The nose has a vital function not only in facial aesthetics but also in a healthy life. For this reason, structural problems can make breathing difficult and negatively affect the quality of life. At this point, functional rhinoplasty procedure comes into play. Functional rhinoplasty is a special surgery performed to solve breathing problems caused by nasal congestion, septum deviation, nasal flesh enlargement or traumas. For more information about this surgical procedure, please visit our website. In this way, you can have detailed information about functional rhinoplasty. We wish you all a healthy and good day.
What is Functional Rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty is a surgery that aims to improve breathing function by correcting structural and anatomical problems in the nose. This surgery has a major role in correcting problems caused by septum deviation (nasal bone curvature), turbinate hypertrophy (enlargement of the nasal flesh), nasal trauma, congenital deformities or other obstructions in the nasal cavity. In this context, unlike aesthetic rhinoplasty, the focus is on improving the functionality of the nose. However, when necessary, aesthetic adjustments related to the shape of the nose can also be included in the surgery. Thus, functional rhinoplasty not only allows the person to breathe more comfortably, but also eliminates problems that negatively affect quality of life such as sleep apnea, snoring and chronic nasal congestion.
How is Functional Nose Surgery Performed?
Functional rhinoplasty surgery has a structure that is customized to the patient due to its structure. Therefore, before deciding on a functional rhinoplasty procedure, you need to have a consultation. In this context, the surgeon identifies the structural problems in the nose and plans the interventions for these problems. For example; If there is a deviated septum, the nasal airways are opened by correcting the curved cartilage and bone structures in the nose. Or, if there is turbinate hypertrophy (nasal flesh enlargement), air flow is facilitated by reducing these tissues. Thus, polyps or other obstructions in the nasal cavity are removed. After the procedure, the nasal içi is positioned and the nasal structure is designed in such a way that there is minimal scarring from the outside. In this context, functional rhinoplasty surgery offers successful aesthetic and functional results by both improving the quality of breathing and ensuring the harmony of the nose with the face.
In Which Situations Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery is Performed?
In some cases, a person may need a functional rhinoplasty procedure. In line with this need, functional rhinoplasty surgery can be performed to improve the quality of life of the individual. At this point, the situations where functional rhinoplasty surgery is performed are as follows;
- Septum Deviation (Nasal Bone Curvature)
- Concha Hypertrophy (Nasal Flesh Grown)
- Nose Trauma
- Congenital Nasal Anomalies
- Chronic Nasal Congestion
- Sleep Apnea
- Snoring
- Polyps or Cysts
What is Turbinate Hyporphia?
Turbinate hypertrophy is an abnormal enlargement or swelling of the nasal meat in the nose, also called “turbinates”. These nasal concha perform important functions such as filtering, moisturizing and warming the air passing through the nose. However, excessive enlargement of the turbinates due to allergies, chronic sinusitis, air pollution, smoking or anatomical structure can lead to nasal congestion, breathing difficulties and even sleep problems. This condition usually manifests itself with a feeling of congestion and pressure in one or both nostrils. In this case, a personalized treatment plan is applied according to the patient’s condition and the severity of the complaints
How is Turbinate Hyporphia Treated?
The treatment of turbinate hypertrophy varies according to the severity of the enlargement, the degree of symptoms and the underlying causes. For this reason, in mild and moderate cases, symptoms are usually controlled with medical treatment, while in more severe cases or when medical treatment is inadequate, surgical interventions may be required. At this point, methods such as radiofrequency ablation, laser treatment, submucosal resection and partial turbinectomy can be applied among Turbinate reduction procedures. These procedures reduce the volume of the nasal flesh and provide more air flow in the nasal cavity. Thus, modern surgical methods are minimally invasive and usually provide a fast recovery period.
What is Nasal Valve Collapse?
Nasal valve obstruction is a condition caused by weakening or narrowing of the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airways. This is an important structure that regulates airflow in the nose and is a common cause of nasal obstruction problems. In this context, nasal valve obstruction usually occurs due to weakening of the nasal cartilage, trauma, previous nasal surgery (rhinoplasty), decreased tissue elasticity with aging or congenital anatomical defects, making breathing difficult and causing dryness due to mouth breathing. It can also cause secondary problems such as snoring and sleep problems.
What Causes Nasal Valve Disruption?
A nasal valve defect occurs when the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway, weakens or loses support and is usually caused by more than one factor. One of the most common causes is nasal trauma, such as blows to the nose, deformation or weakening of the cartilage tissue. Excessive removal or weakening of the cartilage support in the valve area during previous nasal surgeries (rhinoplasty or septoplasty) also increases the risk of a “breakthrough”.
