Functional rhinoplasty at a glance
| Item | Summary |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Functional rhinoplasty (surgery to improve nasal airflow by addressing structural causes of obstruction) |
| Common indications | Deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, post-traumatic obstruction, breathing problems after previous rhinoplasty |
| Related procedures | Septoplasty, nasal valve surgery, turbinate reduction, septorhinoplasty |
| Documentation | GP referral, symptom history, nasal examination, photographs, NOSE Scale where relevant |
| Techniques | Open or closed approach; cartilage grafting with spreader, batten, or septal extension grafts |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Typical surgery duration | 2 to 4 hours, depending on complexity |
| Hospital stay | Day surgery or one overnight stay |
| Initial recovery | 7 to 10 days off work; nasal congestion and swelling are common in early healing |
| Medicare eligibility | May apply where MBS item criteria are met (see Medicare section below) |
| Consultation fee | $450 |
| Total fee range | $12,000 to $18,000 with Medicare and private health contribution; up to $26,000 without insurance |
| Sydney clinics | Bondi Junction and Manly |
What is functional rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty is a category of nasal surgery focused on improving the way air moves through the nose. It is different from cosmetic rhinoplasty, which is concerned with the external appearance, and from septoplasty alone, which addresses only the internal septum.
Where breathing difficulty is caused by a deviated septum and nothing else, septoplasty may be sufficient. Where the obstruction involves the nasal valves, the structural support of the external nose, the effects of past trauma, or a combination of internal and external factors, septoplasty alone often does not resolve the symptoms. Functional rhinoplasty can address those broader structural issues, including reinforcing weak cartilage with grafts, repositioning displaced structures, and supporting the nasal valves so they remain open during normal breathing.
In some patients, breathing problems and cosmetic concerns coexist. A patient who has a deviated septum from a previous injury may also be unhappy with the appearance of the bridge or tip that resulted from the same trauma. In these cases, combined septorhinoplasty addresses both concerns at the same time, with the medical necessity of the functional work assessed separately from the cosmetic component for Medicare purposes.
A functional rhinoplasty consultation focuses on identifying the structural cause of the breathing problem before any surgical plan is recommended. Some patients arrive convinced surgery is needed when the underlying cause is allergic rhinitis or sinus disease, which require different management. Others have structural problems that have gone unrecognised for years.
For the broader category of nose surgery and how the different procedures relate to each other, see our nose surgery hub.
What can cause nasal obstruction?
Nasal obstruction can have several different causes. Some are structural and respond to surgery; others are not structural and do not. A functional rhinoplasty consultation begins with identifying which type of obstruction is present, because the appropriate management depends on the underlying cause.
| Cause | What it means | Related page or guide |
|---|---|---|
| Deviated septum | The internal wall between the nasal passages is bent or displaced | Septoplasty |
| Internal nasal valve collapse | Narrowing or weakness in the internal valve area restricts airflow | Nasal valve collapse guide |
| External nasal valve collapse | Weakness around the nostril sidewall or alar region narrows airflow during inhalation | Functional rhinoplasty (this page) |
| Turbinate enlargement | Enlarged inferior turbinates may contribute to blockage or congestion | Septoplasty or functional assessment |
| Previous nasal trauma | Injury can alter bone, cartilage, septum, or valve support | Broken nose treatment |
| Previous rhinoplasty | Prior surgery can affect cartilage support, scar tissue, or airway structure | Revision rhinoplasty |
| Allergic or non-structural causes | Allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, sinusitis | Not surgical; requires ENT or allergy referral |
Two of the most commonly missed structural causes are nasal valve collapse and the effects of previous rhinoplasty. Nasal valve collapse occurs when the internal or external nasal valve narrows or weakens, restricting airflow as the patient breathes in. Patients often describe needing to pull the cheek outward to breathe more easily; this is a positive Cottle’s sign and suggests valve involvement. For a detailed explanation, see our nasal valve collapse guide.
Breathing problems after previous rhinoplasty are a different challenge. The cause may be scar tissue, cartilage that was removed during the previous surgery, displaced grafts, or structural collapse that occurred as the surgery healed. These cases often require revision rhinoplasty rather than primary functional surgery. See our breathing problems after rhinoplasty guide for more.
