Nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is primarily known as a cosmetic surgery and has the ability to change the outward appearance of the nose. In turn, this can create facial balance for a more symmetrically pleasing appearance. However, functional rhinoplasty surgery is a nasal surgery that focuses on the function of the nose rather than its appearance. Functional rhinoplasty can remove a nasal obstruction or correct a structural defect to improve overall nasal function. In some cases, functional rhinoplasty is combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty to create a fully functioning nose with a new appearance as well.
Reasons for Functional Rhinoplasty
There are a number of specific reasons why functional rhinoplasty might be recommended, including:
Obstructed Breathing
Patients who suffer from obstructed breathing due to nasal abnormalities may have symptoms like dry mouth, reduced sense of smell, or nasal congestion. These patients may also experience frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, or sinus headaches. Obstructed breathing can be treated with functional rhinoplasty if the obstruction is due to structural blockages inside the nose.
Internal Nasal Passage Treatment
Functional rhinoplasty may be recommended if there are structural problems with the internal nasal passages. Examples might include a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal polyps. The specific procedure will vary based on the type of concern that will be addressed.
External Nasal Passage Treatment
Noses that have external, as well as internal, defects may require more extensive surgery to correct those external concerns. Nasal valve collapse, affecting the narrowest portion of the nasal passageway, is the most common example of a defect requiring this type of treatment.
Benefits of Combined Procedures
In some cases, patients may be dissatisfied with the appearance of the nose as well as the impaired function. These patients may want to combine functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty into a single surgical procedure. There are advantages to “killing two birds with one stone” in this case, including:
• Patients only require one surgery and one round of anesthesia.
• Patients only have to recover from surgery once.
• Results of the surgery work together for a harmonious appearance and function.
In addition, combining functional rhinoplasty with a cosmetic procedure may qualify you for insurance coverage for at least part of your surgery. Most insurance companies will cover rhinoplasty performed for functional purposes, but will not cover procedures done for strictly cosmetic reasons. You may need to pay for the portion of the surgery that is considered cosmetic, but it could be significantly less than paying for the entire procedure outright.
What to Expect During a Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Before surgery, Dr. Andrews will conduct a thorough evaluation of the nose’s structure, which may include a physical exam, nasal endoscopy, and imaging to assess the underlying nasal anatomy.
During the procedure, small incisions are made, usually inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the tissue between the nostrils (open rhinoplasty), to access the internal structures of the nose. The specific problem areas will then be corrected, such as straightening a deviated septum, turbinate reduction, or reinforcing weakened cartilage in the nasal valves.
Once the structural issues are addressed, the incisions are carefully closed, and internal splints may be placed to support the healing process. Most patients can return home the same day, although recovery typically involves about one to two weeks of downtime. Swelling and congestion are common during the initial healing phase, but significant improvements in breathing can often be noticed within a few weeks.
Dr. Andrews will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Follow-up visits will also be scheduled to monitor healing and assess functional improvements.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing breathing difficulties and suspect your nose is the culprit, call Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery today. Our staff can provide you with a full assessment of your breathing concerns and recommend the best course of treatment for both functional and cosmetic results. Those who wish to improve breathing while also addressing the cosmetic appearance of their nose may benefit from a combined treatment approach.
