While many people associate rhinoplasty (more commonly known as nose jobs) with improving the appearance of the nose, this cosmetic surgery can also have significant health benefits. Many patients who are perfectly happy with the appearance of their nose could still benefit from receiving a nose job. Before you dismiss cosmetic surgery, here are three health reasons to go under the knife and get a nose job.

1. A nose job can repair a deviated septum.

Your septum, the tissue that separates your nostrils from one another, can become displaced through injury or trauma. This condition, known as a deviated septum, can be quite uncomfortable. Patients who suffer with a deviated septum report difficulty breathing, frequent nosebleeds, and even facial pain when the septum is so far out of line that it impacts the nasal wall.

When a cosmetic surgeon performs a rhinoplasty, your septum can be straightened. In instances where a deviated septum is the motivating factor, a nose job can dramatically improve quality of life.

2. Rhinoplasty can help heal a broken nose.

If you enjoy adrenaline-inducing activities like rock climbing, extreme sports, or wakeboarding, you are at risk for breaking your nose. While a broken nose is considered a minor injury by most, failing to seek medical attention within a prescribed amount of time could result in the development of complications.

Most doctors agree that waiting longer than two weeks to have a doctor look at your broken nose generally means that surgery is required to set the nasal bones and/or cartilage back in their correct position. If you suspect that you have broken your nose in the past, the services of a cosmetic surgeon can help you straighten out your situation.

3. Getting a nose job could reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.

Medical experts estimate that more than 12 million people in the United States alone suffer from sleep apnea. When you are unable to get a good night's sleep because your breathing is impaired, your overall health can begin to suffer.

Choosing to invest in rhinoplasty could help you reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. A skilled cosmetic surgeon can reshape the nasal passages to increase airflow, and prevent the tissue in your nose from creating blockages as you try to sleep at night.

While an improved appearance can be a nice side effect of rhinoplasty, there are many medical reasons to invest in a nose job. If you want to correct a deviated septum, restore a broken nose to its original condition, or reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea, then a nose job could be a viable solution.