Functional rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to correct physical abnormalities that make it difficult to breathe, such as those due to congenital defects. It can correct the effects of nasal trauma as well.
The nose surgeon can reshape and reposition the nasal bones and cartilage to help the patient attain nasal contours that will enable them to breathe correctly as well as feel confident in their appearance.
Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide nose surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.
Correcting a Deviated Septum
A septum becomes deviated when it moves or develops to a single side of the nasal cavity, instead of dividing it into two identical airways. The septum can bend out in a bow shape creating a C-shape or bend to one side in an S-shape.
The site of deviation of the septum will determine whether the surgeon needs to reshape the cartilaginous lower portion or the bony upper portions of the septum near the top of the nose.
Sometimes the septum will move off the anterior nasal spine in a condition known as a caudal septal deviation. In cases of caudal septal deviation, the surgeon will need to address the shift of the septum and realign its base on the anterior nasal spine.
Enlarged Turbinates
Turbinate rhinoplasty can refine turbinates that have become inflamed due to allergies or other irritants. Sometimes one turbinate becomes constricted as the deviated septum pushes it to one side.
Consequently, the turbinate in the opposite nasal airway becomes larger to compensate for the constricted turbinate. This can lead to further breathing obstructions.
Some surgeons treat enlarged turbinates by excising tissue and decreasing their size. Other surgeons do not remove any tissue. Rather, they fracture the turbinates outwardly. Turbinates moisten and humidify air as it enters the nose. This is essential for proper breathing.
At times, turbinate removal can cause a painful condition known as atrophic rhinitis. This can lead to chronic infection and the excessive production of mucus.
But if the surgeon fractures the turbinate outward and away from the septum, and sets it in place, it can lead to the creation of larger airways. This can enhance breathing and sustain the advantages of functional turbinates.
Nasal Polyps
Similar to enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps are usually associated with irritation and allergies. These harmless growths develop with the nasal airways as soft, jelly-like bulbs.
The surgeon will reach with the nostrils, and these use a snare instrument to excise the polyp cautiously. Nasal polyps, unfortunately, have a tendency to grow back. Therefore, patients with polyps should also take anti-allergy medications.
Nasal Fractures
Various types of fractures need different types of osteotomy (the practice of rejoining and resetting bones). There are different types of nasal fractures, and these fractures can lead to a misshapen or crooked nose.
Fractures can occur in any location along the “bony pyramid” which refers to the pyramid-like structure that projects outwards from the nose.
Greenstick fractures develop along the sides of the nasal bones. They usually occur in children as their bones are still developing and much more flexible than adult bones. Consequently, greenstick fractures are usually incomplete rather than fully broken bones.
A more serious type of fracture is known as the saddle deformity. In these types of fractures, the surgeon uses donor rib bone tissue or cartilage to restore the septum and bridge. Cosmetic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for nose surgery.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
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