Nasal Breathing Function is Important Aspect of Nose Surgery

Both facial plastic surgeons and Otolaryngologists often work to address airway obstruction in the nose, a complaint typically caused by nasal deviation. With a technique similar to rhinoplasty, a surgeon can correct the deviation – straightening the airway and nose – to resolve breathing problems.

Why is this important? According to a new study, nasal deviation was linked to depression and lower quality of life. Plastic surgeons at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo selected 32 people with nasal deviation and 28 with normal-functioning nasal anatomy.

By photographing and mapping the nasal structure, they could positively determine whether or not a patient exhibited nasal deviation. A survey was then used to measure factors such as their self-esteem and mental health.

The doctors found some interesting correlations between nasal deviation and quality of life. They write:

“Nasal deviation was found to be a risk factor for depression, and had a negative impact on quality of life. Patients with nasal deviation reported higher depression scores [compared to the control group].”

Given this assessment, surgical correction of these problems may be quite beneficial. But how is nasal deviation corrected?  Facial surgeons have a variety of procedures for improving nasal breathing obstruction. Septoplasty is one common procedure, which balances the nasal airways through surgical reshaping of the nasal cartilage and bone. Less common corrective techniques include turbinectomy or cartilage grafting.

The study referenced above can be accessed through Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, in their e-published ahead-of-print feature.