Functional Rhinoplasty

What Is Functional Rhinoplasty?

In functional rhinoplasty the structural elements of the nose that can lead to a better functioning nose are enhanced or reinforced with grafting or use of special sutures.

The Relationship Between Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery

Basically, functional rhinoplasty is performed to eliminate airway obstructions. Depending on the patient, they may opt to combine an aesthetic surgery with a functional rhinoplasty. The best rhinoplasty surgery optimises both the appearance and function of the nose.

Am I a Good Candidate for Functional Nose Surgery?

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of airway obstruction below, you should talk with Dr Shahidi about your situation:

• Nasal blockage
• Nasal congestion
• Trouble breathing through nose
• Difficulty with nasal function
• Mouth Breathing due to blocked nose
• Dry Mouth due to mouth breathing
• Sleep Disturbances due to nasal blockage

Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery

The type of rhinoplasty performed depends on the cause and location of the obstruction. Some of the most common functional nose surgeries used to remove an airway obstruction include:

Turbinate Reduction

The nasal turbinates are structures within the nasal cavity that can help warm and moisten the air you breathe in. They are located on the outer wall of the nasal passages and are stacked on top of each other. The lowest turbinate also called the inferior turbinates can cause nasal obstruction or blockage if they are enlarged. Variety of turbinate surgeries are available with the aim to reduce its overall size hence improving nasal airflow. Some tissue is left in place to allow the normal functioning of the nose.

Deviated Septum Correction

A deviated septum occurs when the wall that divides the right and left nasal passages is bent, bowed, twisted, or deviated. The abnormal shape of the septum results in the blockage of one or both air passages, or a deviated septum.

The type of surgery used to repair a deviated septum is called septoplasty. The surgeon straightens and repositions the septum. Sometimes they must cut, remove, and reinsert them into the proper position.

Surgery for External Nasal Obstruction

Nasal valve collapse can be a common cause of external nasal obstruction. The nasal valve is the narrowest portion of the nasal airway. In narrow noses or those altered by surgery, aging, or disease, inadequate skeletal support allows the valve to collapse. People with this type of airway construction require an individual approach to treatment. This type of functional rhinoplasty requires the skills of an experienced and knowledgeable surgeon to obtain the best results for the patient.

Functional sinus surgery

Sinus blockage can lead to sinus infection. This is termed sinusitis. In certain cases opening the passages to sinuses could improve sinus and nasal function. The operation to open sinuses is called FESS surgery or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. This operation can be performed on its own or in combination to rhinoplasty.