Procedure Time 1 - 3 Hours
Recovery Time 4 - 6 Weeks
Functional rhinoplasty offers a life-changing and transformative solution for those suffering from breathing difficulties, chronic nasal congestion, or other problems breathing through the nose. Functional rhinoplasty is a nasal surgery for breathing that can dramatically improve your quality of life.
Functional rhinoplasty differs from cosmetic rhinoplasty– the main focus is improving air movement through your nose, leading to health benefits like improved breathing and sleep, versus an enhanced appearance and cosmetic benefits. Dr. James Shire has helped many patients regain their health through functional rhinoplasty. Dr. Shire provides the best functional rhinoplasty in Chattanooga– he combines a patient-centered approach with surgical skill and unmatched experience to create life-changing results for his patients.
What is Functional Rhinoplasty?
Definition & Purpose
Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves your ability to breathe through your nose. During your procedure, your surgeon will carefully correct physical obstructions, structural issues, and other irregularities that impair your breathing. Functional rhinoplasty is also called nasal obstruction surgery, deviated septum surgery, or breathing improvement surgery.
Remember, functional rhinoplasty is a medical procedure that provides health benefits. It differs from cosmetic rhinoplasty, which aims to improve the nose's shape or symmetry. These two options may be combined in a dual-approach procedure.
Common Reasons for Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty effectively treats many common conditions that lead to decreased nasal airflow and breathing problems. Here are some of the most common:
- Deviated septum- A misalignment of the tissue separating your right and left nostrils that leads to blocked or reduced air movement.
- Enlarged turbinates- Nasal turbinates allow your nose to warm and filter air. If they are too large or swollen, obstruction and breathing problems may result.
- Nasal valve collapse- A collapsed or narrowed nasal valve will lead to reduced or blocked nasal air movement.
- Trauma-related nasal obstruction- Facial injuries and accidents can damage the structure of the nose.
- Chronic nasal congestion or breathing difficulties- Many people have persistent obstruction without an apparent structural cause. Allergies or other inflammatory conditions may lead to long-term breathing problems.
Benefits of Functional Rhinoplasty
Your Chatanooga functional rhinoplasty surgery offers life-changing improvements in breathing, long-term physical health benefits, and improved quality of life.
Physical Health Benefits
The most noticeable and immediate benefit is improved breathing. Once the underlying cause of your nasal obstruction is surgically corrected, you will be able to freely and easily breathe through your nose, along with other noticeable health benefits:
- Reduced snoring- Nasal obstruction surgery can reduce or eliminate snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, leading to deeper and more restful sleep for you and your partner.
- Better sleep- Snoring is not only unpleasant– it leads to disrupted sleep and breathing problems, which can worsen your physical and mental health over time.
- Relief from sinus issues and chronic congestion- Functional rhinoplasty effectively relieves persistent congestion, post-nasal drip, and recurrent sinus infections.
Quality of Life Improvements
Functional rhinoplasty and improved nasal breathing have a far-reaching impact on your overall well-being. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Improved physical ability- Better breathing makes exercise and daily activities more enjoyable. You will note improved stamina, strength, and overall happiness.
- More energy- The combined benefits of improved sleep and easier breathing create a powerful energy boost in patients undergoing functional rhinoplasty.
Increased sense of smell- Sometimes, nasal obstruction may alter your ability to smell. Functional rhinoplasty may improve and restore your sense of smell.
Signs You May Need Functional Rhinoplasty
Who is a Good Candidate?
Not everyone with chronic nasal congestion or breathing problems is a candidate for functional rhinoplasty. These signs indicate that the functional rhinoplasty procedure may be beneficial:
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Frequent snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Nasal structural abnormalities
- Past facial or nasal trauma
Consultation with Dr. Shire can help determine if a functional rhinoplasty is right for you.
Why Choose Dr. James Shire?
Dr. James Shire is proud to provide functional rhinoplasty in Chattanooga and offers a comprehensive and patient-centered approach. He is dedicated to providing personalized care, optimal results, and successful patient outcomes.
Experience and Credentials
In addition to patient satisfaction, Dr. Shire is a highly experienced facial surgeon with advanced training and specialization in nasal surgery for breathing and cosmetic reasons. His extensive training and expertise in functional rhinoplasty ensure you receive the highest standard of healthcare and the most optimal results.
If you are interested in pursuing functional rhinoplasty or breathing improvement surgery in Chatanooga, TN– Dr. Shire is the unmistakable top choice.
Call 423-870-FACE (3223) to book your personalized Chatanooga functional rhinoplasty consultation today.
Functional Rhinoplasty vs. Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Primary Differences
The main difference between functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty is the goal or intent of the procedure. Functional rhinoplasty is a medical procedure that improves nasal airflow, provides health benefits, and may be covered by insurance.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that improves nasal appearance, provides aesthetic benefits, and is not covered by medical insurance.
Can You Combine Functional and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?
In some cases, these two procedures may be combined to address both breathing and cosmetic concerns. A dual-procedure approach can be discussed with Dr. Shire if you seek both medical and cosmetic benefits.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-Surgery Consultation
Your first step towards functional rhinoplasty, breathing improvement, or deviated septum surgery in Chattanooga is an individualized consultation with Dr. Shire. Your history, breathing, and nasal anatomy will be carefully assessed to ensure this procedure is right for you.
The Surgery Process
During functional rhinoplasty, Dr. Shire will use various advanced surgical methods to carefully reshape the nasal passages and minimize or remove the cause of obstruction, leading to improved air movement.
- Septoplasty- The surgical correction and realignment of the nasal septum.
- Turbinate reduction- The removal or minimization of nasal turbinates.
- Nasal valve repair- A surgical reconstruction that corrects and provides support to the nasal valve.
Functional rhinoplasty with Dr. Shire is an outpatient procedure in Shire Facial and Plastic Surgery’s state-of-the-art surgery center. Anesthesia options vary depending on the type and complexity of your procedure and will be discussed at your consultation.
Duration & Complexity
The functional rhinoplasty procedure takes between one to three hours to complete and varies depending on your specific needs. Patients generally return to work and light activity within seven to ten days, and complete results are visible within a few months.
Recovery After Functional Rhinoplasty
What to Expect During Recovery
Following functional rhinoplasty, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and congestion. This is expected as your nose heals and will subside over time. You will likely notice an improvement in the hours or days following your procedure.
Post-Surgical Care Instructions
Before your functional rhinoplasty, you will be provided with detailed instructions for aftercare. Here’s how to reduce swelling and promote healing:
- Follow all instructions, and call Dr. Shire’s office with questions.
- Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Take any prescribed medications as directed.
- Use ice as directed.
When Can You Resume Normal Activities?
To promote quick healing and the best results, avoid strenuous activity until cleared by your surgeon. Most patients can return to work and light activity within one to two weeks, but it is essential to avoid heavy activity until your nose heals.
Written Reviews
Video Reviews
Next Video