Functional rhinoplasty vs cosmetic rhinoplasty
Functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty share the same broad surgical category but have different goals, different documentation requirements, and different Medicare implications. The table below summarises the main differences.
| Question | Functional rhinoplasty | Cosmetic rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Improve nasal airflow by addressing structural obstruction | Change nasal shape, size, profile, or balance |
| Common concerns | Nasal blockage, valve collapse, trauma-related obstruction, breathing after prior surgery | Dorsal hump, tip shape, width, asymmetry, profile |
| Medicare | May apply where MBS item criteria are met | Generally not eligible for cosmetic-only surgery |
| Documentation | Referral, symptoms, examination, photographs, NOSE Scale where relevant | AHPRA cosmetic surgery process and suitability assessment |
| Related pages | Septoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, nasal valve collapse | Cosmetic rhinoplasty, tip rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty |
Some patients have both functional and cosmetic concerns. In these cases, combined septorhinoplasty (see next section) addresses both at the same operation, with the medical necessity of the functional component documented separately from the cosmetic work for Medicare purposes.
For an overview of all nose surgery pathways, see our nose surgery hub.
Procedures that may be part of functional rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty is not a single procedure but a group of related procedures, any combination of which may be performed depending on the cause of obstruction.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is surgery to correct a deviated septum, the internal wall of bone and cartilage that separates the two sides of the nose. The procedure uses incisions placed entirely inside the nose, with no external scarring. The deviated cartilage or bone is straightened or repositioned, and mucosal lining is preserved. Septoplasty alone may be sufficient when the obstruction is caused only by the septum. Where the nasal valves or external structure are also contributing, additional functional surgery is usually required. For more detail, see our septoplasty page.
Nasal valve surgery
Nasal valve surgery addresses weakness or narrowing in either the internal or external nasal valve. The internal valve sits between the upper lateral cartilages and the septum and is the narrowest part of the nasal airway; weakness here is often supported with spreader grafts, which widen the internal valve angle. The external valve sits at the nostril margin; weakness here is often supported with batten grafts or alar contour grafts. Cartilage for grafting is typically taken from the septum, but rib or ear cartilage may be used in revision cases where septal cartilage is insufficient.
Turbinate reduction
The inferior turbinates are normal nasal structures that warm and humidify air. When enlarged, they can contribute to nasal obstruction and congestion. Turbinate reduction involves reducing the size of the inferior turbinates while preserving their function. It is not always part of functional rhinoplasty; whether it is performed depends on whether the turbinates are contributing to the obstruction.
Combined septorhinoplasty
Combined septorhinoplasty addresses the septum, the nasal valves, and the external nasal framework in a single operation. It is appropriate when more than one structural element is contributing to the breathing problem, or when functional and cosmetic concerns coexist. The medical necessity of the functional components is assessed separately from any cosmetic work for Medicare purposes.
Septorhinoplasty Sydney
Septorhinoplasty is the combined operation that addresses both the internal nasal septum and the external rhinoplasty work in a single procedure. It is a distinct concept from septoplasty alone (which addresses only the septum) and from rhinoplasty alone (which may not address internal structural issues at all).
A patient who has a deviated septum that is causing breathing problems, and who also has a dorsal hump or asymmetric external nose from the same underlying cause, is a typical septorhinoplasty candidate. Trauma is a common scenario: a nasal fracture that healed with both functional and cosmetic consequences often presents this way years after the original injury.
Septorhinoplasty is technically more demanding than either procedure alone because the surgical planning must account for how internal correction affects external shape and vice versa. Correcting a deviated septum can sometimes change the external position of the nose; conversely, external structural changes can affect internal airflow. These interactions are managed through careful surgical planning and, where required, structural grafting.
The Medicare component of septorhinoplasty is assessed against the eligibility criteria for the medically indicated portion of the procedure. The cosmetic component, where present, is not Medicare-eligible and is treated separately for fee purposes. Patients undergoing combined septorhinoplasty for both functional and cosmetic reasons receive separate explanations of the medical and cosmetic components at consultation.
For patients whose primary concern is cosmetic with no significant breathing issue, see our cosmetic rhinoplasty page. For patients whose primary concern is breathing alone, the functional rhinoplasty pathway described on this page applies.
