Before & Afters
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Doctors Edward Buckingham and Erin Smith offer Nasal Obstruction solutions for patients in Austin & Sunset Valley, TX. Nasal obstruction, or difficulty breathing through the nose, is a common and troubling complaint we see in patients frequently referred to us by other doctors, specifically general Otolaryngologists (Ear, Nose and Throat specialists) or Plastic Surgeons. Associated symptoms include mouth breathing, snoring, poor compliance with sleep apnea machines, poor exercise tolerance and bad breath.
Nasal blockage can be the result of many factors, including allergies, chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps, or anatomic issues such as a deviated nasal septum, collapsed structural support of the nose (typically referred to as nasal valve collapse) and turbinate hypertrophy. Prior nasal surgery, both functional and cosmetic, may lead to disruptions in the nasal support mechanisms of the nose that typically allow for normal airflow during inspiration.
Functional nasal surgery can be performed to improve a patient’s ability to breath through the nose, specifically by correcting anatomical problems leading to nasal obstruction. This typically involves septoplasty (straightening of the cartilaginous and bony septum of the nose, the structure which divides the nose into a left and right side), internal and external nasal valve repair (reinforcing the structural components of the nose typically with cartilage grafts harvested from redundant portions of the nasal septum or ear in patient’s with previous septoplasty) and turbinate reduction (removing excess tissue and bone from the inferior turbinates on the inside of the nose which might be causing further narrowing of the nasal cavity).
A nasal examination in the office allows us to evaluate the nasal airway and anatomy and determine the necessary course of action.
Functional nasal surgery can be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty (reshaping of the nose) if a change in appearance is desired (added out-of-pocket costs apply), or kept as a purely functional procedure (typically covered by insurance).
Dr. Buckingham performs functional nasal surgery when done in conjunction with a cosmetic rhinoplasty.
Prospective patients are encouraged to call the office to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.
Frequently Asked Nasal Obstruction Questions
What is nasal obstruction?
Who is the best candidate for functional nasal surgery?
What can I expect during the consultation?
Will insurance cover my procedure?
Can you explain what an alarplasty is?
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