Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures worldwide, accounting for 218,924 cosmetic procedures in the U.S. in 2017. While this solution is often valued for its efficacy in improving facial symmetry and appearance, nose surgery also offers a critical, nearly irreplaceable option for many common medical conditions.
Rhinoplasty: Beyond Cosmetic Appeal
Often, patients forget the medically important functions of the nose. From facilitating breathing to feeding sensory information to the brain, a functional nose helps ensure patients live life to the fullest. When this functionality or structure is compromised, the individual’s quality of life also decreases.
Common medical conditions often addressed through functional rhinoplasty include:
1. Corrects a Deviated Septum
Whether the result of trauma or simply a feature from birth, a deviated septum is the result of the septum developing away from the cartilage or bone. This narrows the nostrils, causing them to become crooked or off-center. While slight misalignment may not be noticeable or simply visibly unappealing, higher degrees of misalignment can compromise an individual’s ability to breathe correctly.
Functional rhinoplasty, also known as septoplasty, corrects the deviation by straightening the crooked cartilage or bone that is causing the septum to deviate. Ultimately, this treatment improves breathing as well as facial symmetry.
2. Improves Sleep Apnea Treatment Efficacy
Characterized by snoring and frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, obstructive sleep apnea is common among middle aged men and women. Not only does the condition cause patients to lose out on a good night’s rest, sleep apnea can adversely affect their overall health. Common side effects of the condition include fatigue, mood change, increased risk of heart disease and death in more serious cases.
While the cause of sleep apnea is often attributed to the obstruction of air flow by soft tissue in the mouth, narrow nasal passages and chronic nasal congestion can be the source of blockage. For these individuals, functional rhinoplasty may be the next treatment option when CPAP and night guards prove ineffective. In certain instances of severe sleep apnea, rhinoplasty may be part of a larger treatment initiative to help the patient regain a restful night’s sleep.
3. Addresses Sinus Problems
Crowded nasal passages caused by a moderately to severely deviated septum can also increase an individual’s likelihood of developing frequent sinus infections and experiencing regular sinus pain. Dr. Hershcovitch specializes in both ENT and facial plastic surgery, allowing him to provide highly-tailored treatment strategies to patients suffering from these issues.
4. Assists Facial Reconstruction
As part of a larger facial reconstructive treatment strategy, functional rhinoplasty plays an important role in restoring a patient’s overall sensory functions and appearance. Trauma such as nasal fracture or nasal valve collapse can require comprehensive reconstruction and reinforcement to restore full breathing capacity. Functional rhinoplasty addresses the patient’s critical needs and creates a long-lasting solution.
5. Nasal Polyp Removal
In patients with severe allergies, benign nasal polyps can develop. While smaller polyps may be unnoticeable, larger growths may block the nasal passage and lead to difficulty breathing, deprecation of an individual’s sense of smell and inflammation. Less invasive endoscopic functional rhinoplasties can address this problem with minimal downtime and maximum results.
Explore the Advantages of Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasties are one of many ways Dr. Matt Hershcovitch helps patients regain control of their lives and enjoy a higher quality of life. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the advantages offered by this comprehensive treatment.