Medicare and functional rhinoplasty
Some functional nose surgery in Australia attracts Medicare benefits where the procedure is medically necessary and the relevant MBS item criteria are met. The table below covers the three most commonly used pathways for functional rhinoplasty patients.
| MBS item | What it covers | Documentation required |
|---|---|---|
| 41671 | Septoplasty for a deviated septum causing functional symptoms | Clinical examination, history of obstruction, GP referral |
| 45641 | Total rhinoplasty for airway obstruction or significant deformity | NOSE Scale score above 45, or photographic and clinical evidence of significant acquired, congenital, or developmental deformity, plus GP referral |
| Combined procedure pathway | Septorhinoplasty where both functional and cosmetic elements are present | Documentation for the functional component (as above); the cosmetic component is assessed separately and is not Medicare-eligible |
A Medicare rebate does not cover the full cost of surgery. The rebate applies against the surgeon’s fee for the eligible item; out-of-pocket expenses still include the gap on the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fees, hospital admission, and any cosmetic component. Patients with private health insurance hospital cover often receive an additional contribution towards hospital costs for Medicare-eligible procedures.
Eligibility for any MBS item is determined by Medicare, not by the surgeon, against the published criteria for each item. Dr Turner can advise on whether your case appears to meet the criteria following clinical assessment, but final eligibility determination rests with Medicare.
Total fees for functional rhinoplasty at our Sydney practice typically range from approximately $12,000 to $18,000 where Medicare items apply and private health insurance contributes towards hospital costs. Where no insurance is available, total fees can be up to approximately $26,000. The initial consultation fee is $450. For a detailed cost breakdown, see our rhinoplasty cost guide.
Are you a suitable candidate for functional rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty is appropriate for patients with persistent nasal obstruction that has a structural cause and that has not improved with non-surgical management.
Symptoms that may suggest a structural cause
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, often worse on one side
- Mouth breathing during sleep
- Snoring caused or worsened by nasal obstruction
- Symptoms following a nasal injury, even one that occurred years earlier
- Worsening of breathing after a previous rhinoplasty
- Sensation of nasal collapse during deep inhalation
- The need to physically pull the cheek outward to breathe more easily (a positive Cottle’s sign)
Physical suitability
- Good general health, with any chronic conditions well controlled
- Non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking for a defined period before and after surgery
- No active nasal infection
- Adequate cartilage available for any required structural grafting
When functional rhinoplasty may not be appropriate
There are several situations in which functional rhinoplasty is not the right pathway:
- Symptoms primarily caused by allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, or sinus disease (which require medical, not surgical, management)
- Unmanaged or undiagnosed sleep apnea where the structural component is unclear
- Active smoking with no plan to stop
- Unrealistic expectations of “perfect” breathing
- High surgical or anaesthetic risk that outweighs the expected benefit
- Insufficient structural cause identified at clinical examination
Where allergic or non-structural causes are suspected, referral to an ENT specialist or allergist for further investigation is often the appropriate first step. Functional rhinoplasty is considered after non-structural causes have been excluded or addressed.
The functional rhinoplasty assessment process
Every functional rhinoplasty patient follows a structured assessment process designed to identify the underlying cause of obstruction and document it appropriately for surgical planning and, where relevant, Medicare eligibility.
| Step | What is assessed |
|---|---|
| 1. GP referral | Required for any Medicare-eligible procedure; reviewed at intake |
| 2. Symptom history | When breathing problems started, what makes them better or worse, side of nose affected, sleep disruption, exercise limitation, prior treatment |
| 3. External nasal examination | Nasal bones, cartilage support, sidewall movement during inhalation, nostril support, post-traumatic change |
| 4. Internal nasal examination | Septum position, turbinate size, nasal valve area, mucosal appearance, evidence of allergic or inflammatory change |
| 5. Cottle’s sign and modified Cottle’s manoeuvre | Manual testing to identify whether nasal valve support improves airflow |
| 6. NOSE Scale documentation | Patient-reported obstruction symptoms scored against a validated tool |
| 7. Photography | Standardised external photographs for documentation and surgical planning |
| 8. Treatment planning and consent | Whether functional rhinoplasty, septoplasty alone, combined septorhinoplasty, or non-surgical management is appropriate; risks, recovery, and Medicare eligibility discussed |
About the NOSE Scale
The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale is a validated patient-reported tool used to measure the severity of nasal obstruction symptoms. It asks five questions covering nasal congestion, blockage, breathing through the nose, sleep impact, and difficulty breathing on exertion. Each question is scored 0 to 4, giving a total score out of 100. Scores above 45 are part of the documentation evidence required for MBS item 45641 eligibility. The NOSE Scale does not diagnose the cause of obstruction, but it provides standardised symptom documentation that informs both surgical planning and Medicare assessment.
