As the seasons begin to change, many of us will be suffering from severe allergies and congestion. But when are nasal issues severe enough to require surgery? To answer that question, you’d first have to consult an otolaryngologist, an ear, nose & throat specialist. If there is a structural problem with the nose that causes difficulty breathing and chronic congestion and cannot be corrected with medication, rhinoplasty should be considered as a treatment option.
Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. It can reshape, reduce or augment a person’s nose to achieve facial harmony and boost self-confidence. It may be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect or an injury such as a broken nose. Or a “functional rhinoplasty” can be used to restore adequate nasal breathing.
Here are some reasons why a patient might pursue a functional rhinoplasty:
- Obstructed nasal breathing (functional)
- Nasal injury (trauma) causing unsatisfactory breathing
- Nasal birth defect impairing function
- Acquired deformity due to trauma, tumor or infection
- Narrowing, collapse or stenosis of the nasal valves (nostrils)
A functional rhinoplasty is a procedure to improve the function of the external nose, and may entail a great range of techniques depending on the patient’s goals, the anatomic problems, and the surgeon’s preferences. Thus, it’s important to explore all of your options with your doctor. To learn more about this procedure, visit our Rhinoplasty page and call 732-282-0002 for a consultation with Dr. Nagy.
Additional information for this blog was provided by the American Rhinologic Society.