Often, rhinoplasty patients present not just for aesthetic correction, but for improvement of
their nasal breathing due to functional abnormalities or problems. Because the aesthetic and
functional problems must be addressed together, an understanding of both the internal and
external anatomy is essential. In this article, the authors review the differential diagnosis of
nasal obstruction and the important components of a thorough examination. In this article,
medical treatment options are not discussed, but just as an exacting aesthetic analysis leads …

Nasal obstruction is a common problem. Normal nasal breathing involves the interaction of
static and dynamic forces, including the nasal septum, lateral nasal walls, and nasal
mucosa. Although many patients who present for rhinoplasty evaluation have predominantly
aesthetic concerns, many patients are also concerned for nasal airway obstruction. In
addition, postoperative airway compromise can detract significantly from an otherwise good
aesthetic surgical result. As such, preoperative analysis of the nasal airway is an imperative …