Functional Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty is typically a cosmetic procedure. It changes the nasal bones at the top of the nose and the nasal cartilages forming the middle and tip of the nose. There are some for whom a functional rhinoplasty is medically necessary because their noses will not function properly without surgery.

Take, for example, someone who has gotten into a taxi accident in which she sustains nasal trauma and the “pyramid” of her nose shifts to the left. Her breathing may not be corrected without moving the nasal bones—a functional rhinoplasty.

Another example is a person who was born with narrow nasal bones. This causes a constricted nasal passage, making it difficult to get enough air at the top of the nose. Surgery to widen the nasal bones, a functional rhinoplasty, is medically necessary.

If the nostrils collapse inward on inhalation, nasal valve collapse, repair of the nasal tip cartilages will be necessary. This is yet another example of functional rhinoplasty.

During the functional rhinoplasty, a facial plastic surgeon who is also an otolaryngologist or ENT (a specialist who cares for the ears, nose, and throat) will correct any structural defects of the nose and, as a result, improve the cosmetic appearance secondarily. For example, Dr. Yagoda can straighten a deviated septum and reduce turbinates to improve airflow, correct sinus disease, and relieve sleep apnea to enhance restful sleep.  Combining aesthetic and functional nasal surgery demands not only excellent surgical skills but also impeccable aesthetic judgement.  When done correctly, functional rhinoplasty will result in a nose that not only functions better, but looks better too! Another advantage to the functional rhinoplasty procedure is that, unlike purely cosmetic nose jobs, it is more likely to be covered by your medical insurance.

The Procedure

Rhinoplasty can be performed in an office-based surgical facility or in a hospital, under local anesthetic with IV sedation or under general anesthesia. The procedure takes between 45 minutes and two hours. The exact surgical technique is uniquely tailored for each patient, but most of the time the incisions are made internally and there are no visible scars. In rare instances, an incision is made at the base of the nostrils and carefully hidden.

Recovery

You can return to work in about a week and you’ll be able to use a stationary bike or treadmill by the second week. By the third week, you can return to full activities. Although you’ll see immediate improvement, your nose’s shape and your profile will continue to refine over the next 12 to 18 months.

Risks

Like all surgery, rhinoplasty has risks, including infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. Other risks specific to rhinoplasty include structural damage to the nose. Dr. Yagoda will discuss these potential risks as well as the benefits of rhinoplasty in full during your consultation.

To determine if rhinoplasty might be right for you, call our office to schedule your comprehensive consultation with Dr. Yagoda.

Read about Dr. Yagoda's Integrative Post Operative Care Program