Functional Rhinoplasty
Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA
When most people think of rhinoplasty surgery, they often think exclusively about cosmetic changes. Although rhinoplasty is indeed an operation that alters the shape of the nose, it may, at least in part, be performed due to functional reasons. A functional rhinoplasty is done to improve nasal breathing, where less conservative surgeries, such as a septoplasty with or without a turbinate resection, are deemed incomplete for various reasons. As a dual board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon with extensive training in head and neck surgery as well, Dr. Walker has the skills and experience to help you achieve the nasal changes you desire to improve your nasal breathing. Dr. Walker’s office is conveniently located 10 minutes from Buckhead, 12 minutes from Brookhaven, 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – the world’s busiest airport by passenger count.
What is a Functional Rhinoplasty?
Patients who cannot breathe well through the nose may have subsequent functional problems, such as poor sleep, snoring, and diminished exercise tolerance, among others, and may benefit from a functional rhinoplasty, especially if there is a structural issue that leads to a nasal blockage that cannot be corrected by other means. Some patients may have had previous nasal trauma leading to these problems, or were born with them and never had a chance to address them previously. When a patient undergoes a rhinoplasty with a history of breathing problems, it is considered a functional rhinoplasty. Functional rhinoplasty is therefore performed for the main reason to improve the nasal air flow, although the nasal shape will be altered as well. While the look of your nose may improve as a result of your functional rhinoplasty, cosmetic improvement is not the main goal of the surgery.
A functional rhinoplasty may also be able to improve the following:
- Headaches.
- Dry mouth.
- Sleep apnea.
- Nosebleeds.
- Exercise tolerance.
- A reduced sense of smell.
What Are the Benefits of a Functional Rhinoplasty?
The main benefit of functional rhinoplasty is the relief that comes with unblocked nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing and oftentimes a reduction or complete elimination of snoring. Many patients feel physically more comfortable, can exercise more easily, and participate in activities that would have otherwise been difficult for them due to breathing concerns. Additionally, it can be combined with a traditional or other form of rhinoplasty for aesthetic improvements, making it a truly customizable procedure.
Who Are the Best Candidates For a Functional Rhinoplasty?
Individuals in Atlanta who suffer from nasal breathing problems secondary to structural nasal problems may benefit from a functional rhinoplasty. These structural problems can be multifactorial, including a severely deviated nasal septum, nasal valve collapse, a narrow nose, or a crooked nose, just to name a few. All these problems can lead to uneven airflow through the nostrils, which can negatively impact your breathing and overall quality of life. Other reasons why an individual may benefit from a functional rhinoplasty include a nasal injury, genetic obstructive nasal deformities, or a collapse of the nostrils. The best way to determine candidacy is through a consultation appointment with our rhinoplasty expert, Dr. Walker.
What’s the First Step?
If you’re struggling with nasal breathing and suspect a structural issue is the cause, your first step is a consultation with our very own Dr. Walker at his Atlanta office. During this one-on-one visit, he will:
Conduct a thorough examination of your nasal anatomy
Review your medical history and symptoms
Possibly recommend imaging or an in-office endoscopic evaluation
Discuss the best surgical plan to address both functional and (if desired) cosmetic goals
Dr. Walker will also explain the surgical process, recovery expectations, and answer any questions you may have. If you’re a candidate for functional rhinoplasty, his goal is to develop a precise, personalized treatment plan that puts you on the path to better breathing and a better quality of life.
What to Expect on the Day of Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery
Functional Rhinoplasty is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in Atlanta. The techniques used during this procedure are dependent on the corrections that need to be made. Dr. Walker may need to change the size or shape of the nostrils, reset the nasal bones, or graft cartilage to change nasal structures internally. Most commonly, the open rhinoplasty approach is utilized to accomplish these goals. During an open rhinoplasty in Atlanta, a tiny external incision will be made at the bottom of your nose between the nostrils that will become essentially invisible. Dr. Walker will then reshape the nose structure as needed to improve your nasal airflow. He utilizes various cartilage grafting techniques to correct your nasal structural problems for the desired functional improvements.
Functional Rhinoplasty Recovery
Following your outpatient functional rhinoplasty procedure, you will be released to return home with a responsible friend or family member to recover. There is an initial 1- to 2-week period during which the bruising (if present) subsides and the nasal external and internal swelling improves, resulting in improved airflow. The nasal cast and sutures will be removed one week after your procedure, at which point in time you can let the water run over your nose again when washing your hair and return to work. Most patients experience some discomfort for the first couple of days, which most patients can control with Tylenol, although prescription pain medication is prescribed to you in case you do experience above-average discomfort. You are encouraged to rest during the first week and to adhere to Dr. Walker’s thorough post-operative instructions, including a low-sodium diet, avoidance of strenuous activities, no nose-blowing, no straining with bowel movements, and avoidance of coughing if possible. You can go back to school after the first week has passed. Continued changes will occur over the course of the next few weeks to months, with most of the swelling having resolved by the three-month mark. The nasal breathing should have reached its final result 4-6 weeks after the surgery. You will be able to enjoy the full final cosmetic results of your functional rhinoplasty after about one year with essentially invisible incisions.
How Much Does a Functional Rhinoplasty Cost in Atlanta, GA?
The cost of a Functional Rhinoplasty in Atlanta varies based on the complexity and extent of your case, whether cosmetic changes are included, and the type of insurance coverage involved. In many cases, insurance may cover part of the procedure if it’s deemed medically necessary to correct breathing issues.
Dr. Walker’s team will assist you in determining insurance eligibility and provide a detailed cost breakdown at the end of your consultation. If the procedure is partially or fully cosmetic, financing options are available to make the process more accessible.
Why Choose Dr. Walker?
Expertise in rhinoplasty requires training, experience, anatomical knowledge, patience, meticulousness, and excellent technical skills. Having trained under one of the most renowned nose experts in the world, Dr. Dean Toriumi, in Chicago, Dr. Walker is widely recognized as one of the finest rhinoplasty surgeons in the Southeastern United States and the entire nation. Many of Dr. Walker’s patients travel across state lines and internationally from overseas to seek Dr. Walker’s rhinoplasty expertise. He has exceptional qualifications and has based his career upon delivering consistently excellent results in primary and very complex tertiary rhinoplasty surgeries. He is known for individualizing his surgical plans for every patient and for his artistry in the operating room. He will spend as much time as needed to deliver the best possible result to every patient. From the initial consultation to the surgical procedure, Dr. Walker is devoted to giving as much time as is necessary to meet and hopefully exceed all of his patients’ expectations. He follows his patients long-term (months to years) to ensure they achieve the best possible long-term outcome. Although rarely necessary, an early in-office intervention such as steroid injections, needle shave, or other small interventions can prevent the need for revision surgery down the line.
Schedule Your
Consultation
If you’ve been struggling with nasal breathing issues, a functional rhinoplasty could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Reach out to our Atlanta office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Walker. During your appointment, he will carefully examine your nose and discuss your breathing concerns with you, working together to determine the best treatment plan to improve your comfort and quality of life.
WalkerMD Facial Plastic Surgery is conveniently located 10 minutes from Buckhead, 12 minutes from Brookhaven, 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – the world’s busiest airport by passenger count.
Functional Rhinoplasty FAQ’S
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your facial plastic surgery options with Dr. Walker, please schedule a consultation. For your comfort and safety, if you are unable to meet in out Atlanta office, we are currently offering secure telehealth appointments.