There’s more to the nose than you may know. Find out if a functional rhinoplasty can help breathe new life into your overall health.
While many men seek a rhinoplasty procedure for purely aesthetic purposes, such as addressing common cosmetic dissatisfaction with the shape and/or size of their nose, the nose is a fully functional organ that is built to perform very important functions, such as breathing! And, for some men, the functions of the nose may not be working up to par due to a variety of reasons. So, while it’s not always the case, a rhinoplasty may be performed for strictly non-medical purposes.
Also called a “functional rhinoplasty,” these medically necessary procedures can help repair nasal obstructions caused by damaged structures of the nose, such as the internal valve, external valve, turbinates, or the septum (deviated septum).
If left untreated, nasal obstruction can lead to:
- Sleep apnea
- Dry mouth
- Reduced sense of smell
- Nosebleeds
- Sinus pressure headaches
- Sinus infections
- Speech difficulty
Reasons for a Functional Rhinoplasty
While the most common reason for seeking a functional rhinoplasty involves repairing damage to the nose, such as a broken nose, there are a number of other reasons why a man may consider a functional rhinoplasty, including:
- Cleft Lip/Palate – A common birth defect that affects the structure of the nose and/or sinuses, resulting in prominent facial deformity, as well as severe functional abnormalities and difficulties.
- Damage Repair – The nasal area can become injured due to an accident or sports, resulting in a broken nose. Broken noses are one of the most common facial fractures and can create uncomfortable, chronic breathing issues, which may lead to chronic sinus infections overtime. A rhinoplasty procedure can not only repair and restore function to the broken nose but can correct/restore any deformity that resulted from the injury.
- Brain Tumor – Some brain tumors require removal through the nose, especially when the mass has grown to a size that can impede on the functionality of other organs. If this is the case, a functional rhinoplasty may need to be performed to restore optimal function to the nose.
- Nasal Septoplasty – The septum is made up of both bone and cartilage that divides the nose into two halves. When the septum is crooked (deviated), it can obstruct airways, causing incessant breathing issues and painful sinus infections. A septoplasty seeks to straighten the septum, and sometimes results in a more aesthetically appealing appearance to the nose.
- Turbinate Reduction – Turbinates are mucus and tissue laden bones found inside the walls of the nose that sometimes become enlarged and swelled due to allergies and other nasal abnormalities, resulting in obstructed breathing. A turbinate reduction surgery involves reducing the tissue surrounding the affected turbinates, which helps relieve nasal obstruction and induces heathier breathing.
- Internal & External Valve Restoration – The internal and external valves are two of the most important airways for the nose to function properly and optimally. Internal valves can naturally begin to narrow due to age or even damage, leading to collapse and subsequent breathing obstruction. The external nasal valve is the visual opening of the nostril, which can also narrow overtime, causing considerable and uncomfortable breathing difficulty. Nasal valves are usually reconstructed/repaired using grafts to provide structural support, widening the airway for effortless air flow. This surgery is usually highly customized to meet each patient’s medical needs, as it also corrects aesthetic deformities to the external valve.
A functional rhinoplasty can also correct sleep apnea/snoring, as well as breathing difficulties due to an underlying issue, such as facial burns.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Functional Rhinoplasty?
The best male candidates for a functional rhinoplasty should be experiencing one or more of the following:
- Are in good general health
- Have undergone nasal injury (broken nose)
- Have extremely narrow noses
- Experiencing collapsed airways
- Have congenital nasal defects
- Have experienced trauma due to recurrent infections
Conclusion
If you are experiencing nasal trauma due to an injury/accident, congenital defects, brain tumor, deviated septum, turbinate swelling, or collapse of either/both internal and external nasal valves, you may be an excellent candidate for a functional rhinoplasty. If you suffer from snoring problems or sleep apnea, chronic sinus infections/pressure, or nosebleeds, a functional rhinoplasty can help restore optimal and safe breathing, while eliminating unsightly and inopportune nosebleeds. It’s important to realize not every nose job has to do with achieving coveted aesthetics or addressing cosmetic concerns. The nose is a major, functioning organ that provides all other organs the oxygen it needs to perform at optimal levels. Undergoing a rhinoplasty to help restore the most rudimentary functions of the nose will not only help you breathe easier but can help optimize your overall health and wellbeing. We invite you to call Dr. Galanis’ Beverly Hills office today to speak with any of his highly knowledgeable surgery specialists and to set-up a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Galanis to see if a functional rhinoplasty can work for you.
