What is Functional Rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to address problems with external or internal structures of the nose. This surgery restores the function of the internal passages and allows for easier breathing, better sleep, and a number of other beneficial results.
What concerns can Functional Rhinoplasty address?
Functional rhinoplasty addresses and resolves the following concerns:
- Obstructed breathing
- A whistling sound when you breathe
- Sleep apnea
- Frequent nasal or sinus infections
- Traumatic injuries to the nose
- Birth defects
- A deviated septum
- Nasal valve stenosis
- Enlarged internal ridges
- Punctures in the septum
Types of Functional Rhinoplasty
Dr. Engineer can perform a variety of techniques to improve the nasal airways, depending on your needs, including the primary techniques listed below. Dr. Engineer will perform a thorough examination during your consultation to determine the best technique and ideal course of action to achieve your desired results.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is one of the most common functional rhinoplasty procedures. Septoplasty is designed to correct a deviated septum, and resolves or improves the following symptoms:
- Chronic sinus problems
- Excessive snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Allergies
Turbinate reduction
The turbinates, or the bones within the nasal structure that are covered in a mucous membrane, can become swollen. Dr. Engineer performs turbinate reduction to permanently decrease the sizes of the turbinates. This provides relief and allows the patient to be able to breathe smoothly and comfortably.
Correction of nasal valve collapse
The nasal valve, which is at the narrowest part of the nasal pathway, can weaken or narrow due to age, trauma, congenital deformity or other reasons. Nasal valve collapse can occur at two levels in the nose: the internal and external valve. This causes breathing difficulty. The nasal valve can be repaired with cartilage grafts to allow for ease in breathing.
What are the benefits of Functional Rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty provides the following benefits:
- Improvement in nasal breathing
- A straighter nose
- Repaired trauma or congenital deformities
- Improvement of the nasal structure
Am I a candidate for Functional Rhinoplasty?
Patients with functional nasal concerns that impair breathing and cause other problems are likely candidates for this procedure. Ideal candidates meet the following requirements:
- Are generally in good health
- Have no significant medical concerns
- Are not currently taking blood-thinning medications (or can stop taking these)
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic goals and expectations about what functional rhinoplasty can achieve
What happens during the procedure?
Your functional rhinoplasty procedure will be done under general anesthesia. Incisions may be made inside the nostril, if possible, but in some instances, a small incision may need to be made at the base of the nose to improve access. Either incision is carefully hidden and heals with no or limited scarring.
Your surgical procedure will vary depending on your needs. In most cases, portions of cartilage and bone are often removed, leaving sufficient cartilage behind to ensure adequate structural support. Cartilage may need to be grafted to help gain support. The grafts are often taken from the nasal septum itself, although cartilage from the ear or even the rib may be used. Additional reshaping of the nasal cartilage may be performed using sutures or other methods.
Once the work is complete, the nose is often taped and splinted and a cast is applied.
Recovery after Functional Rhinoplasty
Your cast and splints will be removed in one week. After about two weeks, most people can return to sedentary work, although recovery time varies from person to person. There will be swelling, bruising, and discomfort during this period. Sleep with your head elevated and use cold compresses around your nose and eyes. Refrain from exercise or exertion of any kind for three weeks, as the bruising and swelling reduce.
The nasal swelling will slowly decrease over a few months, which is normal for rhinoplasty procedures.
Why choose Dr. Engineer for Functional Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Engineer has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty procedures to help his patients regain the full function of their nose and relieve their breathing concerns. Dr. Engineer is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose artistic skill with complex rhinoplasty procedures places him as a top surgeon of choice for patients.
Known for his excellence in surgical results and compassionate, understanding patient care, Dr. Engineer uses precise, advanced techniques to restore your nasal function. He has more than 10 years of training and surgical experience, and understands that difficulties with the medical function of your nose can be very stressful. Expect to be treated with kindness, understanding and professional care, from the first consultation until you are well recovered.
