A team of researchers headed by Westport facial surgery specialist Dr. Howard Stupak has determined rhinoplasty ”“ commonly referred to as nose jobs ”“ could influence the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, a breathing malady with a string of related health woes ranging from irritability to hypertension that affects 20 percent of the population.
In a study published in the December issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ”“ and selected by the journal in June as an editor”™s pick ”“ Stupak and his team from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Tulane University School of Medicine found that rhinoplasty done solely for breathing problems provided better treatment for obstructive sleep apnea than standard treatments, such as throat or facial surgery. The study also found rhinoplasty outperformed use of a mask known as a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) worn at night.
Sleep apnea is a condition where people experience pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. Symptoms may include waking up with a sore or dry throat, loud snoring, occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation, sleepiness or lack of energy during the day, sleepiness while driving, morning headaches, restless sleep, forgetfulness, mood changes and a decreased interest in sex. Untreated, the condition poses a risk to cardiovascular health, including hypertension and arrhythmia.
“Patients, particularly at my private practice, generally pursue rhinoplasty largely for cosmetic improvement,” Stupak said in a statement. “The findings of our study could influence the way physicians treat a potentially serious breathing condition in patients with Body Mass Index (BMI) under 30.”
The specific management of sleep disorders is rarely considered the primary goal of rhinoplasty surgery, but it is understood that rhinoplasty surgeons are responsible for maintaining and possibly improving the nasal airway, he said.
Stupak is assistant professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and chairman, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jacobi Medical Center. He conducts his private practice at 163 Main St. in Westport.
