Breathe · Septoplasty for breathingSeptoplasty
for breathing.
Three things decide how well a nose breathes: a straight septum, open internal valves and calm turbinates. Dr. Kanodia repairs all three through the nostrils, with no bandage and no bruising, and patients breathe through the nose again within 48 hours.
The three elements
What a nose needs
to breathe well.
Dr. Kanodia’s three elements of perfect breathing, in the order he checks them.
- A deviated septum.Surgically straighten the septum.
- A weak or collapsed internal nasal valve.Spreader grafts, repaired with the broken septal cartilages obtained during septal straightening.
- Enlarged inferior turbinates.Always enlarged and inflamed in the urban environment. Dry air, pets, carpet and allergies keep them swollen; the causes and the fixes are below.
On film
Dr. Kanodia explains.
- Three important elements for perfect breathingDr. Kanodia on the septum, the valves and the turbinates.
- The inferior turbinatesWhy they swell, and what the bedroom has to do with it.
- The importance of a humidifierA board-certified otolaryngologist on nightly cool mist.
Inferior turbinates
Why they swell,
and what helps at home.
Turbinates cleanse and humidify the air on its way to the lungs. In a city bedroom four things keep them inflamed.
- Very dry air.Lack of humidity, which worsens with nightly use of air conditioners, heaters and fans. Solution: a cool mist ultrasonic humidifier.
- Pets in the bedroom.Increase irritation and are also responsible for enlarged inferior turbinates.
- Carpet in the bedroom.Attracts dust mites, leading to further irritation of the inferior turbinates. Preferred: wooden or stone floors.
- Allergies.An air purifier can help reduce symptoms and irritation.
In Dr. Kanodia’s words
A cool mist humidifier,
every night.
The nozzle above the face.
The use of a cool mist ultrasonic humidifier is an absolute must for a healthy sleeping environment. The nozzle should be higher than the face so the cool mist falls on the face. Nightly use of air conditioner or heater completely sucks up the humidity from the air and forces the inferior turbinates to swell up thus blocking the nasal airway. So I highly recommend, to switch off the AC/heater just before going to sleep. This added humidity also helps lubricate the septal mucosa and prevents nose bleeds.
Dr. Kanodia receives no compensation for recommending the above product.
The operation
How a scarless
septoplasty helps.
The same closed technique as Dr. Kanodia’s rhinoplasty: every incision inside the nose, and the nasal bones left alone.
Through the nostrils.
Dr. Kanodia is a leading expert and pioneer in scarless septoplasty, performed through the nostrils. Most recreational and professional athletes (football, hockey, boxing, soccer, baseball, basketball, etc) sustain one or multiple injuries to the nose causing severe impairment in nasal breathing.
This lack of oxygenation through the nose interferes with sleep, endurance, impaired taste, headaches, and all-around quality of life.
Spreader grafts from the septum itself.
Expertly executed septoplasty, not only to straighten the deviated septum but utilizing the harvested broken cartilages (straightened) and used for internal nasal valve repair as spreader grafts have improved over 15,000 of his patients’ breathing.
Quite often, the secondary benefit of this well-executed septoplasty and valve repair also results in straightening of the mid-third of the nose, an aesthetically more pleasing outcome.
No bandage, no bruising, breathing in 48 hours.
All this is accomplished, without breaking the nasal bones. Therefore, there is no bandage or bruising. The patient is able to experience the magical difference of nasal breathing in 48 hours as soon as the cotton sponges (which were introduced during surgery, to absorb the mucus) are removed. Septoplasty is done without any change in the shape of the nose.
Septoplasty with rhinoplasty.
A significant number of patients desire, both septoplasty and rhinoplasty simultaneously so that they can accomplish both goals of much-improved breathing as well as aesthetic refinement. Dr. Kanodia is often described as one of the world’s best rhinoplasty surgeons. Contact our front office to schedule a consultation.
Questions
Three patients ask most.
How do I know if I actually need septoplasty?
If you often breathe through your mouth, have one side of your nose that always feels blocked, or wake up feeling congested or unrested, it may be more than allergies. A deviated septum or collapsed nasal valve can quietly affect how much air you’re getting. Many of Dr. Kanodia’s patients in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills are surprised by how much easier and more refreshing breathing feels once the airway is corrected.
What makes Dr. Kanodia’s septoplasty technique different?
Dr. Kanodia performs a true scarless septoplasty, meaning there are no external incisions, bruising, or bandages. Every adjustment is made internally through the nostrils. His background as both a board-certified ENT and one of the world’s leading aesthetic rhinoplasty surgeons allows him to restore breathing function with the same precision and artistry that define his cosmetic work.
Can better breathing really improve sleep and athletic performance?
Yes, and most patients notice the difference quickly. When nasal airflow is clear and balanced, oxygen levels rise, sleep becomes deeper, and overall energy improves. Many of Dr. Kanodia’s patients, including athletes and performers, say they didn’t realize how limited their breathing was until they experienced the change firsthand.
From Dr. Kanodia’s Instagram
Notes on breathing.
“The use of a cool mist ultrasonic humidifier is an absolute must for a healthy sleeping environment. The nozzle should be higher than the face so the cool mist falls on the face.”
Instagram · July 2020View the post“Turbinates are small structures inside the nose that cleanse and humidify air that passes through the nostrils into the lungs.”
Instagram · January 2020View the post“Strong open nasal valves are one of the 3 important elements to good breathing. The other 2 elements being a straight septum and inferior turbinates.”
Instagram · December 2019View the post“During septoplasty, your nasal septum is straightened and repositioned in its midline anatomical position, opening the nasal passage for the air to travel back to the throat and lungs without any obstruction.”
Instagram · December 2019View the post
NEXT STEP
Breathe through
your nose again.
A consultation with Dr. Kanodia starts with how you breathe, then what the septum, the valves and the turbinates need. Most patients notice the difference within days of surgery.