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Rhinoplasty Surgery Has Many Benefits

Rhinoplasty surgery is a widely sought after cosmetic procedure because of its beauty benefits, but it is also hugely popular for its numerous medical benefits. In particular, rhinoplasties serve as an effective treatment for correcting breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated septum. These procedures are referred to as functional rhinoplasties, and may or may not involve altering the appearance of the nose based on the patient’s needs and desires.

The right surgeon will be able to address patients’ desires for both aesthetic form and physical function. When selecting your surgeon, read reviews and refer to patient photos to ensure that his or her results will satisfy your desires.

Good Candidates for Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery

Candidates for functional rhinoplasty generally have some sort of airway obstruction. Symptoms indicating such an obstruction can include: chronic nasal congestion, dry mouth, reduced sense of smell, nosebleed, sleep problems, or recurring sinus issues, including infections and headaches. Obstructions can eventually result in insomnia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart disease if left unaddressed.

Mild Cases

There are three specific surgeries that fall into the category of functional rhinoplasty used to correct mild nasal blockages:

1. Nasal Septoplasty

Nasal septoplasty is used to correct a deviated septum, which is when the wall between the nasal passages is in some way misshapen, blocking one or both air passages. Septoplasty straightens this wall, and is usually just a simple 15-30 minute procedure with a quick recovery.

2. Turbinate Reduction

The most common cause of nasal obstruction is enlarged turbinates, which are the mucous membrane-covered bones which extend the length of the nasal cavity. Occasionally, one of these turbinates will develop an air pocket leading to obstruction. Due to the role turbinates play in filtering oxygen and keeping it moist, only a part of the turbinate tissue will be removed. Like septoplasty, turbinate reduction is generally a simple procedure with a quick recovery, though there is a slightly increased chance of bleeding for a few weeks until the membranes have completely recovered.

3. Nasal Polyp Removal

Nasal polyps are benign growths that can block nasal passages. Removal is generally simple, but polyps will often develop again. The chance of this happening can be decreased with comprehensive allergy treatment, especially for fungal allergies.

Severe Cases

More severe cases—such as those involving twisted, collapsed, or pinched noses—cannot be improved simply through internal modifications. In these cases, more significant external revisions are needed to clear obstruction.

Insurance Coverage

Unlike rhinoplasties performed solely for aesthetic purposes, functional rhinoplasties are typically covered by insurance. If a patient is considering rhinoplasty for both aesthetic and functional reasons, insurance will cover both revisions if addressed in the same procedure. Furthermore, addressing both issues at once reduces downtime when compared to multiple, separate surgeries. This also allows the surgeon to design a more comprehensive solution, taking both beauty and function into account.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Binder

If you suffer from impaired breathing, schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today to determine if a functional rhinoplasty is right for you. Dr. Binder has a stellar record of patient satisfaction, and our caring staff are always happy to address any related questions or concerns.

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Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty: How They Compare
How to Fix a Crooked Nose: Rhinoplasty