When Rhinoplasty is Done for Function: Treating Deviated Septum & Breathing Problems

When you hear the word “rhinoplasty,” what comes to mind? For most people, it’s the cosmetic procedure popularly known as a “nose job”—a surgery focused on enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the nose. While this is certainly a common reason for the procedure, there’s a whole other side to rhinoplasty that has nothing to do with looks and everything to do with quality of life: functional rhinoplasty.

Millions of people struggle with chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and related sleep issues. Often, the underlying cause is a structural problem within the nose, most commonly a deviated septum. For these individuals, nasal surgery isn’t about vanity; it’s about the fundamental ability to breathe freely.

This article will explore the world of functional rhinoplasty, explaining how it differs from cosmetic surgery, what a deviated septum is, and how procedures like septoplasty and septorhinoplasty can provide lasting relief from persistent breathing problems.

What is Functional Rhinoplasty?

While cosmetic rhinoplasty aims to alter the size or shape of the nose for a more balanced facial appearance, functional rhinoplasty has a different primary goal: to improve or restore nasal function. The focus of this type of nasal surgery is to correct structural abnormalities inside the nose that are causing a nasal obstruction.

Think of it as a reconstructive rhinoplasty for your breathing. The surgeon isn’t just concerned with how the nose looks on the outside; they are meticulously working to ensure the internal airways are clear and efficient. This procedure can address a variety of issues, including:

• Congenital defects
• Damage from a previous injury or trauma
• Collapse of the nasal valves (the narrowest part of the nasal airway)
• A severely deviated septum

In many cases, a patient may want to address both function and aesthetics. This is where a procedure called a septorhinoplasty comes in, skillfully combining the goals of both a functional and cosmetic procedure into a single surgery. A skilled plastic surgeon or ENT surgeon can improve your breathing while also making cosmetic refinements if desired.

The Deviated Septum: A Common Cause of Breathing Problems

To understand why rhinoplasty for breathing is so effective, we first need to look at the most common culprit behind chronic nasal obstruction: the deviated septum.

What is the Nasal Septum?

The nasal septum is the internal wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nasal cavity into two separate passages—your left and right nostrils. Ideally, the septum should be straight, sitting perfectly in the center of your nose. This allows air to flow equally and smoothly through both sides.

How Does a Deviated Septum Cause Issues?

A deviated septum occurs when this wall is significantly off-center or crooked, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This imbalance can be something a person is born with or the result of an injury to the nose.

When one passage is narrowed, it can lead to a host of frustrating and disruptive symptoms. The blockage disrupts normal airflow, forcing you to rely more on the other nostril or, in severe cases, to breathe through your mouth.

Common symptoms associated with a deviated septum include:

• Difficulty Breathing: This is the most prominent symptom, often worse on one side. It can be particularly noticeable during exercise or when lying down to sleep.
• Nasal Obstruction: A persistent feeling of being “stuffed up,” which may not respond well to decongestants.
• Frequent Nosebleeds: The altered airflow can dry out the surface of the septum, making it more prone to bleeding.
• Chronic Sinus Infections: Poor drainage from the sinuses due to the blockage can create an environment where infections can thrive.
• Facial Pain and Headaches: The pressure from a severely deviated septum can sometimes cause facial pain or headaches.
• Noisy Breathing and Snoring: The turbulent airflow through the narrowed passage can cause loud breathing during sleep, contributing to snoring and, in some cases, obstructive sleep apnea.

If these symptoms sound familiar, a functional nasal procedure could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Correcting the Problem: An Overview of Septoplasty and Septorhinoplasty

When non-surgical treatments like nasal sprays and decongestants fail to provide relief, a surgical solution is often the next step. The two primary procedures for correcting a deviated septum are septoplasty and septorhinoplasty.

What is a Septoplasty?

A septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed specifically to straighten the nasal septum. The primary and sole goal of a septoplasty is to improve breathing by clearing the nasal obstruction.

During this procedure, which is often performed by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon, an incision is made inside the nose. The surgeon then lifts the mucous membrane covering the septum to access the underlying bone and cartilage. They will then reshape, reposition, or remove parts of the bone and cartilage to straighten the septum.

Because all the work is done internally, a septoplasty does not change the external appearance of the nose. It is purely a functional procedure.

When is Functional Rhinoplasty or Septorhinoplasty the Better Option?

While a septoplasty is effective for simple, internal deviations, some cases are more complex. A septorhinoplasty is often the recommended procedure when:

• The Deviation is Severe: If the deviation is so significant that it affects the external shape of the nose (making it appear crooked), correcting the septum will require reshaping the outside of the nose as well.
• Nasal Valve Collapse is Present: Sometimes, breathing problems are caused by weak cartilage in the side walls of the nose, which collapse inward during inhalation. A functional rhinoplasty can strengthen these areas with cartilage grafts.
• Aesthetic Changes are Also Desired: Many patients who need functional surgery also have cosmetic concerns they’d like to address. A septorhinoplasty allows the surgeon to straighten the septum and refine the nasal tip, remove a dorsal hump, or alter the bridge all in one operation.

This combined procedure requires a surgeon with deep expertise in both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the nose. Patients often seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in reconstructive rhinoplasty or an ENT surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery.

Your Path to Better Breathing: The Nasal Surgery Process

Deciding to undergo nasal surgery is a significant step. Understanding the process can help you feel more confident and prepared.

The Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon. During this appointment, you will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and goals for the surgery. The surgeon will perform a physical examination of your nose, using a small camera (endoscope) to get a clear view of your internal nasal structures and septum. In some cases, a CT scan may be ordered to get a more detailed picture.

This is your opportunity to ask questions and ensure you feel comfortable with your surgeon’s expertise and proposed plan.

The Procedure and Recovery

Both septoplasty and septorhinoplasty are typically performed under general anesthesia as outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day. The surgeon will perform the necessary corrections to your septum and any other nasal structures.

Recovery involves a period of rest and healing. You can expect some swelling, bruising (more common with septorhinoplasty), and stuffiness for the first week or two. Your surgeon may place splints inside or outside your nose to support the new structure as it heals. Most patients can return to work or school within one to two weeks, though strenuous activities should be avoided for at least a month.

While you’ll likely notice an improvement in your breathing problems as the initial swelling subsides, it can take up to a year for the final results to fully settle.

Take the First Step Toward Breathing Freely

Living with chronic nasal obstruction can significantly impact your sleep, energy levels, and overall well-being. You don’t have to accept it as a normal part of your life. A functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty is more than just a medical procedure—it’s a pathway to restoring a fundamental function and dramatically improving your quality of life.

Tired of struggling to breathe freely? If you suspect a deviated septum is affecting your health, it’s time to seek expert advice. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a future of clearer, easier breathing.