A functional rhinoplasty is a nose shaping procedure that improves the function of the nose by creating a larger airway. Many people suffer from difficulty breathing through their nose due to structural abnormalities that can be present since birth or puberty, or due to previous trauma or surgery. The problems are usually due to anatomical deformities, which require surgical correction. As a board certified otolaryngologist, Dr. Rogal is uniquely qualified to address all these issues when discussing a rhinoplasty.
Nasal Anatomy
While nasal anatomy is more complicated than what is listed here, there are three main areas that can affect nasal breathing and be corrected during nasal surgery
- Septum: A deviated septum can block one or both nasal passages. The septum is comprised of mucosa on either side of cartilage or bone.
- Turbinates: Turbinates are intranasal structures that allow for humidification and non-turbulent airflow through the nose. When the turbinates are enlarged, they can block the air from passing through the nose
- Nasal Valve: The internal nasal valve is bordered by the septum, the inferior turbinate, and the upper lateral cartilage. If the angle is narrowed due to anatomical obstruction, breathing will be restricted. A Breathe Right strip for snoring is essentially a tool placed on the outside of the nose to open up the internal nasal valve, allowing air to flow more smoothly through the nose.
Diagnosis
In addition to asking you about your breathing history, Dr. Rogal will examine the internal and external nose during a rhinoplasty consultation. Through her history and physical examination, she will be able to determine if one or more of the above structures needs to be corrected to improve your breathing.
Surgical Correction
- Septoplasty: A septoplasty is a surgical procedure that straightens the septum, usually by removing the deviated portion. It is crucial for any surgeon performing a septoplasty to preserve the critical pieces of the cartilage that give the nose support.
- Turbinate Reduction: There are multiple ways to perform turbinate reduction, but in general, it involves removing some of the redundant tissue of this structure. Preserving the mucosa, or outside lining, is key, and it is generally not considered appropriate to remove the entire turbinate (as was done in the past).
- Repair of nasal valve collapse. If the nasal valve is narrower or collapsed, it is important to correct it at the time of surgery to help improve the airway. This is accomplished in several ways, but the most common way is to use grafting material (usually from the septum) to stent open the airway.
If you have difficulty breathing through your nose, a functional rhinoplasty may be a permanent solution to breathing better. Any changes you wish to make to the outside of the nose can be made at the same time as the internal changes to improve breathing.
