What is Functional Rhinoplasty
Solution to Both Respiratory and Aesthetic Problems
Functional rhinoplasty is a type of rhinoplasty surgery that aims to correct aesthetic and respiratory problems. In this operation, also known as septorhinoplasty, the nose’s internal structure and cartilage tissue are reshaped to eliminate obstructions that make breathing complex and correct curvatures in the nasal septum. In this way, people can both have a more beautiful nose and breathe in a healthy way. However, as in rhinoplasty operations, the external appearance of the nose is also brought to the desired form.
What Does Functional Rhinoplasty (Septorhinoplasty) Do?
- Breathing problems such as nasal congestion and snoring are eliminated.
- Relieves or eliminates headaches due to insufficient oxygen intake.
- Prevents sinusitis and recurrent nosebleeds and infections.
- It improves sleep quality and minimizes the risk of sleep apnea.
- Improves oxygen quality by avoiding the drying of intranasal tissues.
- Enhances the sense of smell.
Who needs Functional Rhinoplasty?
- Patients suffering from chronic nasal congestion are people who have difficulty breathing due to allergies, sinusitis, nasal bone curvature (septum deviation), or nasal flesh growth.
- People with frequent nosebleeds: Patients experience nosebleeds for reasons such as dry nose or deviated septum.
- For those with snoring problems, snoring can often be associated with frequent nasal obstruction or looseness of the soft palate.
- Those with deformation of the nose as a result of trauma: With Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery, deformations in the nose caused by bumps or other traumas and related breathing problems are eliminated.
- Those who have aesthetic concerns and breathing problems: Patients who want to eliminate their aesthetic concerns and solve their breathing problems.
- Those with sinusitis and recurrent nasal infections: People with frequent sinusitis and recurrent nasal infections.
- Those with a decreased sense of smell: Patients with a reduced sense of smell due to trauma or other reasons.
- People with headaches due to insufficient oxygen intake: Decreased oxygen supply to the brain due to inadequate breathing and related oxygen deficiency may cause headaches.
- Those who have had unsuccessful nose surgery before: The need for functional rhinoplasty may arise in those who have had a previous unsuccessful nose surgery.
How is Functional Rhinoplasty performed?
Functional rhinoplasty surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia. Although the duration of the operation varies according to the procedures to be performed, it is between 1-3 hours on average. In the operation, the Rhinoplasty Specialist first enters the nose through the nostrils or incisions under the nose. Then, the curvatures in the nasal septum are corrected, and the nasal flesh is brought to a normal position or reshaped. If necessary, the nasal bones can also be reshaped. After Functional Nose Surgery, a nasal tampon is placed, and a dressing is applied to the nose. Tampons are usually removed after 1-2 days. The dressing is repeated after 7-10 days.
Benefits of Functional Rhinoplasty:
- Improved breathing: The operation relieves nasal congestion and snoring, allowing you to breathe more comfortably.
- Reduced sinusitis and allergy symptoms: Better breathing also helps relieve symptoms of sinusitis and allergies.
- Improved sleep quality: Functional Nose Surgery contributes to snoring relief, more comfortable breathing and improved sleep quality.
- Treatment of snoring and sleep apnea: Functional rhinoplasty eliminates snoring and minimizes the risk of sleep apnea.
- Stopping nosebleeds: Frequent nosebleeds disappear after functional rhinoplasty surgery.
- Increased self-confidence: Having an aesthetically more beautiful appearance can boost your self-confidence.
Risks and Side Effects of Functional Rhinoplasty:
As with any surgical procedure, functional rhinoplasty can have some risks and side effects. These include the following:
- Anaesthesia-related risks: As with any anaesthesia procedure, there may be risks such as allergic reactions or breathing problems.
- Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after the operation.
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection.
- Numbness: There may be temporary or permanent numbness in the nose area.
- Scarring: The incisions may leave permanent scars.
- Breathing problems: In the first days of Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery, the patient may experience breathing difficulties.
- Aesthetically unsatisfactory results: As with any aesthetic operation, the results may not meet the patient’s expectations.
Recovery Process After Functional Nose Surgery:
The recovery process after Functional Nose Surgery may vary from person to person. Generally, patients can return to their daily lives after 1-2 weeks. Complete recovery may take up to 6 months. During this time, there may be pain, swelling and bruising in the nasal area. Your doctor will prescribe painkillers and give you the necessary follow-up instructions. During the recovery period, avoiding heavy exercise, rest, and drinking plenty of water is essential. You should also follow your doctor’s instructions and have regular check-ups.
Is Functional Rhinoplasty Permanent?
When done correctly, functional rhinoplasty is a permanent solution. However, in some cases, factors such as allergies or nasal polyps can cause breathing problems to recur. If patients carefully follow their physicians’ recommendations during the postoperative period, the results will be perfect.
Functional Rhinoplasty Prices
Functional Rhinoplasty Prices may vary depending on the surgeon’s experience performing the surgery, the city and location of the hospital, and the scope of the surgery. Average prices range between 1500 and 6000 dollars. For more detailed information on Functional Rhinoplasty Cost, it is recommended to consult an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
Things to Consider Before Functional Rhinoplasty
As with all other surgical interventions, it is essential to quit smoking, avoid aspirin and blood thinners and follow the instructions given by your doctor before Functional Rhinoplasty.
Things to Consider After Functional Rhinoplasty
After functional rhinoplasty, it is important to use the medications prescribed by your doctor, avoid straining your nose, and get plenty of rest. Hygiene of the surgical area, hygienic and regular dressings, and avoiding trauma are extremely important, especially after the operation. A traumatic deformation in the surgical area may lead to the need for more challenging and complex revision rhinoplasty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Functional Rhinoplasty
– Is functional rhinoplasty an aesthetic surgery?
Septorhinoplasty (functional rhinoplasty) is an operation that primarily aims to solve breathing problems. However, the surgery can also change the appearance of the nose.
– Will there be a scar on the nose after functional nose surgery?
Functional nose surgery is usually performed using a closed technique. Therefore, there is no visible scar on the nose.
– Do I need to use tampons after functional rhinoplasty?
Yes, you need to use tampons for a while after the surgery for the nasal passages to heal. Your surgeon will determine the duration of your tampon use.
– When can I go back to work and school after functional rhinoplasty?
You can return to your daily life 1-2 weeks after surgery. Complete recovery may take up to 6 months.
– Is functional rhinoplasty a permanent solution?
Yes, functional rhinoplasty is a permanent solution when performed correctly.
– When do the results of functional rhinoplasty appear?
Breathing problems after functional rhinoplasty usually improve a few weeks after surgery.
– When does the nose shape settle after functional rhinoplasty?
The shape of the nose after functional rhinoplasty usually settles within 6-12 months.
– Is functional rhinoplasty covered by SSI?
The SSI covers functional rhinoplasty that causes breathing problems. However, nose surgeries performed only for aesthetic concerns are not covered by the SSI.