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February 17, 2026
Can Rhinoplasty Help You Breathe Better?
If you’re struggling to breathe through your nose, it could be a structural issue that needs more than a temporary fix.
Could rhinoplasty (nose surgery) be the long-term solution?
We asked Richard Kutz, MD, MPH, FACS, a plastic surgeon at Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates in Portland, Maine. Here’s what you need to know.
Having a hard time breathing through your nose?
You’re definitely not alone.
“When your nose isn’t functioning properly, it can impact everything from how you sleep to how you exercise and even your overall quality of life,” says Dr. Kutz.
There are two main categories of nasal breathing issues: fixed obstruction and dynamic obstruction. In many cases, both can occur at the same time.
Fixed obstruction.
If something physically blocks your nasal airway, you’re likely dealing with a fixed obstruction.
This could be:
- A broken nose.
- A deviated septum.
- Enlarged turbinates (small structures that help warm, humidify and direct airflow).
- Osteophytes (bone spurs that form along the bottom of the septum and can block the airway).
“These kinds of issues can often be managed with medications like decongestants or allergy treatments at first,” says Dr. Kutz. “But because it’s a structural problem, surgery is usually the long-term solution.”
Dynamic obstruction.
A dynamic obstruction can happen when your nose collapses or narrows while you’re breathing, especially during deep or fast breathing – like exercise.
“This type of obstruction is usually related to issues with bone, cartilage, soft tissue or a combination of all three,” explains Dr. Kutz.
Common causes include:
- A naturally narrow nose.
- A nose that’s been narrowed or made crooked from a past injury or fracture.
- A tall nose.
- An internally deviated septum.
- A “saddle” nose with poor cartilage support – sometimes from aging, naturally weak cartilage or multiple nasal injuries.
Treatment often starts with supportive tools like nasal strips or internal stents, which help keep your nostrils open, especially at night. (These are different from CPAP masks used for sleep apnea.)
“Typically, long-term dynamic airway collapse requires surgical correction to reinforce and straighten the internal structures of the nose,” says Dr. Kutz. “This helps improve airflow and supports the nasal sidewalls and nostrils to prevent collapse.”
Nose surgery can also improve your appearance.
Rhinoplasty can be a highly effective way to improve breathing issues and address cosmetic concerns at the same time.
The first step is a consultation with your Plastic + Hand surgeon. During this visit, we’ll discuss your medical history, your goals for surgery and use advanced computer imaging to help set realistic expectations for your outcome.
“Many patients are surprised to learn that cosmetic and airway work often go hand in hand,” says Dr. Kutz. “But it’s essential to protect nasal function in any nose surgery. Choosing a surgeon who understands both is key to getting great results, now and in the long run.”
Is rhinoplasty right for you?
If you’re considering nose surgery (rhinoplasty) for either cosmetic appearance or to help with breathing issues (or a combination of both), Plastic + Hand is the most trusted Maine plastic surgery team.
We’re committed to providing the results you seek with the respect and compassion you deserve. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 or submit this request form to schedule your consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator to get started.
