Rhinoplasty, also known as nose reshaping or a nose job, is a cosmetic surgery that enhances the appearance of a patient. BHPS Inc. plastic surgeon Dr. Chiu can also perform functional rhinoplasty to optimize the airways without altering the nasal contour. While rhinoplasty and purely functional rhinoplasty are both common in nasal reconstruction, the most common approach sought out by patients today is a combination of aesthetic and functional improvement.
Since functional rhinoplasty is necessary in the treatment of certain medical conditions, it may be covered by a patient’s health insurance. In addition, we have financing options for surgery.
Be sure to check out our before and after pictures of functional rhinoplasty!
Functional Rhinoplasty without Altering your Appearance
A functional rhinoplasty surgery is done to relieve airway obstructions and must include a unique procedure and techniques customized to the needs of a patient. Dr. Chiu is a top plastic surgeon Beverly Hills patients trust to relieve a myriad of nasal airway obstructions.
A nasal airway obstruction is one of the common complaints patients have when they meet with a rhinoplasty specialist. Nasal airway obstructions take the form of many congestion sensations, but they are caused by a variety of abnormalities that develop or have been present since birth.
Causes Of Airway Obstruction
Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is a wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal airways. As the patient’s body grows, it is normal for the septum to deviate or bend to one side. This slight bending does not interfere with a person’s breathing but if the septum becomes crooked enough to disrupt breathing then a septoplasty procedure may be performed to correct the nasal function. Septoplasty is a technique of functional rhinoplasty that remarkably improves a patient’s breathing by removing cartilage and straightening the bone structure to a normal alignment.
Enlarged Turbinates
Turbinates are shelves of bone covered with mucous membranes inside the nose that humidify and filter the air inhaled on a normal basis. Enlargement of nasal turbinates, known as turbinate hypertrophy, is a common nasal obstruction, particularly in patients with long-term nasal allergies. As air is breathed in, the turbinates are known to become swollen when they are purifying air and eventually shrink back down to size. However, when one of the three sets of turbinates does not return back to its normal size they may interfere with a patient’s breathing and even block airflow entirely.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are benign grape-like structures that develop deep within the lining of a person’s nasal passages. If they are large enough these growths eventually cause breathing difficulties, sinus infections, and other complications. When medication, such as nasal spray, pills, or allergy shots do not provide relief, nasal polyps’ removal can be performed during functional rhinoplasty. The removal is straightforward, but aggressive allergy treatment may be required to reduce the recurrence risks.
Nasal Valve Collapse
Nasal valve collapse is one of the more overlooked causes of nasal obstructions caused by a previous nose surgery, nasal trauma or congenital weakness of nose cartilage. The nasal valve has been evaluated as two valves in series within an internal and external component. Internal valve obstruction or external valve obstruction differentiates of course, but they both present a narrowing of structural support that is not sufficient for normal breathing. Repair of the collapse can be performed during functional rhinoplasty by incorporating spreader grafts developed using the patient’s own cartilage to create the support necessary for the valves to remain open from there on out.
Combining Functional & Aesthetic Rhinoplasty
Beverly Hills patients often experience breathing difficulties alongside with their need for cosmetic repairs of an unsatisfactory nose shape. Dr. Chiu is a board certified plastic surgeon who offers the option to correct both concerns all at once. After a thorough evaluation of a patient’s concerns, Dr. Chiu finds that treating both exterior and interior nasal abnormalities is important for every nose surgery. The end result provides clear and efficient breathing, improved comfort and a nose that looks great all around.
Candidates for Functional Rhinoplasty
A thorough consultation with an experienced rhinoplasty plastic surgeon will help identify the breathing issues that interfere with normal breathing functions. Regardless of the patient’s set of circumstances for nose surgery, Dr. Chiu is dedicated to improving breathing function and creates an aesthetically pleasing nose that achieves facial harmony.
Recovery Following Rhinoplasty
Following functional rhinoplasty, a patient is moved into a recovery room to allow the effects of anesthesia to wear off. Surgical splints and dressings may be applied to provide support and protection during the healing period. Swelling and bruising may occur, but will get better with time.
Though functional rhinoplasty is not a painful procedure, it is recommended that patients rest in the comfort of their home for about 3 to 7 days to allow the nose to settle and regain normal skin tone around the nose. Nasal blowing should be refrained from until your plastic surgeon permits to do so.
Selecting a Top Beverly Hills Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Extensive knowledge and experience in rhinoplasty procedures allows Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. Gabriel Chiu to offer the opportunity to address functional and aesthetic concerns with nose surgery. Patients interested in correcting abnormal breathing issues can turn to him for advice and other conservative methods of restructuring that may provide relief. If breathing difficulties continue then functional rhinoplasty may be in your future. Schedule a consultation at our Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery office and find discuss your options for easier breathing and pleasingly shaped nose forever.
Contact Us
For all of your nose improvement needs, we welcome you to contact our practice today. Call (888) 754-8955 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Chiu.
Patient reviews are from real people and have been beneficial and helpful to others considering plastic surgery. Reviews and feedback help not only our staff but potential clients as well. Your positive feedback is greatly appreciated.
Reviews for Dr. Chiu