Breathing Easier: Rhinoplasty for Functional Improvement

Woman touching her nose, representing the benefits of functional rhinoplasty for improving breathing function and alleviating sinus issues.

Breathe easier with functional rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure that can improve breathing function and alleviate nasal obstruction. If you’re struggling to breathe through your nose or experiencing regular sinus issues, read on to learn more about how functional nose job may be able to help.

What is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty is a type of nose surgery that focuses on correcting structural abnormalities that affect breathing function. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which prioritizes the appearance of the nose, functional nose surgery prioritizes improving breathing function.

Common Structural Abnormalities

There are several structural abnormalities that can impact breathing function in the nose. Some of the most common include:

Deviated septum:

Deviated septum occurs when the wall that divides the two nostrils is off-center, making one nostril smaller than the other.

Enlarged turbinates:

Turbinates are small structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify air. When they become enlarged due to allergies or infection, they can block airflow and cause congestion.

Collapsed nasal valves:

The nasal valves are located just inside the nostrils and play a critical role in regulating airflow. When they collapse, it can make breathing more difficult, particularly during physical activity.

  • Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical solution for breathing difficulties caused by structural abnormalities in the nose.
  • The procedure can correct issues such as deviated septums, enlarged turbinates, and collapsed nasal valves to improve breathing function and alleviate sinus issues.
  • By choosing an experienced surgeon and following postoperative instructions carefully, patients can expect a significant improvement in their breathing function and overall quality of life after functional rhinoplasty.

Improving Breathing Function

During functional rhinoplasty, a surgeon will address the specific structural issues that are causing breathing difficulties. For example, they may straighten a deviated septum, reduce the size of enlarged turbinates, or strengthen the nasal valves to prevent collapse.

By improving breathing function, functional nose job can also alleviate sinus issues such as chronic congestion, headaches, and postnasal drip. With improved airflow, the sinuses can drain more effectively, reducing the risk of infection and inflammation.

Getting Ready for Surgery

Before undergoing functional rhinoplasty, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the surgery. First, make sure to choose an experienced and qualified surgeon who specializes in functional nose surgery. You may want to schedule a consultation to discuss your goals for the surgery and learn more about what to expect.

You should also plan to take some time off work and other activities to allow your body to heal after surgery. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery, as well as avoid blowing your nose or wearing glasses that rest on the bridge of your nose.

What to Expect During Recovery

After functional rhinoplasty surgery, you can expect some swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes. You may also experience some mild discomfort or pain, which can be managed with medication. Most patients return to work within a week or two and resume normal activities within 2-3 weeks.

It’s important to follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. This may include using saline irrigation to clean the nasal passages, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, and sleeping with your head elevated to reduce swelling.

If you’re struggling with breathing difficulties or chronic sinus issues, functional rhinoplasty may be an option to consider. By correcting structural issues and improving airflow, this procedure can lead to a significant improvement in your breathing function and overall quality of life. Talk to a qualified surgeon today to learn more about whether functional nose job is right for you