Functional Rhinoplasty

What Is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty aims to enhance or reinforce the structural elements of the nose with grafting or the use of special sutures, which can lead to a better-functioning nose.

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. Many rhinoplasty surgeries optimise both the appearance and function of the nose. Results are different for each patient, so you should speak to your surgeon about the potential benefits and risks to ensure your expectations are realistic.

Am I a Good Candidate for Functional Rhinoplasty 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. A 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 desired 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.