I Have Sleep Apnea. Can I Still Get Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery can be a life-changing procedure for patients who experience low self-esteem, teasing, and other psychosocial issues due to the appearance of their noses. Many people are surprised to learn that a nose job can also dramatically improve nasal function by addressing structural abnormalities in the nose and other problems. Known broadly as functional rhinoplasty, a nose job performed to correct obstructed breathing, compromised nasal function, and other problems can, arguably, be just as impactful on a person's overall well-being as cosmetic rhinoplasty. One condition that is often addressed with functional rhinoplasty surgery is sleep apnea, which is characterized by the repetitive disruption of breathing while a person is asleep. Whether you are interested in a nose job for sleep apnea or have questions about whether sleep apnea may disqualify you from cosmetic rhinoplasty, experienced double board-certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa of The DeRosa Center in Boston, MA is here to help.

Can a nose job correct sleep apnea?

Technically speaking, sleep apnea is caused by the relaxation of the soft palate and other structures while sleeping, which disrupts a patient's breathing and can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. While the structures within the nose are not technically responsible as a cause of sleep apnea, they may worsen the patient's symptoms by further obstructing their ability to breathe, thereby increasing their risk level. With that in mind, correcting certain types of nasal structural abnormalities — like a deviated septum or misshapen nose — may improve the patient's ability to breathe more freely, reduce snoring associated with sleep apnea, and lower their overall risk level for complications. Still, it is important to have any signs or symptoms of sleep apnea evaluated by your physician, as primary sleep apnea treatments or devices — like a CPAP machine — may still be necessary.

Is it safe to get a cosmetic nose job if I have sleep apnea?

Some patients who are already using a CPAP machine or on another treatment protocol for sleep apnea — and are considering cosmetic rhinoplasty for unrelated reasons — may wonder whether it is safe and appropriate to undergo nasal surgery and general anesthesia with sleep apnea. The answer may vary from patient to patient, and it is critical to consult with Dr. DeRosa and other members of your medical team to ensure you are an appropriate candidate for anesthesia and nasal surgery. In some cases, additional monitoring during and after rhinoplasty surgery may be necessary for patients with known sleep apnea, while the surgical approach may also change. Dr. DeRosa is highly experienced in even the most complex nasal surgery techniques and places patient safety as a top priority. Prior to undertaking any surgery, Dr. DeRosa will conduct a thorough consultation, examination, and review of the patient's health and medical history, and will collaborate with the patient's other physicians as needed.

What else can rhinoplasty help with?

With a wide range of rhinoplasty surgeries available today — from cosmetic rhinoplasty to ethnic rhinoplasty to revision rhinoplasty and others — the potential improvements that can be achieved are quite impressive. Some of the most common cosmetic and functional nasal concerns that can be greatly reduced or even reversed with rhinoplasty surgery in Boston, MA include:

• Wide nose
• Large nose
• Humped nose
• Bump in nose
• Upturned nasal tip
• Prominent dorsal hump
• Flat nose
• Bulbous nasal tip
• Asymmetric nostrils
• Crooked nose
• Deviated septum
• Obstructed breathing
• Snoring

Give your nose an aesthetic and functional upgrade with Boston, MA rhinoplasty

Whether you would like to improve the look of your nose but have known sleep apnea — or you're hoping that a nose job may reduce snoring and other symptoms associated with sleep apnea — double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa is here to help you better understand all of your rhinoplasty options and what results may be possible for you. Take the first step toward learning more about the possibility of rhinoplasty with sleep apnea by calling The DeRosa Center to schedule your private consultation today.