Most people assume a rhinoplasty or nose job only serves cosmetic purposes. But rhinoplasty can also be performed for functional purposes, such as impaired breathing, dry mouth, nasal drips, sinus headaches, and other symptoms of a deformed nose. Dr. Lisiecki carefully examines your facial anatomy to curate a personalized plan for your functional rhinoplasty in NYC that ensures safe and natural results.
What is functional rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects nasal abnormalities and deformities that obstruct breathing. You may have nose defects and abnormalities because of congenital issues (birth defects), injuries, trauma to the nose, and deformities that have developed over time. If your nose abnormality causes breathing problems, nasal congestion, sinus headaches, and severe nosebleeds, a functional rhinoplasty might be necessary. It can address the structural root cause of your problems and restore optimal functionality.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Functional Rhinoplasty?
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you may benefit from a functional rhinoplasty:
- Breathing problems
- Nasal congestion
- Problems with the sense of smell
- Dry mouth problems
- Nasal drip
- Chronic sinus infections
- Severe nosebleeds
- Sinus headaches
What Conditions Can a Functional Rhinoplasty Correct?
Deviated Septum
The septum is the cartilage between the two nostrils. It should ideally sit at the center of the nose, diving the two nostrils evenly. When your septum is deviated, you suffer from breathing problems from one or both nostrils, leading to a dripping nose, sinus infections, facial pain, and other problems. A septoplasty can correct or reposition a deviated septum.
Nasal Valve Collapse
When the nasal valve collapses, you may suffer from bleeding, crusty nostrils, breathing problems, or loud snoring. During your functional rhinoplasty in NYC, grafts may be used to restore support in the valves, helping them stay open and facilitate optimal breathing.
Enlarged Turbinates
Turbinates are the parts of the nose that purify the air, making it hard to breathe comfortably. When the turbinates are enlarged, you have trouble breathing. During a functional rhinoplasty, parts of the enlarged turbinates are removed or altered to restore optimal airflow.
Dr. Lisiecki’s Personalized
Functional Rhinoplasty
Dr. Lisiecki will carefully examine your nasal anatomy, discuss your symptoms, identify the root cause of your functional problems, and curate a personalized treatment plan. Functional rhinoplasty is usually performed as open surgery, i.e., the incision is made across the columella instead of inside the nose. The surgeon may use numerous techniques to correct the internal structural anomalies to help you breathe comfortably. The specific details vary from one patient to the next.
Real Patient Reviews
How Do I Prepare for My Functional Rhinoplasty?
Preparing for your functional rhinoplasty in NYC ensures a safe surgery and a smooth recovery process. Dr. Lisiecki will provide a detailed, customized checklist during your pre-operative consultation, which generally includes the following steps:
- Stop taking ibuprofen, aspirin, and certain herbal supplements 2 weeks prior, as they can increase bleeding
- Quit smoking and all nicotine products for 2-4 weeks before surgery for better healing
- Arrange a ride from a trusted adult to drive you home after the procedure
- Fill your post-operative pain medications and recovery supplies
What Is Recovery Like After Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery?
After the functional rhinoplasty, you will have to wear a nasal splint for up to one week to facilitate optimal healing. Most patients experience mild swelling, soreness, and bruising after a functional rhinoplasty, which can be managed with medications. You can resume most of your daily activities and work within 1 to 2 weeks, but the full recovery may take around 4 weeks.
What Results Should I Expect from a Functional Rhinoplasty?
You will experience a profound and permanent improvement in your nasal breathing. While initial swelling subsides within weeks, allowing you to breathe easier almost immediately, your final structural results will fully settle over one year. Because a functional rhinoplasty in NYC permanently corrects internal structural blockages, such as a deviated septum or collapsed valves, the respiratory benefits and functional results are designed to last for a lifetime.
Functional Rhinoplasty FAQs
Can functional rhinoplasty fix breathing issues?
Functional rhinoplasty can fix crooked septums, enlarged turbinates, and collapsed nasal valves. It can be tailored to specific patient issues for the best results.
Can a functional rhinoplasty be combined with a cosmetic nose job?
Yes. Combining functional rhinoplasty with cosmetic nose surgery is very common. Dr. Lisiecki can simultaneously repair internal structural blockages to improve your breathing while artistically reshaping the external appearance of the nose to enhance facial harmony, requiring only a single surgical procedure and recovery period.
Will functional rhinoplasty change my nose?
A functional rhinoplasty in NYC corrects breathing issues, but it can also alter the look of the nose. Dr. Lisiecki always aims for a result that is attractive and proportional to your face.
Is functional rhinoplasty a painful procedure?
The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia, so you do not experience any pain during the procedure. However, some discomfort and swelling may occur post-surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses.
Is functional rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Yes, insurance can cover functional rhinoplasty, but only when it is deemed medically necessary, such as to correct breathing difficulties, chronic sinus obstruction, or nasal structural defects. Cosmetic rhinoplasty solely for appearance enhancement is usually not covered by insurance.
Why Choose Dr. Lisiecki for Functional Rhinoplasty in NYC?
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki is an acclaimed aesthetic plastic surgeon with specialized training in rhinoplasty in New York. He is the recipient of the Rollin K. Daniel Resident Paper Competition Award from the Rhinoplasty Society, and he has a stellar track record with revision and functional rhinoplasty in NYC, as well as ethnic rhinoplasty. He maintains open channels of communication with all of his patients, guiding them through every stage of the rhinoplasty procedure. His technical mastery is backed by an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, where he specialized in the complex nasal analysis required for high-level functional and revision cases. Additionally, as an editorial board member for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he remains at the forefront of evidence-based surgical techniques to ensure optimal airflow and structural integrity. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a deformed nose or deviated septum, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisiecki today.