How to Diagnose Nasal Lid Collapse?
Nasal valve obstruction is usually diagnosed by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or plastic surgeon after a detailed physical examination and patient interview. At this point, the patient is first questioned whether he/she has complaints such as difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing during exercise, or aesthetically, a prominent nose bulge. The doctor then uses a light source or endoscope to carefully examine the structures outside and inside the nose. Afterwards, symptoms such as narrowing in the nasal valve area or cartilage weakness are detected.
Another diagnostic method is a test known as the “Cottle maneuver”. In this test, the doctor evaluates the airflow in the valve area by moving the wings of the patient’s nose sideways. If breathing is relieved during this movement, the likelihood of a nasal valve defect is high. In addition, advanced imaging methods (CT scans) may be used, especially when traumas or post-operative deformations of the nasal structure are to be evaluated in detail.
How to Treat Nasal Lid Collapse?
The treatment of the nasal valve collapse carried out with medical and surgical methods depending on the degree of collapse and the severity of the patient’s complaints. In mild cases, special nasal strips or nasal apparatus can be used to support intranasal airflow. These methods widen the wings of the nose, thereby expanding the valve area and making breathing easier.
In intermediate and advanced cases, surgical treatment may be required. In surgical procedures, the valve area is reconstructed and supported, usually using cartilage grafts. These grafts can be taken from the nasal cartilage, ear or rib and attached to the wings of the nose or septum. Techniques include methods such as “spreader graft” or “alar batten graft”. These procedures aim to permanently reduce the narrowing of the valve area and widen the airway.
How Do I Know If I Need Functional Rhinoplasty?
To understand whether you need functional rhinoplasty, you first need to evaluate the problems affecting your nasal function. If you have chronic nasal congestion, have difficulty breathing and this affects your daily life, we can say that you need functional rhinoplasty. However, it would be correct to always consult a surgeon in this regard. Therefore, you should definitely have a consultation with your surgeon before deciding on the exact procedure.
What Should I Expect After Functional Nose Surgery?
After functional rhinoplasty surgery, you should be prepared for some situations in order to manage both the healing process and the effects of the surgery. It is normal to feel swelling, slight congestion and tenderness in the nose, especially after surgery. These conditions usually decrease in a few weeks. In addition, there may be silicone splints or tampons placed in the nose in the first days. These materials are usually removed after a few days and you can start breathing more comfortably. At the same time, in the first weeks after the functional rhinoplasty operation, you may experience mild bloody leaks or crusts from the nose, and you can improve this situation by cleaning as directed by your surgeon. Thus, you can expect a significant improvement in your nasal functions, more comfortable breathing and an increase in quality of life after surgery. However, since each patient’s recovery process is different, it is extremely important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.
What is the Recovery Process After Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery?
The recovery process after functional rhinoplasty may vary depending on the person’s general health status and the extent of the surgery. However, it usually consists of several stages. Immediately after the surgery, swelling, mild pain and congestion occur in the nose. This condition may decrease between 3 to 7 days. In addition, bruises and swelling in the nasal stage generally decrease in the first week and disappear in 2-3 weeks. It may take 6 months to 1 year for the swelling to completely subside and the nose to take its new shape. However, since these periods vary from person to person, you can get the most accurate information in follow-up appointments with your doctor.
What is the Difference Between Functional and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?
There are many differences between functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty. These differences differ significantly in terms of surgical goals, focal points and outcomes. For this reason, we encourage you to review our website for more detailed information about the difference between functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty. In this way, you can have more accurate and precise information.
If you also want to get rid of functional nose problems by having a rhinoplasty in Turkey, you can get rid of functional nose problems by contacting FaceAesthetics’ expert surgeons immediately and achieve perfect results in functional rhinoplasty.
Functional Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
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FAQ
Surgery greatly improves breathing by correcting structural problems in the nose. However, blockages caused by allergies or environmental factors may persist after surgery. Additional treatments may be needed for such problems.
If only functional corrections are performed, the shape of the nose is usually preserved. However, if aesthetic changes are also planned, the appearance of the nose may also change.
The cost of surgery varies depending on the surgeon’s experience, the scope of the surgery and the interventions to be performed. Therefore, we recommend that you have a preliminary consultation with your surgeon for precise and accurate information.
Functional rhinoplasty focuses on correcting nasal function. However, if aesthetic interventions are requested, your surgeon can address both functional and aesthetic issues during surgery.
Yes, snoring problems caused by nasal obstruction can be largely corrected with functional rhinoplasty. However, other underlying causes should also be evaluated and treated to completely solve the problem.