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 naturalized results.
About Functional Rhinoplasty
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.
You may need functional rhinoplasty in the following conditions:
- Breathing problems
- Nasal congestion
- Problems with the sense of smell
- Dry mouth problems
- Nasal drip
- Chronic sinus infections
- Severe nosebleeds
- Sinus headaches
Functional rhinoplasty can correct the following:
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.
Recovery 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 in NYC, 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.
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.
What can I expect during functional rhinoplasty recovery?
Like traditional rhinoplasty, functional rhinoplasty causes some discomfort and sometimes bruising initially. Your nose will also be swollen after surgery—most of the swelling goes down after the first month, but final results won’t be appreciated until about a year after surgery.
Will functional rhinoplasty change my nose?
Functional rhinoplasty 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.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisiecki
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 functional and revision rhinoplasty, 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. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a deformed nose or deviated septum, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisiecki today.
