Functional septo-rhinoplasty 

Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct and/or reconstruct the nose primarily for functional complaints. This may be needed to straighten the nose, alter the tip, stabilize the nasal valves or correct any dips or depressions on the bridge of the nose.

In functional septo-rhinoplasty abnormalities inside the nose causing blockage are usually corrected (as for example correction of a deviated septum, reducing the size of the nasal turbinates).

These aims are achieved through a careful assessment of the individual before the operation. Each patient is evaluated systematically for nasal functional complaints, then examined by anterior rhinoscopy, by nasal endoscopy and then morphed using the 3D Vectra camera. Often work-up is completed by using nasal imaging with a CT scan and further functional studies, as needed.

As the nose matures, loss of volume around the nasal base and changes in the elasticity of the skin and connective tissues and this may lead to descent of the nose over time. As the nasal tip falls, a hump along the nasal profile may be evident that was not observed at a younger age. The descended nasal tip may worsen the aged appearance of the nose but also often restricts nasal airflow.

Nasal tip and valve surgery can serve to improve both nasal airflow and appearance. Often, in that situation simply lifting the nasal tip immediately improves nasal airflow.

Nasal devices like AIRMAX or breathe-right-strips often help improve breathing in symptomatic patients who do not want surgery and is may be a temporary measure.

What is a nasal obstruction?

There are three main causes of nasal obstruction:

1. A mechanical origin: a deviation of the nasal septum, a deviation of the nose, an insufficiency of the valves, a lack of space in the nose and / or large turbinates.
2. Edema of the nasal mucosa, which can be due to rhinosinusitis, allergies or local hypersensitivity, or following the use/abuse of nasal drops.
3. Altered sensitivity and/or endonasal turbulence. This is often seen following a septal perforation or excessive surgery (empty nose syndrome).

What is the difference between a septoplasty, a septo-rhinoplasty and a turbinoplasty?

A septoplasty corrects any deviation of the nasal septum and aims to straighten the septum as much as possible.

A septo-rhinoplasty is a septoplasty combined with a change in the shape of the nose and / or stabilization of the nasal walls to improve breathing.

Turbinoplasty aims to reduce the impact of the inferior nasal turbinate on nasal air flow. Often the size of the turbinates is reduced to increase respiratory comfort.