How functional rhinoplasty is performed
Functional rhinoplasty can be performed using either an open or closed surgical approach. The decision depends on what needs to be addressed, the complexity of the structural work, and any previous nasal surgery.
Surgical approach
Closed functional rhinoplasty uses incisions placed entirely inside the nostrils and is appropriate for selected cases involving limited structural work, particularly isolated septal correction or limited internal valve support. Open functional rhinoplasty uses the same internal incisions plus a small incision across the columella, allowing direct visualisation of the nasal framework. Open is preferred for cases involving cartilage grafting, external valve reconstruction, complex septorhinoplasty, and revision cases.
How functional rhinoplasty is performed
Functional rhinoplasty can be performed using either an open or closed surgical approach. The decision depends on what needs to be addressed, the complexity of the structural work, and any previous nasal surgery.
Surgical approach
Closed functional rhinoplasty uses incisions placed entirely inside the nostrils and is appropriate for selected cases involving limited structural work, particularly isolated septal correction or limited internal valve support. Open functional rhinoplasty uses the same internal incisions plus a small incision across the columella, allowing direct visualisation of the nasal framework. Open is preferred for cases involving cartilage grafting, external valve reconstruction, complex septorhinoplasty, and revision cases.
Structural grafting
Where the nasal valves or external nasal framework require additional support, cartilage grafts are used to reinforce the structure. The most common grafts in functional rhinoplasty include:
- Spreader grafts: Long strips of cartilage placed between the septum and the upper lateral cartilages to widen the internal nasal valve angle
- Batten grafts: Curved pieces of cartilage placed along the lateral wall of the nose to support the external valve and prevent collapse during inhalation
- Septal extension grafts: Cartilage extending from the septum to support tip position and projection where this affects airflow
- Alar contour grafts: Cartilage placed along the nostril margin to support the external valve
Cartilage is typically harvested from the septum during the same procedure. Where septal cartilage is insufficient, which is common in revision cases, rib cartilage or ear cartilage may be used. Cadaveric (irradiated homologous) cartilage is another option used in selected revision cases.
- 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.
Combined work
Where the procedure includes septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or cosmetic components, these are performed at the same operation. Patients undergoing combined work have all components explained at consultation, including the separation of medically necessary and cosmetic elements for fee and Medicare purposes.
The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on complexity. It is performed under general anaesthesia at an accredited Sydney private hospital. Patients are usually discharged as day surgery or after one overnight stay.
Functional rhinoplasty recovery
Recovery from functional rhinoplasty involves both healing of the external nasal structure and resolution of internal swelling. The breathing improvements that prompted the surgery may not be apparent immediately because internal swelling and congestion are common in the early weeks. The timeline below is a general guide.
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | External splint in place. Significant internal congestion. Breathing through the nose is often worse than before surgery during this phase. Most patients take 7 to 10 days off work. |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Splint removed at approximately one week. Visible swelling and bruising fade. Internal congestion starts to improve. |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Internal swelling continues to settle. Breathing typically begins to noticeably improve. Light exercise resumes from week 4 depending on Dr Turner’s advice. |
| Months 3 to 6 | Breathing and airflow continue to improve as internal swelling resolves. |
| 6 to 12 months | Most internal swelling has resolved. Final breathing outcome is typically apparent. |
| 12 months and beyond | In some patients, particularly those with thicker skin or complex structural cases, final assessment may take longer than 12 months. |
Patients are seen for follow-up at splint removal (day 7 to 10), and then at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Breathing is assessed at each appointment, and any persistent symptoms are investigated.
