Numerous studies show that nasal deformities range between 2.9 and 31% in individuals across India. This goes to show that the prevalence of rhinoplasty surgery is not just for improving aesthetics but equally important for fixing these deformities for a better breathing experience.
While many people associate rhinoplasty with cosmetic enhancements, functional rhinoplasty is another crucial dimension of this surgery. Unlike its cosmetic counterpart, functional rhinoplasty focuses primarily on improving the nose’s ability to perform its essential functions, such as breathing efficiently and supporting overall respiratory health.
We will discuss everything in this Handa Plastic Surgery guide to give you a better idea of functional rhinoplasty and why it is such a life-changing procedure for some individuals.
Functional Rhinoplasty – Understanding The Basics
To better understand the benefits and candidature of functional rhinoplasty, you first need to understand the basics. What is it and why is it such a popular plastic surgery?
Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at resolving structural and functional issues in the nose that impede normal breathing. In short, any kind of nasal anatomical deformity that might be affecting your breathing abilities is addressed and fixed with this surgery.
Issues like deviated septums, nasal valve collapse, or turbinate hypertrophy, which often lead to sleep disturbances or chronic breathing issues are fixed with this surgery. One thing about functional rhinoplasty is to understand that the aesthetic enhancements are usually “secondary.” The primary objective is medical.
What Are The Common Reasons For Functional Rhinoplasty?
So, where does functional rhinoplasty fit in, and what conditions does it improve? This is a fairly common question that plagues the minds of people considering undergoing the surgery.
Following are a few common reasons for undergoing nose surgery for breathing:
1. Deviated Nasal Septum
This is undoubtedly the most common nasal anatomical deformity that warrants a functional rhinoplasty. The septum is the cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two halves. A deviated septum directly hinders breathing efficiency by obstructing airflow and causing chronic nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.
2. Nasal Valve Collapse
The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway. Any weakness or collapse of this structure can severely restrict airflow, especially during deep breathing or physical activities.
3. Turbinate Hypertrophy
Turbinates are structures inside the nose that humidify and filter the air you breathe. If you have recently or previously suffered from infections, allergies or other factors contributing to its enlargement, it can further restrict airflow, affecting one’s quality of life.
4. Post-Traumatic Nasal Deformities
Be it from any injury or a traumatic accident, these types of injuries often contribute to misalignment or fractures of the nose, which not only affect aesthetically but also affect the functionality of the nasal anatomy, leading to poor breathing ability.
5. Chronic Nasal Congestion
Structural issues might need to be addressed surgically if chronic nasal congestion persists despite non-surgical treatments, such as medication or nasal sprays. A thorough evaluation, followed by a proper functional rhinoplasty, is one of the best ways to address the issues.
6. Sleep Apnea or Snoring
Functional rhinoplasty can be part of a treatment plan for obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring caused by nasal airway obstruction. In severe cases of sleep apnea, obstructions in the airway often restrict blood and oxygen flow to the brain, which can result in fatalities. To avoid that, functional rhinoplasty is often a route that many plastic surgeons choose for the better quality of life of the patient.
Is Functional Rhinoplasty Right for You?
Whether you are an ideal candidate for functional rhinoplasty depends on your initial consultation at Handa Plastic Surgery.
You may be a good candidate for functional rhinoplasty if:
- You have chronic nasal breathing issues.
- You experience recurrent nasal infections.
- Non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief.
- Your quality of life is affected by nasal obstructions.
Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which focuses on aesthetic improvements to the nose, functional rhinoplasty focuses on improving the patient’s medical concerns with surgical interventions.
The Functional Rhinoplasty Procedure: What to Expect
Functional nose surgery, or functional rhinoplasty, is pretty similar to the staple open and closed rhinoplasty.
Usually, the surgical approach depends on what anatomical deformity is being fixed around the nose. So, following are the steps involved in the surgery that you need to be aware of:
1. Consultation With a Cosmetic Surgeon
The most important step of functional rhinoplasty surgery is to schedule an initial consultation with our leading cosmetic surgeon at Handa Plastic Surgery. Your journey will include:
- A detailed medical history review.
- Examination of nasal anatomy using tools like nasal endoscopy or CT scans.
