WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL RHINOPLASTY?
Functional rhinoplasty is a specialized surgical procedure designed to correct structural abnormalities within the nose that impair breathing and nasal function. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which focuses primarily on enhancing appearance, functional rhinoplasty addresses issues that obstruct proper airflow while maintaining or improving the nose’s aesthetic appearance.
Dr. Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, performs functional rhinoplasty procedures in Sydney to help patients experiencing:
- Chronic nasal obstruction
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Recurring sinus infections
- Sleep disturbances, including snoring
- Nasal valve collapse
- Septal deviations
IS FUNCTIONAL RHINOPLASTY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Determining if functional rhinoplasty is appropriate for your nasal breathing issues begins with understanding your symptoms and their impact on your quality of life. You may be a good candidate for functional rhinoplasty if you:
- Struggle with persistent nasal congestion that doesn’t respond to medications
- Experience difficulty breathing through one or both sides of your nose
- Have been diagnosed with structural nasal issues like a deviated septum
- Find yourself frequently breathing through your mouth, especially during sleep
- Experience snoring or sleep disruptions related to nasal obstruction
- Have suffered nasal trauma that affected your breathing
- Had previous nasal surgery with unsatisfactory functional results
During your consultation with Dr. Turner at his Sydney clinic in either Manly or Double Bay, he will thoroughly assess your nasal structure and breathing function to determine if functional rhinoplasty is the right solution for your concerns.
WHAT CAN DR TURNER’S FUNCTIONAL RHINOPLASTY TREAT?
DEVIATED SEPTUM (SEPTOPLASTY)
The nasal septum is the wall dividing your nostrils. When deviated or crooked, it can block airflow and cause breathing difficulties. Septoplasty is often performed as part of functional rhinoplasty to straighten the septum and improve airflow through both nasal passages.
NASAL VALVE COLLAPSE
The nasal valves are the narrowest parts of the nasal airway. Weakness or collapse of these valves during inhalation can severely restrict breathing. Functional rhinoplasty strengthens these areas using specialized techniques such as spreader grafts or batten grafts to maintain open airways.
TURBINATE HYPERTROPHY
Turbinates are structures inside the nose that warm and humidify inhaled air. When enlarged, they can significantly obstruct breathing. Reduction of enlarged turbinates is often performed alongside functional rhinoplasty to improve airflow.
NASAL OBSTRUCTION FROM PREVIOUS SURGERY OR TRAUMA
Injury or previous unsuccessful nasal surgery can result in structural problems affecting breathing. Functional rhinoplasty can correct these issues, restoring proper nasal function.
FUNCTIONAL VS. COSMETIC RHINOPLASTY
While both procedures may use similar surgical techniques, their primary objectives differ:
Functional Rhinoplasty: Prioritizes restoring proper nasal breathing and function by addressing structural abnormalities that impair airflow.
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty: Focuses on enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the nose to better complement facial features.
Many patients benefit from a combined approach that addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns simultaneously. Dr. Turner’s expertise in both aspects allows for comprehensive nasal surgery that improves breathing while maintaining or enhancing appearance.
How is a Functional Rhinoplasty Performed?
Functional rhinoplasty is always performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital, with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, it may take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, and patients can typically be discharged home the same day.
The steps involved in functional rhinoplasty include:
Incision: The procedure begins with carefully placed incisions. Dr Turner may use either an open (external) or closed (endonasal) approach. In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the columella—the tissue between the nostrils—allowing full access to the nasal structures. In a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made within the nostrils, resulting in no visible external scars.
Elevation of Nasal Skin: The skin and soft tissues of the nose are gently lifted off the underlying bone and cartilage framework. This elevation provides the necessary visibility and access to the internal structures that require modification.
Component Separation: The nasal structures are separated into individual components to allow precise adjustment of each element. This step is crucial for addressing specific functional issues without compromising other nasal areas.
Harvesting Cartilage Grafts: Cartilage grafts are required to reinforce nasal structures. The choice of donor cartilage harvested by Dr Turner, depends on the availability and quantity of cartilage required. The ideal source is the septal cartilage, however if this is unavailable or not sufficient, then rib (costal) cartilage will be harvested.
Structured Rhinoplasty: The nose is reconstructed following structured rhinoplasty principles, which include:
- Correcting the Septum: A septoplasty is performed to straighten a deviated septum, which is a common cause of nasal obstruction.
- Nasal Osteotomies: Precise bone cuts are made using ultrasonic piezotome instruments, this allows for accurate reshaping of the nasal bones with minimal trauma to surrounding tissues, reducing postoperative swelling and bruising.
- Correct Nasal Valve: Spreader grafts are inserted to widen the internal nasal valve area, preventing collapse during inhalation and enhancing nasal airflow.
- Tip Position and Stability: Septal extension grafts (columella grafts) are used to support the new nasal tip position. These grafts provide structural stability, ensuring the tip maintains its desired shape over time.
- Tip Refinement: Modification to the nasal tip cartilages is performed by a variety of techniques such as excising excess cartilage, tip sutures and strengthening cartilage grafts. This allows Dr Turner to shape the nasal tip, reduce bulbosity and improve symmetry.
Closure of Nasal Skin: The nasal skin and soft tissues are redraped over the new framework. Incisions are meticulously closed with fine sutures to promote optimal healing.
Adjusting the Nasal Base: If necessary, adjustments are made to refine the nostril shape and width. Techniques such as alar or nostril sill reduction help achieve balanced proportions.
