Breathing is a vital bodily function that we often take for granted. Breathing properly through the nose is especially important for optimal health and well-being. However, a deviated septum, where the cartilage and bone that separate the nostrils are misaligned, can cause breathing difficulties. This can be a frustrating and even debilitating issue for those who suffer from it. Fortunately, various treatments are available, including a minimally invasive option known as liquid rhinoplasty.
This article will explore how liquid rhinoplasty can treat breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum. We will discuss the benefits of using this method, the procedure itself, and who is a good candidate for it.
What is a Deviated Septum?
Before we delve into how liquid rhinoplasty can help with breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum, it's essential to understand what a deviated septum is and how it can impact breathing.
A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage and bone that separate the nostrils are not centered. This can cause one nostril to be smaller than the other, making it harder to breathe through the nose. Sometimes, the deviation can be so severe that it completely blocks one nostril, forcing the individual to rely solely on the other nostril for breathing.
Symptoms of a deviated septum can include difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent nosebleeds, facial pain, and loud breathing or snoring. Sometimes, a deviated septum can also cause headaches or sleep apnea.
What is Liquid Rhinoplasty?
Liquid rhinoplasty is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves injecting dermal fillers into the nose to reshape and contour its appearance. Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, which requires surgery and anesthesia, liquid rhinoplasty is minimally invasive and can be performed in a doctor's office.
Liquid rhinoplasty is a procedure commonly employed to enhance the appearance of the nose by addressing asymmetry, smoothing out bumps or depressions, and achieving an overall improved aesthetic. In addition to these cosmetic benefits, it can effectively treat breathing issues resulting from a deviated septum.
How Can Liquid Rhinoplasty Help with Breathing Difficulties Caused by a Deviated Septum?
Liquid rhinoplasty is highly advantageous for treating breathing problems due to a deviated septum because of its minimally invasive approach. Traditional septoplasty, the surgical treatment for a deviated septum, requires incisions and anesthesia, which can result in a longer recovery time and increased risk of complications.
On the other hand, Liquid rhinoplasty only requires the injection of dermal fillers, which can be performed in a doctor's office with minimal downtime. This can be a significant advantage for individuals who want to avoid undergoing surgery or who have busy schedules.
The procedure involves injecting a small amount of dermal filler into the nose to straighten the septum and improve airflow through the nostrils. The filler material used in liquid rhinoplasty is typically hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that helps hydrate and plump the skin.
The filler is injected into the areas around the septum to provide additional support and straighten the septum. The result is improved nasal airflow, which can alleviate the symptoms of a deviated septum.
The Procedure
The liquid rhinoplasty procedure for treating a deviated septum typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. The patient is first numbed with a local anesthetic, then the dermal filler is injected into the areas around the septum. The filler material is then molded and shaped to achieve the desired result. The entire procedure is relatively painless and does not require any downtime.
It's important to note that the results of liquid rhinoplasty for correcting a deviated septum are not permanent. The body will eventually absorb the dermal fillers used in the procedure, and the effects will wear off over time. Depending on the patient, the results can last anywhere from 9-19 months. However, the procedure can be repeated to maintain the desired results.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Like any medical procedure, liquid rhinoplasty has potential risks and side effects. The most frequently observed side effects are swelling, bruising, and redness at the site of injection. However, these effects usually dissipate within a few days after the procedure.
Although rare, infection at the injection site is a possibility. Patients with a history of severe allergies or those allergic to the injection material are advised to refrain from undergoing the procedure.
Who is a Good Candidate for Liquid Rhinoplasty for Breathing Difficulties Caused by a Deviated Septum?
Liquid rhinoplasty can be an effective treatment option for individuals with mild to moderate deviations in the septum who do not want to undergo traditional septoplasty. It's also a good option for those who have busy schedules and cannot afford the downtime associated with surgery.
Patients with severe deviations or other underlying medical conditions that affect the nose, such as polyps or sinusitis, may not be good candidates for liquid rhinoplasty.
Is There Any Specific Type of Filler for Deviated Septum?
There are multiple options available for achieving this goal through dermal fillers. These options include hyaluronic acid fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, and poly-L-lactic acid fillers, each offering distinct advantages and features. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most popular for liquid rhinoplasty due to their safety, efficacy, and natural-looking results. They are also reversible, allowing patients to undo the procedure if they are not satisfied with the outcome.
On the other hand, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers offer a longer-lasting result than hyaluronic acid fillers, with the effects lasting up to 12 months or longer. This filler is popular for those who want to maintain their results for an extended period.
Poly-L-lactic acid fillers are a newer type of filler that works by stimulating collagen production in the skin, leading to gradual improvement in the appearance of the nose over several months. The results can last up to two years, making this an attractive option for those who want long-lasting results.
To sum up, breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum can be frustrating and even debilitating. Fortunately, various treatment options are available, including liquid rhinoplasty.
Using dermal fillers to correct a deviated septum offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional septoplasty. It's a quick and relatively painless procedure that can significantly relieve breathing difficulties.
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