Correct Nasal Breathing Problems With Functional Rhinoplasty in Houston

Not being able to breathe smoothly through your nose can massively affect your day-to-day comfort. Unfortunately, there are quite a few issues with the nose that can cause chronic breathing problems, including deviated septum, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and deformities. If your airflow issues are structural or have been resistant to non-surgical treatments, you may be able to benefit from functional rhinoplasty in Houston performed by Dr. Angela Sturm.

What Is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty is a name for any type of nasal surgery that’s performed to correct breathing issues with the nose. Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, which is performed primarily to enhance the aesthetics of the nose, functional rhinoplasty is used to remove obstructions to the nasal airflow. That said, the adjustments made to improve airflow can sometimes result in improvements to the appearance of the nose. Specifically, functional rhinoplasty is performed to eliminate nasal irregularities that are causing breathing problems. Some of the most common issues addressed with the procedure include deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, and asymmetrical nasal structure. Dr. Sturm specializes in nasal surgeries, and she has developed a keen understanding of the complexities of the nose. With her skill and experience, she’ll be able to accurately diagnose the cause of your breathing issues by thoroughly examining the structure of your nose.

She’ll then determine the simplest way to correct your breathing, and if it’s possible, she’ll make these adjustments in a way that will also enhance the aesthetics of your nose. Ultimately, the specifics of the procedure will depend on the nature of your breathing issues, as each nasal problem requires a unique solution. In most cases, functional rhinoplasty will involve one or more small incisions inside the nostrils and, in some cases, an additional incision on the columella between the nostrils. In the case of a nasal valve collapse, Dr. Sturm may use a cartilage graft to repair the nasal valve. If there is a growth obstructing the nasal airway, she will carefully remove the growth without damaging any of the surrounding nasal tissue. This also applies to nasal polyps, which are typically very simple to remove. In rare cases, Dr. Sturm may need to reconstruct or adjust parts of the underlying nasal structure to open up the airways.

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Benefits of Functional Rhinoplasty

Functional rhinoplasty can be an extremely effective procedure, offering some or all of the following benefits:

  • Improved nasal airflow
  • More comfortable nasal breathing
  • Correction of nasal issues such as deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps, and weakened nasal valve
  • Removal of nasal deformities
  • Better sleep
  • Reduced snoring, nasal congestion, and headaches
  • A straighter and more proportionate nose
  • Improved nasal appearance
  • Long-lasting results

Who Is a Good Candidate for Functional Rhinoplasty in Houston?

If you’re experiencing chronic breathing problems due to a problem with your nose, you might be a good candidate for functional rhinoplasty. The surgery is primarily a good fit for individuals with significant and/or persistent nasal issues that need to be corrected surgically. To be an ideal candidate for the procedure, it’s also important that you’re generally healthy and have a fully developed nose. Additionally, candidates should be non-smokers who aren’t currently pregnant or breastfeeding. During your private consultation with Dr. Sturm, she’ll ask you about your current health, medical history, any medications you’re taking, and the specifics of your breathing problems. After learning this information and closely examining your nose, she’ll be able to help you decide if you’re a good candidate for functional rhinoplasty.

What Is the Recovery Like After Functional Rhinoplasty?

The specifics of your recovery after functional rhinoplasty will depend on the extent of your procedure. On average, though, you can expect to need between one and two weeks of rest before returning to your normal routine. In most cases, you’ll feel good enough to return to work after about a week, but you may not look like yourself for closer to two weeks. You’ll experience some swelling and discomfort after the surgery, but those symptoms should start to gradually subside fairly quickly. To ensure proper healing and quality results, you should sleep with your head elevated and periodically apply a cold pack to the treatment area. You should also wait at least four to six weeks before you participate in strenuous physical activity. During your recovery, it’s imperative that you follow all of Dr. Sturm’s instructions and let her know if you encounter any complications.

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Why Choose Dr. Angela Sturm for Your Functional Rhinoplasty in Houston?

Functional rhinoplasty can be a very complex procedure that requires precision and expertise. For these reasons, choosing a quality surgeon will greatly improve your chances of achieving excellent results. Dr. Angela Sturm is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty procedures. During her career, she has been the most awarded female surgeon in Houston.

She has also been responsible for important clinical research relating to various rhinoplasty methods. Dr. Sturm will know exactly how to address your nasal issue and ensure that your breathing is permanently improved. If you’d like to learn more or schedule your consultation with Dr. Sturm, call our office or fill out a contact form today.

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FAQ Functional Rhinoplasty

Can functional rhinoplasty be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty?

What type of anesthesia is used for functional rhinoplasty?

How long does functional rhinoplasty take?

Can functional rhinoplasty fix a broken nose?

Can functional rhinoplasty be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty?

Yes. Depending on the specifics of your situation, Dr. Sturm may be able to perform both functional rhinoplasty and cosmetic rhinoplasty simultaneously. This will depend on the specifics of your breathing issue as well as the specific aesthetic enhancements you’re seeking. During your consultation, Dr. Sturm will thoroughly go over your various treatment options with you.

What type of anesthesia is used for functional rhinoplasty?

In most cases, functional rhinoplasty will be performed using general anesthesia.

How long does functional rhinoplasty take?

Usually, functional rhinoplasty can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete, but the length depends entirely on the specifics of the procedure.

Can functional rhinoplasty fix a broken nose?

Yes, correcting the damage from a broken nose is a common reason to undergo functional rhinoplasty.

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