A small number of patients have ongoing breathing problems after functional surgery. The cause may be persistent structural issues, scar tissue, undetected allergic or sinus disease, or unrelated factors. Persistent symptoms are investigated at follow-up and may warrant referral or further intervention. For more on breathing problems after rhinoplasty, see our breathing problems after rhinoplasty guide.
For a detailed week-by-week recovery breakdown, see our rhinoplasty recovery timeline guide.
Functional rhinoplasty risks and complications
All surgery carries risk. The specific risks of functional rhinoplasty include:
- Bleeding: Significant post-operative bleeding is uncommon but possible
- Infection: Antibiotic prophylaxis is used, but infection remains a recognised risk
- Persistent or worsened obstruction: Some patients do not get the breathing improvement they hoped for, even after technically successful surgery
- Septal perforation: An uncommon but serious complication where a hole develops in the septum
- Asymmetry or altered nasal shape: Functional surgery can sometimes affect the external appearance of the nose
- Persistent swelling: Particularly in the nasal tip, where swelling can persist beyond 12 months
- Changes in nasal sensation: Temporary numbness is common; permanent sensory change is uncommon
- Graft-related complications: Resorption, displacement, or visibility of cartilage grafts
- Need for revision surgery: Some patients require further surgery to address persistent symptoms or structural issues
- Ongoing non-structural symptoms: Allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, and sinus disease are not corrected by functional surgery
- General anaesthetic risks: Reactions to medications, breathing difficulties, and rarely more serious complications
The individual risk profile for your case depends on your anatomy, medical history, smoking status, healing capacity, and the complexity of the surgical plan. Dr Turner discusses the specific risks relevant to your case in detail at consultation.
It is important to note that functional rhinoplasty can address structural causes of nasal obstruction, but it does not resolve symptoms caused by allergy, rhinitis, sinus disease, or other non-structural conditions. Where these factors are contributing to a patient’s symptoms, they are identified at consultation and appropriate referral is made.
Related nose surgery procedures
If you are not sure whether functional rhinoplasty is the right procedure for your concerns, the pages below cover related procedures and pathways.
| Related page | When to read it |
|---|---|
| Nose Surgery Hub | If you are not yet sure which nasal procedure applies to your concerns |
| Septoplasty | If a deviated septum is your main concern and no other structural issues are present |
| Cosmetic Rhinoplasty | If nasal appearance is your main concern and breathing is not significantly affected |
| Revision Rhinoplasty | If your breathing or nasal structure changed after a previous rhinoplasty |
| Broken Nose | If your obstruction followed a recent nasal injury |
| Alarplasty | If your concern is primarily nostril width or alar base shape |
| Tip Rhinoplasty | If the nasal tip is your only concern |
| Ethnic Rhinoplasty | If anatomical considerations specific to non-Caucasian backgrounds apply |
| Male Rhinoplasty | If male-specific structural and aesthetic considerations apply |
| Teen Rhinoplasty | If the patient is an adolescent |
Helpful guides about breathing and nose surgery
The articles below provide deeper information on the conditions and considerations that often come up in functional rhinoplasty cases.
- Nasal valve collapse: How structural collapse causes breathing problems and what surgery can address
- Breathing problems after rhinoplasty: Causes, assessment, and revision options
- Cosmetic vs functional rhinoplasty: How the two pathways differ and how combined surgery is approached
- Common rhinoplasty questions: The questions Dr Turner hears most often at consultation
- Rhinoplasty cost in Sydney: Detailed breakdown of consultation, surgical, anaesthetic, and hospital fees
- Rhinoplasty recovery timeline: Week-by-week guide from surgery through to final result
- How to choose a rhinoplasty surgeon: What credentials, experience, and consultation signals to look for
Frequently Asked Questions
What is functional rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty is surgery that addresses structural causes of nasal obstruction, including deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, weak cartilage support, and the effects of previous trauma or previous nasal surgery. It is distinct from cosmetic rhinoplasty (which addresses appearance) and from septoplasty alone (which addresses only the septum). Functional rhinoplasty may attract Medicare benefits where MBS item criteria are met.
How is functional rhinoplasty different from septoplasty?
