Most everyone has heard of the over-the counter product, Breathe Right Nasal Strips. From people who have trouble breathing during the day or at night or to professional athletes striving to improve their performance, these externally nasal strips are obvious when used. These simple strips have been shown to open the nose behind the nostrils to improve nasal air flow. Research studies have shown that the cross-sectional area in the front part of the nose is opened when they are applied up to more than an inch behind the entrance to the nostrils. Breathe Right strips are a non-surgical way to do what can be done in a rhinoplasty surgery. The use of cartilage grafts between the septum and the upper lateral cartilages (spreader grafts) and grafts placed behind or over the lower alar cartilages (batten grafts) help spring out and add support to the sidewalls of the nose, like internal Breathe Right strips. If you are having trouble breathing through your nose and Breathe Right strips work, you may be a candidate for permanent improvement by rhinoplasty surgery.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana