Nasal Surgery for Breathing Problems
Nasal Surgery for Breathing Problems in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles & Glendale, CA
Struggling to breathe through your nose can affect every part of your life, from the way you sleep to how you speak, exercise, and go about daily life. If nasal congestion or airway obstruction is keeping you from living comfortably, nasal surgery may be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for.
At Stepanyan Surgical Arts, Dr. Martin Stepanyan, a board-certified facial and maxillofacial surgeon, offers advanced nasal procedures to restore healthy airflow and improve your quality of life. With over two decades of surgical experience, Dr. Stepanyan blends technical precision with a deep understanding of nasal anatomy to deliver results that are functional, natural-looking, and long-lasting.
What Is Nasal Surgery for Breathing Problems?
Nasal surgery is an umbrella term that includes several procedures designed to correct structural blockages in the nose that restrict airflow. These blockages may be present from birth, develop due to injury, or result from a prior surgery. Dr. Stepanyan customizes each surgical plan based on the root cause of the problem, the severity of the obstruction, and your unique nasal anatomy.
Common Procedures Include:
- Septoplasty – to straighten a deviated septum
- Turbinate reduction – to shrink enlarged nasal turbinates
- Nasal valve repair – to correct internal or external valve collapse
- Functional rhinoplasty – to restore airflow and nasal structure, often combined with cosmetic improvement
These surgeries are designed not just to fix how your nose looks, but how it functions, so you can breathe more easily and live more fully.
What Causes Breathing Problems in the Nose?
Many patients suffer for years before discovering that their nasal issues are structural, not just allergy-related. Common causes include:
- Deviated nasal septum
- Enlarged turbinate (structures that humidify and filter air)
- Nasal trauma or injury
- Previous surgery with unintended structural changes
- Congenital abnormalities(an abnormality you’re born with)
- Nasal valve collapse
If you’ve tried sprays, medications, or breathing strips with limited relief, surgery may be the most effective path to long-term improvement.
Why Choose Dr. Stepanyan for Nasal Surgery in Beverly Hills and Glendale?
Dr. Stepanyan brings over 22 years of experience in facial, reconstructive, and maxillofacial surgery. He is known for his ability to correct complex nasal conditions while also preserving or improving aesthetics. His approach is rooted in function-first principles—ensuring your nose looks and feels like it belongs on your face, without compromising your ability to breathe.
Whether you need nasal surgery alone or in combination with functional or cosmetic rhinoplasty, Dr. Stepanyan’s goal is simple: to help you feel like your best self again: rested, energetic, and unrestricted.
Stepanyan Surgical Arts: Specializing in Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Martin Stepanyan, MD, DMD, FAACS, FACS, is a board-certified surgeon with over 15 years of excellent education, extensive training, and over 25 years of successful practice in the field of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery.
His background is particularly relevant in revision rhinoplasty, where surgeons often encounter scar tissue, altered anatomy, reduced cartilage reserves, and changes to the nasal blood supply that are absent in primary procedures.
One of the distinguishing features of Dr. Stepanyan’s training is his rare combination of medical and dental degrees paired with advanced education in oral and maxillofacial surgery. That dual perspective provides a detailed understanding of both facial aesthetics and the underlying structural anatomy that supports long-term function.
Dr. Stepanyan completed residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, then pursued a fellowship in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at Ohio State University under T. William Evans, MD, FACS, a respected cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. He graduated number one in his class from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine with the highest honors (the number one in his class), grounding his approach in structural facial anatomy in a way most cosmetic-only surgeons do not train for.
Dr. Stepanyan has been board-certified since 2003, and now carries certification through 2033. He holds Fellow designations from both the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (FAACS), earned through documented expertise and peer recognition rather than membership alone.
Throughout his career, he has performed over 2,000 nasal surgeries in Los Angeles County, including primary, ethnic, functional, and revision cases.
His surgical experience extends beyond private practice through charitable craniofacial reconstructive missions to Ecuador, Armenia, and Russia, where he operated on complex pediatric and adult cases under significant resource constraints, the kind of work that sharpens the problem-solving revision rhinoplasty demands.
To better serve the diverse communities of Greater Los Angeles, such as Glendale, our practice offers care in English, Armenian, and Russian, allowing many patients to discuss highly personal concerns in the language they are most comfortable with.
Who Is a Candidate for Nasal Surgery?
