Can a Rhinoplasty Do Anything Besides Shape My Nose?
Most of us know rhinoplasty as a cosmetic procedure that is done to reshape the nose. It’s a procedure that is popular among both women and men, and they typically opt for surgery in order to improve the appearance of their nose. But there are people with other nasal issues who wonder – Can a rhinoplasty do anything else besides shape my nose?
Why Choose a Rhinoplasty
Many people who undergo a rhinoplasty, or “nose job,” do so out of a desire to boost their self-confidence. They often feel that their nose is out of balance with the rest of their face.
A nose job may be done to change the external or internal structures of the nose. This may include:
- Modifying the shape or size of the nose
- Reducing humps or bumps on the bridge of the nose
- Revising the angle to improve symmetry
- Narrowing the bridge
- Refining the tip
However, there are times when rhinoplasty is done to address functional concerns, and this is referred to as functional rhinoplasty. The procedure is generally performed to improve nasal breathing.
Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty is normally done in order to remedy obstruction in the nasal airways. The procedure focuses on repairing the internal nostrils or nasal valves. The valves may be scarred from a previous surgery, collapsed, or they may be too narrow.
Types of Functional Rhinoplasty Procedures
There are different types of functional rhinoplasty procedures, which are typically performed on an outpatient basis. The incisions for surgery may be made entirely inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty), or at the base of the nose (open rhinoplasty).
The incisions allow the plastic surgeon access to the cartilage as well as the bone. Cartilage grafts may be required to provide support, and these are generally taken from the nasal septum. The structures of the nose may also be addressed, but this depends on the needs of the patient.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a type of functional rhinoplasty that is done to correct a deviated septum, which is the cartilage between the nasal passages. The problem may be the result of an injury, but it can also be due to a birth defect. Patients with septoplasty may experience difficulty breathing, along with other conditions such as chronic sinusitis, excessive snoring, sleep apnea, and allergies.
Turbinate Reduction
Turbinate reduction is another form of functional rhinoplasty. The turbinates are responsible for cleaning the air as it moves through the nasal passage, but if they become enlarged, breathing will be obstructed. The goal of surgery is therefore to reduce the turbinate size. Turbinate reduction is often done in combination with septoplasty.
Nasal Valve Surgery
Nasal valve surgery is required in cases where the internal or external valves collapse. Cartilage grafts are usually needed to correct the problem.
What to Expect
After surgery the nose is bandaged, and a cast may be put on the outside it. The cast is usually taken off after about one week, but there may still be a lot of swelling. The swelling generally takes several months to fully resolve. Recovery time varies, but you can expect to see very noticeable changes within the first 2 month. Most patients who undergo functional rhinoplasty are able to breathe better within a few weeks.
Are There Any Risks?
When performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, the risks associated with functional rhinoplasty are minimal. However there are possible complications that clients contemplating the procedure need to be aware of. These include nosebleeds, infections, and the worsening of breathing problems.
Candidates for Functional Rhinoplasty
Candidates for functional rhinoplasty generally have one or more of the following concerns:
- Congenital nasal defect that impairs function
- Post-traumatic deformity
- Deformity due to a tumor or infection
- Narrowing or collapse of the nostrils
Additional Resources
Infographic about Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty infographic via Visual.ly
Further Reading
- Read the latest news about cosmetic surgery at MD.com
- Read the latest skin & beauty news at MD.com
- Read skin & beauty health tips at MD.com
Find a Plastic or Cosmetic Surgeon Near You
- Find a Plastic Surgeon near you in the MD.com Specialists Directory
- Find a Cosmetic Surgeon near you in the MD.com Specialists Directory
Functional Rhinoplasty near The Woodlands, Texas
If you are having trouble breathing and believe you may benefit from functional rhinoplasty, contact Correa Plastic Surgery, located in The Woodlands, Texas and schedule a consultation with Dr. Bryan Correa. Dr. Correa is an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, and regularly performs corrective and cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures.
In order to ensure that you gain optimal results from nose surgery, Dr. Correa will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your nose, and then formulate an effective, customized plan. Contact Dr. Correa today to schedule a consultation.
Bryan Correa, MD
@drcorrea00
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