Nasal obstructions, which inhibit airway functioning, are one of the most common reasons for doctor's visits. Now, a new study has found that plastic surgery may boost airway functioning, helping patients breathe better.

The study, published in the current issue of Archives of Plastic Surgery , analyzed the effectiveness of ‘functional rhinoplasty' on patients suffering from severe nasal obstructions, including septal deviation, valve insufficiency, and turbinate hypertrophy.

Forty-one patients who underwent functional rhinoplasty at the University of Washington School of Medicine Cosmetic Surgery Center were asked to complete questionnaires ranking the severity of their obstructions before and after the procedure on a scale of zero to 100. Higher scores indicated a more severe obstruction.

According to the research results, patients recorded significantly diminished severity scores after plastic surgery, with scores dropping nearly 48 points within a year of the procedure.

Considering rhinoplasty? Please contact us today to learn more about the procedure or to locate a board certified plastic surgeon near you.