This blog discusses two types of rhinoplasty: functional and cosmetic; the benefits of each, what issues they treat, and how functional rhinoplasty improves breathing for overall better health.
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Functional vs. Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular facial procedures, as it provides some truly impactful results with very minor changes to the nose. Rhinoplasty can provide both functional and aesthetic improvements, including enhanced breathing. In fact, many rhinoplasty patients seek treatment both for cosmetic and functional purposes.
What Is Functional Rhinoplasty?
Patients seeking a functional rhinoplasty typically have issues with breathing due to narrow nasal passages or a crooked (deviated) septum. The septum is the line of cartilage between the nostrils and can be misaligned at birth or due to trauma. When this cartilage is misaligned, it can obstruct airflow and cause breathing problems, especially during sleep. Plastic surgeons commonly treat this issue during a procedure known as a septoplasty, during which they reposition the cartilage to a vertical position that allows for better airflow.
Another type of functional rhinoplasty is called turbinate reduction. Turbinates are structures in the nose that warm and humidify air as it passes through the nasal cavity. If they are swollen or too large due to allergies, sinus infections, or hormonal fluctuations, this can obstruct airflow and cause breathing issues. The procedure removes excess tissue to allow better airflow and ease while breathing.
What Is Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic rhinoplasty, on the other hand, strictly treats aesthetic issues with the nose, and there are many ways to customize the procedure to the patients’ specifications. Cosmetic rhinoplasty can improve the following:
- Bumps or humps on the nasal bridge
- A bulbous nasal tip
- Nostrils that are too large or small; too wide or narrow
- A downturned nasal tip
- A crooked or asymmetrical nose
- A nose that is too wide
- A flat nose
Can You Combine Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty?
Absolutely! It is very common for patients with functional breathing issues to seek rhinoplasty to address them, often incorporating cosmetic adjustments at the same time.
Why Is Breathing Through Your Nose Important?
It may seem like a silly question, but breathing through your nose is an important part of your respiratory health. We are all forced to breathe through the mouth during sickness, sinus infections, allergies, or whenever the nose is clogged with congestion. However, chronic mouth breathing, which many functional rhinoplasty patients endure, can lead to issues such as bad breath (halitosis), gum disease, and throat and ear problems.
Mouth Breathing and Sleep
Breathing through your mouth as you sleep is very common, but harder to detect if you sleep alone. Some symptoms of breathing through the mouth during sleep include:
- Snoring
- Dry mouth
- Bad breath
- Hoarseness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Brain fog
Mouth breathing causes the mouth to be dry, so saliva can’t clear out bacteria as effectively. This results in an increased risk of bad breath, hoarseness, and gum disease. It is also linked with disrupting sleep, as snoring and reduced oxygen intake can result in micro-awakenings that can disrupt the REM cycle.
Chronic nasal congestion is not just annoying – it can be damaging to overall health, prompting many people to seek functional rhinoplasty for long-term relief.
How Do I Know Rhinoplasty Will Fix My Breathing Problems?
It’s true, not all breathing issues can be solved by functional rhinoplasty, which is why it’s best to schedule a consultation with an experienced facial plastic surgeon who is well-versed in functional rhinoplasty.
Dr. Jason B. Diamond is a nationally recognized, double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose expertise and skill have garnered the attention of A-list celebrities who entrust him with their Oscar-winning aesthetics. Dr. Diamond is an expert at creating both subtle and stunning results, incorporating holistic, whole-face aesthetics that look incredibly natural.
During your rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Diamond will listen to your concerns and examine your nose to see if you are a candidate for functional rhinoplasty. If your symptoms align, he may recommend the procedure. Additionally, if you have cosmetic concerns as well, you will also be able to discuss your goals for improving the aesthetic of your nose.
If both you and Dr. Diamond agree that rhinoplasty can help your breathing and cosmetic issues, Dr. Diamond will create a customized surgical plan that details how he will approach the procedure before providing you with an accurate cost estimate.
Bear in mind, some breathing issues may not be fixed with functional rhinoplasty, in which case you may be recommended to a specialist. However, if your issues stem from a deviated septum, narrowed nasal passages, or enlarged turbinates, you may be a candidate for this procedure.
Want to Learn More About Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills, CA?
Choosing Dr. Diamond means you’re choosing an esteemed facial plastic surgery expert, entrusted with some of the most famous faces in Hollywood. A rhinoplasty, functional, cosmetic, or both, offers life-changing results. Call The Diamond Face Institute today at (310) 859-9816 or fill out the online form to request a consultation.