Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at improving respiratory function by addressing structural problems in the nasal anatomy. Issues such as nasal valve collapse, septal deviation, and turbinate hypertrophy are addressed with this procedure. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, the primary goal is not aesthetic but to alleviate breathing difficulties. Techniques used include septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and nasal valve reconstruction. Studies show that functional rhinoplasty is evaluated using measures like the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score and results in high patient satisfaction and improved quality of life.

What Is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty is an operation aimed at correcting structural problems in the nose to improve respiratory function. Instead of aesthetic concerns, it focuses on breathing difficulties caused by anatomical problems such as nasal valve collapse, septal deviations, or turbinate hypertrophy. Surgical techniques applied include septoplasty, nasal valve repair, and reshaping the external structure of the nose when necessary. In the 20th century, this procedure was further developed with the aim of balancing aesthetic and functional approaches. Additionally, in 2016, the FDA approved the use of implants like Latera for the treatment of nasal valve collapse.

How Is Functional Rhinoplasty Performed?

Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at resolving structural problems that cause nasal airway obstruction. This surgery is performed to improve respiratory functions while also considering aesthetic concerns. Various techniques are applied in functional rhinoplasty, and each is planned according to the patient’s needs.

  • Septoplasty
  • Nasal valve reconstruction
  • Turbinate reduction

During the surgery, the cartilage and bone tissues inside the nose are reshaped, valve collapses are prevented, and nasal turbinates are reduced. These structural adjustments widen the nasal airways while preserving the aesthetic appearance of the nose. Most patients achieve satisfactory results both aesthetically and functionally after this surgery. The postoperative recovery process is carefully monitored along with changes in the functionality and appearance of the nose. Objective measurements like the NOSE score are used to evaluate improvements in nasal obstruction and breathing.

When Is Functional Rhinoplasty Performed?

Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure preferred for correcting anatomical problems that cause nasal obstruction. It is suitable especially for patients experiencing breathing difficulties that negatively affect their daily lives. In this procedure, various structural abnormalities causing obstruction of the nasal airway are corrected, allowing the patient to breathe comfortably.

The main conditions requiring this procedure are:

  • Nasal valve collapse
  • Septal deviation
  • Nasal trauma
  • Turbinate hypertrophy
  • Congenital deformities
  • Chronic nasal obstruction resistant to medical treatment

Functional rhinoplasty differs from rhinoplasty procedures performed for aesthetic purposes because its primary goal is the functional improvement of the internal nasal airways rather than the shape of the nose. Most patients experience a significant improvement in respiratory functions after this surgery, which may include a combination of procedures like septoplasty, nasal valve reconstruction, or turbinate reduction. A detailed examination and evaluation are conducted before the surgery to prepare a surgical plan appropriate to the patient’s anatomical structure. This ensures that postoperative results are satisfactory in terms of both patient satisfaction and long-term functional success.

Who Is Not Suitable for Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty may not be a suitable surgical procedure for every patient. Surgeons should carefully evaluate whether patients have any contraindications to achieve successful results and prevent complications. These contraindications can be examined as anatomical, medical, and psychological factors.

Anatomical Contraindications

  • Severe nasal deformities
  • Active nasal infections
  • Chronic inflammatory conditions

Medical Contraindications

  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Blood clotting disorders

Psychological Contraindications

  • Body dysmorphic disorder
  • Unrealistic expectations
  • Unstable mental health

Functional rhinoplasty is primarily performed to improve respiratory function, but the risks may be too high for some patients. Especially patients with severe anatomical problems may require more extensive surgical procedures, while uncontrolled bleeding during surgery can be dangerous for individuals with blood clotting disorders. Additionally, it is a critical evaluation process for surgeons to not select patients who do not fully understand the limitations of the surgery or who have a high likelihood of dissatisfaction with the results after surgery.

How Is Functional Rhinoplasty Applied?

Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at improving airflow by correcting structural abnormalities in the nose. This operation is usually performed to correct issues like septal deviation, nasal valve collapse, or enlarged turbinates that lead to nasal obstruction. Since each patient’s condition is different, the surgeon creates a personalized surgical plan.

