The nose sits at the center of our face. As such, it is an essential aesthetic focal point, but it is also a vital organ that facilitates our breathing.

For many people in the U.S., their nose can be a source of discomfort, either for aesthetic or functional reasons.

A question that patients frequently ask Dr. Barrera at his San Antonio, TX, practice is if they can fix their nose’s appearance and function at the same time. Or, in other words, can rhinoplasty be combined with sinus surgery? Here, Dr. Barrera examines this question in detail and helps you decide if combing both surgeries is a good option for you.

What is Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty surgery reshapes the tissue, skin, and cartilage of the nose to provide a more aesthetically pleasing form.

Each rhinoplasty surgery is different, as the shape of the nose depends entirely on the patient. The most common problems patients have with their nose are having a crooked nose, a bulbous nasal tip, an overly prominent bridge, or the nostrils’ width.

A rhinoplasty surgery with a board-certified plastic surgeon can fix these aesthetic concerns. In many cases, rhinoplasty may also solve problems with breathing caused by structural malformations in the nose. However, for other patients, breathing problems are caused by problems further into the airway, in particular with the sinuses.

This is where sinus surgery becomes necessary to get the desired results.

What is Sinus Surgery?

Sinus or nasal surgery is often performed with cryotherapy – cold treatment that supercool overactive nerves responsible for causing nasal drip and sinusitis.

Sinusitis is experienced by over 37 million Americans each year and accounts for $8 billion in annual health care expenditure. Fortunately, with sinus surgery at San Antonio, TX, patients no longer need to tolerate tenderness, congestion, swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead, or experience a reduced sense of taste and smell.

Can I Combine Rhinoplasty and Sinus Surgery?

If, after a consultation with Dr. Barrera, it is determined that you would benefit from combining rhinoplasty and sinus surgery, then absolutely, it is possible to combine the two procedures.

It is even recommended that patients do so (if necessary), as the downtime between the two surgeries can be minimized, leading to better healing and more satisfactory results for the patient.

It is important to remember that even if you wish to change your nose’s shape, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need sinus surgery – patients require a proper consultation with a specialist to determine whether sinus surgery is the correct option for them.

Whatever your desires, Dr. Barrera in San Antonio, TX, is committed to helping you find the solution. If you’re considering changing the shape of your nose, or your sinuses are causing you grief, call 210 468 5426 or fill out Dr. Barreras’ online form to discuss how we can improve your life today.