Septoplasty addresses only the internal septum. Functional rhinoplasty can address the septum, the nasal valves, the external nasal structure, and cartilage support together. If your breathing problem is caused only by a deviated septum, septoplasty alone may be sufficient. If the nasal valves or external structure are also contributing, functional rhinoplasty is usually required.
What is nasal valve collapse?
Nasal valve collapse is weakness or narrowing of the internal or external nasal valve area, which restricts airflow as you breathe in. Patients often notice they need to pull the cheek outward (a positive Cottle’s sign) to breathe more easily. Nasal valve collapse is treated with structural cartilage grafts, including spreader grafts for the internal valve and batten grafts for the external valve. For more, see our nasal valve collapse guide.
What is septorhinoplasty?
Septorhinoplasty is the combined operation that addresses both the septum and the external rhinoplasty work in a single procedure. It is appropriate when both internal and external structural issues are contributing to a breathing problem, or when functional and cosmetic concerns coexist. The medical necessity of the functional component is assessed separately from any cosmetic work for Medicare purposes.
Does Medicare cover functional rhinoplasty?
Medicare may contribute to functional rhinoplasty where the procedure is medically necessary and the relevant MBS item criteria are met. The main items are 41671 (septoplasty) and 45641 (total rhinoplasty for airway obstruction or significant deformity). Eligibility is determined by Medicare, not by the surgeon, against the published criteria. A Medicare rebate does not cover the full cost of surgery.
What is the NOSE Scale?
The NOSE Scale (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation) is a validated patient-reported tool used to measure the severity of nasal obstruction symptoms. It consists of five questions scored 0 to 4, giving a total out of 100. Scores above 45 are part of the documentation evidence required for MBS item 45641 eligibility. The NOSE Scale does not diagnose the cause of obstruction but provides standardised symptom documentation.
How much does functional rhinoplasty cost in Sydney?
Total fees for functional rhinoplasty at our Sydney practice typically range from approximately $12,000 to $18,000 where Medicare items apply and private health insurance contributes towards hospital costs. Where no insurance is available, total fees can be up to approximately $26,000. The initial consultation fee is $450. Out-of-pocket costs depend on Medicare eligibility, your private health cover, anaesthetist fees, and hospital admission.
Can functional rhinoplasty fix breathing problems after a previous rhinoplasty?
Sometimes, depending on the cause. Breathing problems after previous rhinoplasty may be due to scar tissue, removed cartilage, displaced grafts, or structural collapse that occurred during healing. These cases often require revision rhinoplasty rather than primary functional surgery. A clinical assessment, including examination and documentation, is required to determine the appropriate pathway.
Important information about functional rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty is an invasive surgical procedure and carries risk. These risks include bleeding, infection, persistent or worsened obstruction, septal perforation, asymmetry or altered nasal shape, persistent swelling, changes in nasal sensation, graft-related complications, dissatisfaction with the cosmetic or functional outcome, and the need for revision surgery. General anaesthetic risks also apply. Recovery, breathing outcomes, and overall experience vary between patients based on individual anatomy, the cause of obstruction, and healing response. Functional rhinoplasty can address structural causes of nasal obstruction but does not resolve symptoms caused by allergy, rhinitis, sinus disease, or other non-structural conditions. Medicare eligibility is not guaranteed and depends on assessment, documentation, and the published MBS item criteria. A consultation with Dr Turner is required to assess whether the procedure is appropriate for your anatomy, medical history, and symptoms.
Schedule a clinical evaluation with Dr Turner
If you have nasal obstruction, nasal valve collapse, breathing concerns after injury, or breathing problems following a previous rhinoplasty, a consultation is required to assess the cause of your symptoms and whether functional rhinoplasty, septoplasty, or another pathway may be appropriate. Dr Scott Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) who consults with patients about functional and structural nose surgery at his Bondi Junction and Manly clinics.
To schedule a clinical evaluation, contact our team.
Phone: 1300 437 758 Email: [email protected] Bondi Junction: 39 Grosvenor Street, Bondi Junction NSW Manly: Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW
Two consultations are required before any cosmetic component of surgery is scheduled, in line with Medical Board and AHPRA requirements.
