Many people assume that a nose job is only carried out for aesthetic reasons. However, there is also functional rhinoplasty surgery, which changes the structure of the nose in order to restore proper functionality to the nose. If you’re finding it difficult to breathe properly through your nostrils, you may need functional rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is carried out to open up the nasal airways in order to facilitate breathing. If you’ve been on the receiving end of nasal injuries that have resulted in breathing issues, functional rhinoplasty can help. It also treats issues stemming from a deviated nasal septum or sinus conditions.

Good Candidates for Functional Rhinoplasty

Ideal candidates for this procedure are experiencing blockages of the nasal passages that result in obstructed breathing.

If you are interested in coming in for functional rhinoplasty, you must have a fully developed nose. Girls attain this around age 14, while it takes a little longer for boys, who have fully developed noses around age 16.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Rhinoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, typically under general anesthesia. In some cases, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are used instead. The entire procedure usually takes between an hour and a half and two hours to be completed.

You may have an open rhinoplasty or a closed one. Open rhinoplasty involves an incision on the columella, the section of external skin between the nostrils. With this method, the skin of the nose is lifted for greater access. Closed rhinoplasty involves incisions within the nostrils and is not as invasive.

Once the incisions are made, the cartilage, bone, and soft tissue of the nose are reshaped and altered as needed in order to restore proper breathing functionality. In some cases, this can involve the placement of tissue grafts to support collapsed nostrils. Tissue grafts are usually made from the patient’s own cartilage (harvested from the rib, ear, or nasal septum).

At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures. Your nose may be placed in a splint, and this split will support your healing nasal tissues and keep your nose protected from accidental contact.

Recovery

If you are instructed to go home with packing inside your nostrils, keep calm, as it is only temporary. Dr. Chegar will remove this packing within a week from the surgery.

You may experience a minimal amount of pain during the initial days of recovery, but Dr. Chegar will prescribe you pain medication to help you deal with this discomfort.

There may be some degree of bruising and swelling in the first couple of weeks after the surgery, but it should subside within two weeks’ time. You will be able to resume all your regular activities after around three weeks. Just be careful to avoid any strenuous activities until allowed specifically by Dr. Chegar.

Contact Us to Find Out More

Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that requires a high level of expertise. If you’re considering having the procedure performed, it’s best to contact the office of Dr. Burke Chegar for a consultation.

Dr. Chegar is double-board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology. He will be happy to help restore your breathing functionality with rhinoplasty surgery.