Bump Reduction in Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty can address many concerns with the nose: bridge, tip, front view, side view, breathing, etc. Most often patients complain of a nose that is relatively large and want a smaller nose. Making the nose… Read On
Potomac Plastic Surgery: Houtan Chaboki, MD
2311 M Street, N.W. Suite 501
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: (202) 800-2085
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Nasal congestion and breathing difficulties are common complaints. While initial treatment may involve nasal sprays, allergy medications, or antihistamines, reconstructive nose surgery or rhinoplasty may be required to help people from Arlington and Ashburn, VA; Bethesda and Chevy Chase, MD; and surrounding cities treat chronic nasal obstruction and breathe more freely. A rhinoplasty specialist in Washington, DC, Dr. Houtan Chaboki is dual board-certified in both facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology, which makes him highly qualified in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose. He works with top DC allergists, providing a surgical solution for nasal allergy patients. Evaluation by Dr. Chaboki can help determine what specific procedures would be required to adequately treat your nasal obstruction.
Reconstructive nose surgery or sinus surgery may not alter the shape of your nose or appearance, but may be performed with or without cosmetic rhinoplasty. Many rhinoplasty patients who visit Dr. Chaboki may consider ancillary procedures to enhance their appearance, such as chin augmentation or a neck lift, along with corrective nose surgery to make the most of their recovery time.
Septoplasty is a minor surgery to treat a deviated septum. It is an outpatient procedure and does not use an external cast. Dr. Chaboki uses a closed approach to the nose to avoid external incisions. Blocked cartilage and bone are reduced to open the nasal airway and help straighten the septum. Septoplasty is often combined with turbinate reduction to maximize the breathing passages.
The nasal septum is the sheet of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into right and left chambers. A deviated septum is a condition where the septum is shifted away from the midline, crooked, bent, or twisted. Septal deviation is very common, with approximately 80% of people have a deviated septum to some degree. Dr. Chaboki, a deviated septum specialist, can determine if you are suffering from a deviated septum during your office consultation.
Nasal obstruction, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, and snoring are the most common symptoms of a deviated septum. Nasal obstruction may be worse on one side, or alternate sides. Symptoms may occur all day or primarily at night. Some patients may also have repeated sinus infections or post-nasal drip due to blocked sinus drainage from a deviated septum. A deviated septum may be present at birth, caused by an injury, or can result from damage from previous treatments or surgery.
Septorhinoplasty involves nasal bone reshaping, in addition to cartilage and bone removal, to adequately treat the deviated septum. Septorhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure and involves an external cast for about one week. Dr. Chaboki performs septorhinoplasty via the preservation approach, an advanced method of surgery to treat the nose.
The nasal septum is the foundation of the nose, and major deviations of the septum result in a deviated nose and nasal asymmetry. Patients with a significantly deviated septum or crooked nose often require a septorhinoplasty to improve the nasal airway obstruction.
Nasal valve repair is surgery to improve the nose structurally via cartilage grafts to help open the nasal passages and/or to help prevent the collapse of the nose. Procedures on the nasal valve are often combined with septoplasty, functional rhinoplasty, or septorhinoplasty.
The collapse of the nasal valve or nostrils is is an important cause of nasal airway obstruction. The nasal valve is the narrowest portion of the nasal passages where most blockages occur. The nasal valve is made of the nasal septum, inferior turbinate, and lower two-thirds of the nose. Weakening of the valve will make the nose be pinched or collapse on inspiration, both of which contribute to nasal congestion.
Turbinates are normal structures in the nasal passages that may swell due to their highly vascular tissue and mucous membrane outer lining. Dr. Chaboki may recommend shrinking the nasal turbinates via a minimally invasive technique, as an outpatient procedure with or without septoplasty. After turbinate reduction surgery, patients may have improved nasal breathing and reduced postnasal drip.
The largest turbinate, the inferior turbinate, is the primary contributor to nasal and allergy symptoms. In patients with hay fever (allergic rhinitis), the nasal turbinate remains persistently enlarged and obstructs the airway, causing a congested feeling. However, in some people, the inferior turbinate will remain enlarged despite medical therapy, even if the underlying problem is corrected. The most common symptoms from large turbinates are nasal congestion, nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through the nose, postnasal drip, and snoring.
Certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Chaboki has extensive knowledge of the intricacies of the face and neck. When you choose him for your procedure, you’re choosing one of the most reputable facial plastic surgeons in DC, as well as a nationwide leader in preservation rhinoplasty.
Learn MoreIt is important to be evaluated by a facial plastic surgeon soon after injury because there is a window of opportunity when a broken nose can be ideally treated with surgery. In Washington, DC, Dr. Chaboki performs reconstructive rhinoplasty to treat both acute nasal fractures and old nasal injuries to restore nasal form and function.
The nose projects from the face, making it vulnerable to injury. As a result, it’s not surprising that the nose is frequently broken. Once the immediate bruising and swelling subside, a broken nose or nasal fracture may significantly change your facial appearance. Nasal injuries can also increase nasal obstruction, nasal congestion, and snoring and may cause or worsen a deviated septum.
Dr. Chaboki specializes in minimally invasive, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) to open the sinuses and to improve the drainage. Balloon sinus surgery is the newest technique.
Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and allergies affect many patients. Typical nasal sinus symptoms may include congestion, nasal obstruction, post-nasal drip, facial pain and pressure, decreased taste and smell, tooth pain, or fatigue due to chronic inflammation. Some patients suffer from recurrent infections and require frequent antibiotics. After sinus surgery in Washington, DC, patients may breathe better and experience fewer and less severe sinus problems.
Radiofrequency (RF) is a relatively new office treatment that creates controlled heat to target tissue inside the nose to treat nasal obstruction. The tissue is not removed or cut with RF, rather tissue volume at the target site shrinks. RF has been used on the inferior turbinate for years and now available to treat other areas inside the nose, such as the nasal valve. A small difference in space inside the nose can dramatically improve nasal airflow.
Dr. Chaboki uses RF technology in patients with nasal obstruction who are not surgical candidates. RF may still be appropriate for those referred to Dr. Chaboki who had prior nasal and sinus surgery, or rhinoplasty, and still have symptomatic nasal obstruction.
The office RF procedure takes a few minutes and is performed while the patient is awake using local anesthesia. Packing and sutures are not used. There aren’t external casts or splints either. The patient can return to work the same day as desired. Most patients require just one treatment for long-lasting results.
To discuss your goals for facial plastic surgery and the areas that you would like to improve, request a consultation with Dr. Chaboki online or call his office at (202) 800-2085. Women and men visit him for complex rhinoplasty procedures from Arlington, VA; Silver Spring, MD; and throughout the Washington, DC, metro area.