. However, full healing may take around one to two years.
The ultimate effects may be hidden initially by swelling and bruises, but they will become more noticeable as the nose heals. With time, many patients report notable improvements in their breathing capacity, increased confidence, and general self-satisfaction with their looks.
Life-altering advantages of rhinoplasty are possible in the long run. Better breathing contributes to a higher quality of life, more energy, and better sleep. Combining rhinoplasty with the self-assurance that comes with a more harmonious facial look, this all-encompassing procedure can favor one's mental and physical health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a suitable candidate for a functionality-related nose job?
Functional rhinoplasty is a good option for someone who has breathing problems due to structural problems with the nose. This can include medical conditions such as a deviated septum, collapsed nasal valve, or enlarged turbinates. In addition, candidates must be in generally excellent condition and have reasonable expectations regarding the procedure's result.
Is persistent nasal congestion treatable with rhinoplasty?
If persistent nasal congestion is brought on by structural problems such as enlarged turbinates or a deviated septum, then rhinoplasty can help relieve it. When these underlying issues are resolved, nasal congestion resistant to medicine or other therapies can be reduced, and airflow can be improved.
Will a functional rhinoplasty for respiratory problems be covered by insurance?
If functional rhinoplasty is done to treat a medical condition, such as a deviated septum, insurance could pay for it. However, insurance often does not pay solely for cosmetic alterations. To find out what is covered in your particular situation, you should speak with your insurance carrier.
Rhinoplasty has benefits beyond aesthetic improvement. It can offer genuine functional assistance to individuals with breathing difficulties as a result of structural problems. Simultaneously, the surgically achieved visual enhancements frequently increase self-confidence and enhance quality of life. For those who want to improve their breathing and feel more confident again, rhinoplasty is a great option.
