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.