During the preoperative planning stage, the nasal structure is examined in detail, and the following issues may be identified:

  • Septal deviation
  • Nasal valve collapse
  • Enlarged turbinates

Surgical techniques used in functional rhinoplasty include:

  • Septoplasty
  • Turbinate reduction
  • Nasal valve repair
  • Fracture repair

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours. During the surgery, the surgeon may use open or closed techniques. In the open technique, an incision is made on the columella, the skin tissue between the nostrils, while in the closed technique, incisions are made inside the nose.

Although the main goal of this operation is to improve breathing, aesthetic corrections to the nose may also be necessary. This increases patient satisfaction both functionally and aesthetically. The postoperative recovery process may vary from person to person, but patients can generally return to normal activities within a few weeks.

What Are the Side Effects of Functional Rhinoplasty?

While functional rhinoplasty addresses respiratory problems, it can lead to some side effects and complications. Postoperative complications may vary depending on the patient’s anatomical structure and the scope of the surgery. There are some potential risks that need to be considered during and after the procedure.

  • Bleeding and hematoma
  • Septal perforation
  • Worsening nasal breathing
  • Changes in smell or taste
  • Skin discoloration
  • Need for revision surgery

The risk of bleeding after surgery is higher, especially in patients with bleeding disorders. When a septal perforation occurs, issues like dryness and crusting inside the nose can be experienced. Although rare, long-term changes in smell or taste senses may be observed. In addition to these side effects, patients may request revision surgery when the desired result is not achieved in nasal aesthetics or respiratory function after the procedure.

How Successful Is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty surgeries have high success rates in improving nasal airflow and eliminating nasal obstruction. The success of the surgery may vary depending on the surgical techniques and the patient’s nasal structure. In general, the vast majority of patients experience a significant improvement in respiratory functions after the operation. Studies show that the results of these surgeries generally achieve success between 80% and 90%.

  • Correction of nasal airflow
  • Elimination of nasal obstruction
  • Consistent results with septoplasty

However, since each patient’s anatomical structure and health condition are different, some complications may occur after surgery. The need for revision surgery is rare, but a second intervention may be necessary in some patients. Functional rhinoplasty results significantly improve the quality of life and contribute to the treatment of sleep disorders, especially in individuals with serious respiratory problems like sleep apnea.

How to Prepare Before Functional Rhinoplasty?

A careful preparation process before functional rhinoplasty is necessary to increase the success of the surgical intervention. A detailed evaluation of the nasal structure and airway is a critical step in planning the surgery. Patient history, a comprehensive examination of nasal functions, and imaging techniques if necessary are indispensable parts of this process. Additionally, the patient’s medical condition should be carefully reviewed to ensure the surgery is successful.

  • Detailed patient history
  • Physical examination
  • Imaging such as computed tomography (CT)
  • Nasal endoscopy
  • Rhinomanometry
  • Acoustic rhinometry

It is important to establish open communication between the surgeon and the patient before the surgery. The patient’s expectations from the surgery, risks, and potential outcomes should be emphasized. Additionally, controlling conditions like nasal inflammation and infection during the preoperative period ensures better surgical outcomes.

How Should Postoperative Care Be After Functional Rhinoplasty?

Postoperative care after functional rhinoplasty is of great importance for a healthy and complication-free healing process. There are many factors that patients need to pay attention to after surgery. Paying attention to the hygiene of the nasal area is one of the most important steps in healing. Regularly cleaning the nose using saline sprays prevents crusting and infection. No objects should be inserted into the nose, and blowing the nose should be avoided.

The splints and stitches used after surgery are placed to protect the structure and support healing. Splints are usually removed within 5-7 days, while stitches dissolve on their own.

Pain and swelling are common conditions after surgery. Prescribed painkillers and cold compresses help you get through this process more comfortably. Swelling usually starts to decrease within a few weeks.

It may be difficult to breathe through the nose after surgery, but this is a temporary condition. To support the healing process, it is important to avoid strenuous activities and sleep with the head elevated.

Although a significant part of healing is observed in the first six weeks, full recovery may take six months or longer. Regular doctor check-ups should not be neglected during this process.

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