You may benefit from nasal surgery if you experience:
- Persistent nasal congestion not caused by allergies
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Frequent mouth breathing
- Snoring or sleep apnea symptoms
- A history of nasal trauma or prior surgery
- Chronic sinus pressure or postnasal drip
Dr. Stepanyan performs a comprehensive evaluation that includes medical history, physical exam, and sometimes nasal endoscopy or imaging to determine the exact source of the problem.
Real revision results speak louder than credentials alone. Dr. Stepanyan’s before-and-after gallery shows paired photos of revision, septoplasty, and related nose surgery cases, so you can see how altered, asymmetrical, or over-resected noses were rebuilt into balanced, natural-looking results. Many of these patients arrived after a disappointing first surgery, which makes the change especially meaningful.
Tracy M.’s case is a good example of a complex starting point. She described her nose as having “a high bridge, a bulbous and droopy tip,” slanted to one side, and “not an easy nose to work with,” adding that “I needed someone trustworthy with experience. I put my trust in Dr. Stepanyan and don’t regret it. He did such a great job that my brother decided to do his rhinoplasty with him as well.” Please see Liz’s revision rhinoplasty video above to see the possible journey from consultation through recovery.
When you are ready, view the rhinoplasty gallery to browse paired before-and-after photos for revision, septoplasty, and related nose surgery cases.
Your Nasal Surgery Experience with Dr. Stepanyan
Step 1: In-Depth Consultation
Your consultation begins with a careful assessment of your breathing concerns and nasal structure. Dr. Stepanyan takes the time to understand your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle, using advanced tools and imaging if needed to plan your treatment.
Step 2: Personalized Surgical Plan
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for nasal obstruction. Whether you need septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or nasal valve repair, Dr. Stepanyan develops a surgical plan designed specifically for your anatomy and goals.
Step 3: Procedure Day
Nasal surgery is performed at an accredited surgical center, typically under general anesthesia or twilight sedation. Procedures may last 1 to 2 hours, depending on complexity.
Most incisions are made inside the nose, so there are no visible scars. You’ll return home the same day with detailed instructions for rest, recovery, and follow-up.
Step 4: Recovery and Results
Recovery varies by procedure, but most patients resume light activity within a few days. Some swelling, congestion, or pressure is normal in the first week, but most report dramatic improvement in breathing within weeks of surgery. Full results continue to improve as the nose heals internally over several months.
Dr. Stepanyan stays connected with you throughout your recovery, with multiple follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure your results are on track.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If nasal obstruction is affecting your sleep, speech, energy, or everyday comfort, it may be time to consider nasal surgery. Dr. Stepanyan’s skillful, patient-focused approach can help you regain your breath—and your confidence.
Call us at (818) 551-0088 or request your consultation online today. Offices located in Glendale and Beverly Hills, serving patients across Southern California and beyond.
FAQS: Nasal Surgery in Glendale, CA
It can certainly help. If your snoring or mild sleep apnea is caused by nasal blockage or collapsed airways, nasal surgery may significantly improve airflow and reduce symptoms. In moderate to severe cases, it may be part of a larger treatment plan.
In most cases, no visible scarring is left behind. Dr. Stepanyan performs nasal surgery through incisions inside the nostrils, so all work is done internally. If external incisions are needed, they are placed discreetly and heal exceptionally well.
Not always. Dr. Stepanyan uses advanced techniques that often eliminate the need for traditional packing. If temporary splints or supports are needed, they are carefully chosen to maximize comfort and airflow during the healing process.
Most patients return to work and normal activity within 5–7 days, although full internal healing may take several weeks. You may feel congestion or mild pressure at first, but discomfort is typically minimal and well-managed with medication.
If the procedure is performed to correct a medical issue—such as a deviated septum or airway obstruction—it may be partially or fully covered by insurance. Our office will help you with the process of verifying coverage and submitting necessary documentation.
While nasal surgery for breathing is not primarily cosmetic, some subtle changes may occur depending on the structural work performed. If cosmetic improvement is desired, Dr. Stepanyan can incorporate aesthetic refinements into the same procedure for seamless results.
With decades of experience in reconstructive and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Stepanyan is uniquely qualified to manage both the form and function of the nose. His patients value his attention to detail, natural-looking outcomes, and commitment to long-term results—not just quick fixes.
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“Best decision I have ever made in my life was having Dr. Stepanyan be the surgeon for my rhinoplasty. I am SO happy with the outcome. I always get the best compliments on my nose. He is a true artist and professional.”
— Nicole M.