- Discussions about your symptoms and goals.
During this initial consultation, you will also receive a thorough assessment of whether you are an ideal candidate for the surgery.
2. Prep Before the Surgery
Once everything has been finalised after the initial consultation, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to prepare for the surgery and the dos and don’ts in the days leading up to it. Following these instructions is mandatory to ensure optimal recovery.
Some of the instructions to keep in mind are:
- Stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners.
- Avoiding smoking, as it can hinder the healing process.
- Arranging for post-surgical care and transportation.
3. Day of the Surgery
Finally, on the day of the surgery, you will first be taken to the treatment room, where the basic pre-surgical evaluation will be done, after which anaesthesia will be administered, and the surgery will occur.
The specific techniques employed during functional rhinoplasty depend on the condition being treated:
- Septoplasty: Involves straightening the deviated septum to improve airflow.
- Valve Repair: Strengthens or reconstructs the nasal valve using grafts or sutures.
- Turbinate Reduction: Reduces the size of enlarged turbinates to open up the nasal passages.
- Fracture Repair: Re-aligns displaced or fractured nasal bones.
What kind of surgical plan you will have will depend on your complications and what was discussed during the initial consultation before the surgery.
4. Closing Up and Recovery
Functional rhinoplasty generally takes 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery. Once the surgeon is happy with the outcome, any incisions are closed up, and the patient is transferred to the recovery room until the anesthesia wears off.
Functional Rhinoplasty Recovery
After the procedure is successfully completed, recovery and healing can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the surgery.
There are certain aspects in the recovery process that you need to be mindful of, including:
- Any splints or stitches will be present to support recovery in the first week after the surgery. Both the splint and stitches are removed after this time.
- Swelling, nasal congestion, and discomfort are common in the first week to two weeks after the surgery. As you recover and take the prescribed medications, these complications should subside.
- If you experience bruising around the eyes, be assured that it is fairly common and not something you need to be worried about. Usually, the bruising will recover within a few days after surgery.
- By weeks 2-4, you will notice that the swelling and pain have started to go down. However, even then, you should avoid strenuous physical activities since they can worsen the outcomes.
- Full recovery may take 6-12 months, during which time the final results of the surgery become more apparent. You’d have to go for follow-up appointments with the surgeon to ensure that the healing is progressing as expected.
Why Opt For Functional Rhinoplasty?
There’s more to rhinoplasty than aesthetic enhancements. An individual who’s considering functional rhinoplasty is likely getting it done to improve their breathing capabilities and overcome chronic ailments that have been affecting their quality of life.
Following are a few benefits of functional rhinoplasty:
- Better airflow translates to improved sleep, increased energy, and reduced symptoms of chronic nasal congestion. This contributes to enhanced quality of life.
- Athletes and fitness enthusiasts benefit from enhanced respiratory efficiency. Not just that, people that want to indulge in an active lifestyle but fail due to nasal deformities can also benefit from the surgery.
- Reducing nasal obstructions can alleviate sleep apnea and snoring, contributing to overall health. This is predominantly amazing for patients suffering from chronic ailments and want to reduce risks of accidental death.
- Although not the primary goal, the surgery may improve the nose’s appearance. So, aesthetic improvements are also a benefit to watch out for.
What Are The Risks Associated With Functional Rhinoplasty?
Every surgery known to mankind has its fair share of risks and complications. While the best cosmetic surgeon in Delhi, Dr Shruti Marwah Handa can significantly minimise and eliminate those risks, conveying the possibilities of complications is a necessity.
Some of the potential risks associated with functional rhinoplasty include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Altered nasal sensation
- Rare cases of dissatisfaction with results
At Handa Plastic Surgery, our primary objective is to ensure that our patients know the side effects and complications and make informed decisions about the surgery.
Breathe Better, Live Better with Handa Plastic Surgery
If nasal breathing issues are holding you back, functional rhinoplasty could be your life-changing solution. At Handa Plastic Surgery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from consultation to recovery.
You can rediscover the joy of breathing freely with the right care and expertise. So, don’t wait any longer—schedule your consultation with us today!
Call our team at 9982204355 or email us at [email protected] for more details.
