Hannah Brewer has always had problems breathing through her nose.
For many years, Brewer thought all of her breathing issues were caused by seasonal allergies. There were even times when the 25-year-old wondered if it was really an issue at all.
I thought thats how everyone else in the world was breathing, she said.
After watching a video on TikTok about common breathing issues related to a deviated septum, Brewer began to wonder if her breathing troubles were more than just allergies.
Initially, she saw a doctor who confirmed that she did have seasonal allergies and sent her on her way with a plan to manage the symptoms. A year later, after nothing improved, Brewer made an appointment with a provider at 泫圖弝け of Utah 泫圖弝け.
When I went to the U, they let me know I definitely had a deviated septum, along with some other issues that were restricting my breathing, Brewer said. That appointment was a much better, more thorough experience.
Because the functional changes would change the look of her nose slightly, Brewer decided to explore some cosmetic changes.
I guess I just figured if they are already going to be working on my nose, and Im going to go through this entire recovery process, then I might as well have them make a few cosmetic changes, Brewer said.
She was then referred to Sarah R. Akkina, MD, MS, the Director of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngoloy Head and Neck Surgery at 泫圖弝け of Utah 泫圖弝け. Akkina is the only U of U 泫圖弝け provider who does both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasties as a single surgeon.
When I first met Dr. Akkina, I immediately liked her, Brewer said. Shes so good at explaining things and making you feel like you know whats going on. She is amazing and deserves a lot of credit.
While Brewer has never hated her nose, it has been a bit crooked her entire life.
I talked to Dr. Akkina about the cosmetic changes I was thinking about, and she told me it would be a few small tweaks that would make a really big difference in the look of my nose, Brewer said. Thats how I decided to fully commit to that part of the surgery, in addition to the functional changes.
Brewer is a self-proclaimed perfectionist and was grateful for Akkinas thorough approach at every appointment.
"I had a lot of questions leading up to the surgery, and Dr. Akkina did a really good job of setting expectations. She laid things out for me really clearly, and even had digitally altered photos of my nose to show me what it would potentially look like after surgery. She really helped me understand what I was getting myself into, and it turned out even better than I thought it would.
Brewer had her rhinoplasty surgery on January 19, 2023. The functional portion of the surgery included straightening her septum and strengthening the sidewalls of her nose with cartilage. Akkina also addressed Brewers enlarged turbinates, small bones in the nose that were another cause of her restricted breathing. The cosmetic changes included reducing the dorsal hump and nasal tip and making the nose more symmetrical.
Since surgery, things have been smooth sailing for Brewer.
I know everybody is different, but Im lucky that my recovery went a lot better than I thought it would, she said. I hardly had any bruising, and right off the bat my pain levels werent too bad either. I feel like its been healing really nicely.
After a rhinoplasty, it takes up to 18 months for the swelling to go down. Just six months after surgery, Brewer is extremely happy with the results. More importantly, she can breathe.
Being able to breathe Im not going to lie, every single day I am so grateful I did the surgery, she said. Its crazy. I didnt know this is how other people breathe, and its such an amazing feeling. Especially when Im working out or hiking, thats when I really notice the difference. Ive leveled up and Im so happy.
Brewer has also noticed a change in her mental health since having the surgery.
Ive never been diagnosed with anxiety, but Ive always had anxiety around breathing and moments where I cant get full breaths, she said. That is something that has dropped significantly since surgery. That alone makes the whole experience worth it. Its boosted my quality of life and made such a difference to my mental health.