Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping or modifying the structures of the nose. For some patients considering nasal surgery, the reasons are not purely cosmetic. Structural issues inside the nose can make breathing difficult, and in some cases, nasal surgery may be considered as part of addressing them. Whether the procedure is appropriate for your situation depends on what is causing your breathing difficulties and whether surgery is suitable for you specifically.
What Is the Difference Between Cosmetic and Functional Nasal Surgery?
Cosmetic nasal surgery focuses on changes to the external appearance of the nose, such as its size, shape, or profile. Functional nasal surgery addresses structural issues inside the nose that affect how it works, including how well air passes through the nasal passages.
Some patients have concerns about both the appearance and the function of their nose. In these cases, both cosmetic and functional goals may be discussed during the same consultation, and a surgical plan that addresses both may be considered after a physical assessment.
What Structural Issues Can Affect Breathing?
Several nasal structural problems can contribute to breathing difficulties. A deviated nasal septum is one of the most common. The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils, and when it leans significantly to one side, it can narrow one or both nasal passages and restrict airflow.
Enlarged turbinates can also affect breathing. The turbinates are small bony structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify air as it passes through. When they become enlarged, they can reduce the space available for airflow. Other structural issues, such as nasal valve collapse, where the walls of the nose are too weak or narrow to stay open during breathing, can also contribute to obstruction. A physical assessment is needed to identify the specific cause in each patient.
Can the Surgery Address a Deviated Septum?
A procedure that specifically addresses the septum is called a septoplasty. This involves repositioning or trimming the deviated portion of the septum to open up the nasal passage. When septoplasty is performed at the same time as rhinoplasty, the combined procedure is often referred to as a septorhinoplasty.
Not every patient with a deviated septum will need or be suitable for surgical correction. The degree of deviation, the symptoms it is causing, and the patient’s overall health are all factors assessed during a consultation. Surgery is not the only option for managing nasal breathing difficulties, and a thorough assessment will include a discussion of non-surgical options where relevant.
Will My Breathing Be Affected During Recovery?
Any nasal procedure involves a recovery period during which swelling inside and outside the nose is expected. In the weeks following the procedure, nasal congestion and some temporary difficulty breathing through the nose are common. This is part of the normal healing process and does not reflect the long-term outcome.
As swelling reduces over the following months, the nasal passages settle into their post-surgical position. How long this takes varies between patients, and the final result may not be fully noticeable for up to twelve months or more. This timeline will be explained at your consultation, along with the specific risks relevant to your procedure.
What Are the Risks?
As with any surgical procedure, nasal surgery carries risks. These include risks related to anaesthesia, infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in sensation. There is also a possibility of asymmetry, or of a result that does not fully meet expectations. In some cases, a revision procedure may be considered at a later stage.
For functional nasal surgery specifically, there is a possibility that breathing may not change as expected or that symptoms may return over time. The risks relevant to your individual situation will be discussed in detail during your consultation before any decisions are made.
What Happens at a Consultation?
A consultation begins with a discussion about your concerns and what you are hoping to address. If breathing difficulties are part of your reason for considering the procedure, a thorough assessment of the internal nasal structures will be carried out, in addition to an external assessment of the nose.
The consultation is not a commitment to proceed. It is an opportunity to receive accurate information about what may be contributing to your symptoms, what surgical and non-surgical options may be appropriate, and what recovery and the realistic range of outcomes involve. You will have time to ask questions and consider the information before making any decisions.
Why Choose Vie at Fraser-Kirk for Rhinoplasty in the Sunshine Coast QLD
Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk is a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon, a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), and a member of ASPS and ASAPS. He completed advanced surgical fellowships in the United Kingdom and also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy from the University of Otago. His training includes both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty and reflects a strong focus on nasal anatomy and surgical planning.
At Vie at Fraser-Kirk in Sunshine Coast QLD, consultations are conducted by Dr Fraser-Kirk. Each appointment gives patients time to discuss their concerns, ask questions, and consider the information provided before making any decisions.