Functional Rhinoplasty

What Is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty refers to surgery that aims to improve nasal airflow by modifying or supporting internal structures.. This may involve:

• Cartilage grafts to support collapsed nasal walls
• Suture techniques to stabilise internal valves
• Correction of anatomical abnormalities that impair airflow

The surgical objective is to optimise nasal breathing where clinically indicated, while maintaining structural support.

Aesthetic and Functional Rhinoplasty – Combined Procedures

In some cases, rhinoplasty may be considered for both structural and aesthetic purposes. For example, a patient may seek to improve nasal breathing while also refining nasal symmetry or projection. Depending on individual anatomy and clinical assessment, it may be possible to address both concerns within a single procedure.

Symptoms That May Indicate Functional Nasal Issues

A functional assessment may be considered appropriate if you experience symptoms such as:

• Chronic nasal congestion or blockage
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Reliance on mouth breathing
• Dry mouth (especially in the morning)
• Sleep disturbances caused by nasal obstruction

Common Procedures in Functional Rhinoplasty

The specific surgery recommended depends on the source and severity of the airway obstruction. Procedures may include:

Turbinate Reduction

In some individuals, enlarged inferior turbinates may contribute to reduced nasal airflow. Turbinate reduction is a procedure that may be considered to improve space within the nasal airway, depending on clinical findings.

Septoplasty – Correction of a Deviated Septum

A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum (the wall dividing the nasal passages) is misaligned. This may cause one or both airways to be narrowed.

Septoplasty involves reshaping or repositioning the septum with the aim of addressing airflow obstruction caused by a deviated septum.

Surgery for Nasal Valve Collapse

The nasal valve is the narrowest section of the nasal airway. In some individuals — particularly those with a history of nasal surgery, trauma, or age-related changes — this area may narrow or collapse during breathing.

Where clinically appropriate, surgical options may be considered to support the nasal valve, such as grafting or other structural techniques. The choice of approach depends on individual anatomy and functional requirements, and outcomes can vary.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) may be recommended to address sinus blockage when clinically indicated. This procedure aims to restore drainage and is typically performed using a camera-guided endoscope.

Consultation with Dr Shahidi – Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery MED 0001167352

Dr Shahidi is a registered specialist ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgeon with a clinical focus on functional and aesthetic nasal procedures. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), which indicates completion of accredited specialist surgical training in Australia.

During your consultation, Dr Shahidi will:

• Take a full medical history
• Examine your nasal anatomy
• Discuss symptoms, treatment options, and potential risks
• Provide a clinical assessment to determine whether functional rhinoplasty may be suitable, based on individual needs and findings.

A second opinion from a suitably qualified health practitioner is recommended before proceeding with any surgical procedure.