A rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job, is one of the most popular facial plastic surgeries in the US, with nearly 220,000 surgeries performed in 2019, according to the American Society of Plastic surgeons.
This number can be attributed to people who get a rhinoplasty for cosmetic and health reasons.
Despite rhinoplasty surgeries being considered cosmetic surgery, rhinoplasties can benefit people suffering from several health issues.
Here are five ways that a rhinoplasty procedure can help improve your health.
How Can Rhinoplasty Be Beneficial?
A rhinoplasty has numerous benefits that range from cosmetic to mental and physical. Some of the benefits include:
- Reduced sinus infections
- Improved self-esteem and mental health
- Improved chronic snoring and sleep apnea
- Reduced severity of chronic headaches
- Better breathing function
- A Rhinoplasty Can Help With Overcoming Chronic Snoring and Sleep Apnea.
More than 18 million Americans in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, which is a condition that causes an individual to stop breathing for short periods when they are sleeping.
While this condition has different causes, issues such as a deviated septum and nasal valve collapse can cause sleep apnea in people who don’t suffer. Sleep apnea can make it incredibly difficult to get a good night’s sleep and can lead to several health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Obesity
- Daytime sleepiness
- Fatigue
Several methods can be used to reduce the severity of sleep apnea. However, rhinoplasty surgery can significantly reduce its severity. For that, it would be wise to track rhinoplasty before and after results.
- Improved Self-Esteem and Mental Health
The health benefits of a rhinoplasty range from physical health to mental. For some people, a misshapen nose or one with a deviated septum can significantly impact their self-esteem and how they view themselves.
This can lead to several mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Through having a rhinoplasty, any deformities can be addressed, correcting any “imperfections” leading to a more balanced facial appearance.
A rhinoplasty can thus improve a person’s self-esteem leading to a better health outcome in terms of mental health.
- Reduced Headaches and Facial Pain
Chronic headaches can be a result of several issues. While for some, it may be from stress and tension, for others, it may be due to structural issues within the nose. These structural issues can cause pressure in the sinuses, leading to facial pain and headaches.
A rhinoplasty surgery addresses the contact areas within the nose responsible for the headaches. This can lead to a decline in the number and severity of headaches allowing for a better quality of life.
- Reduction in the Number of Sinus Infections
Another way that rhinoplasty can improve your health is by reducing the number of sinus infections. This condition can be painful and is usually a result of the cavities around the nasal passages (upper cheeks, nose, and forehead) becoming inflamed.
Several structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum and narrow nasal passages, can cause sinusitis or recurring sinus infections.
Such abnormalities block the sinus passages, which then, in turn, cause infection and inflammation in the surrounding area, making it hard to live a comfortable life. By undergoing a rhinoplasty, these issues can be easily corrected.
- Better Breathing Function
This will improve the airflow, making breathing more accessible during the day and night. Individuals can lead a more comfortable and healthier life by correcting these structural issues with a nose job.
The nose is a major organ that works with the rest of the respiratory system. When there’s an issue with it, this can ultimately lead to a decrease in the quality of life. If a person has a deviated septum or other structural abnormalities in the nose, it can cause breathing difficulties, particularly during exercise. This can lead to reduced oxygen intake, negatively impacting endurance and performance.
A significant health benefit of rhinoplasty surgery is improved breathing. By undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure, the surgeon can reshape the nasal passages, thus removing any blockages.
By correcting these issues through rhinoplasty, individuals may find it easier to breathe during exercise and therefore be able to exercise for more extended periods and at a higher intensity.
Risks of Undergoing a Rhinoplasty
A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure, and as with any type of procedure, there are risks involved. Some of the potential dangers associated with rhinoplasties include:
- Infection – these can occur after any procedure and can be minor or severe. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics to prevent them from occurring. However, they can still happen.
- Bleeding – after surgery, bleeding may occur. However, it’s a common side effect. Individuals are often given post-operative instructions to help mitigate.
- Scarring – another side effect that may occur is scarring. While most incisions are usually done inside the nostrils, scarring may still occur, and additional surgery may be required to cover it up.
- Nasal blockage – in some instances, patients may realize that they have a nasal blockage that’s either permanent or temporary. This may make breathing difficult and require additional surgeries to correct.
- You must discuss benefits, potential risks, and concerns with your qualified board-certified surgeon. They will be able to explain everything in detail and put you at ease.
Final Thoughts
A rhinoplasty surgery offers a plethora of benefits that go beyond cosmetic enhancements. Not only can it drastically change a person’s health by improving breathing function, and self-esteem and reducing sinus infections, but it can also correct structural abnormalities from birth or injury. By working with an experienced surgeon, patients can achieve the desired results while improving their quality of life.
