open septorhinoplasty

This is a 19 year old female patient who reports mouth breathing at night. She also is seeking a rhinoplasty to correct the dorsal hump as well she does not like the tip being pulled down when she smiles. She does not recall any specific trauma to her nose which has caused these breathing problems. Rhinoplasty is performed to re-shape the nose by changing the bones and cartilage of the nose to a better shape; breathing can be improved as well in many cases. When the nose is a better shape, the whole face can look better as there is better proportions resulting in facial harmony. Septoplasty is performed to help with breathing difficulties which is a result of a deviated septum. The septum is bone and cartilage that separates the two nostrils. When the septum is deviated, it can cause breathing problems, nose bleeds and discomfort. The procedure is performed to improve breathing, unlike rhinoplasty which is usually performed to improve the appearance of the nose.