Cosmetic procedures come to mind first when it comes to Rhinoplasty. However, it would not be right to say that all nose surgeries are performed with aesthetic concerns. Functional Rhinoplasty is a good example of this. So, what is Functional Rhinoplasty? What are the differences from the normal procedure? Who is it suitable for? You can find all the answers in our article.
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What is Functional Rhinoplasty?
The nose not only provides breathing but it also greatly affects the general appearance. Therefore, it is very important that it is in harmony with the rest of the face. For this reason, the majority of Rhinoplasty operations consist of cosmetic procedures performed with aesthetic concerns. However, there are also other procedures which are for nasal functions directly. These procedures are called functional Rhinoplasty and directly affect people’s quality of life.
Everyone accepts that there is a difference between functional and cosmetic Rhinoplasty. However, it is very difficult to say that the difference is clear. For example; the shape and size of the nose are corrected during a nose surgery (rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty) and the nasal septum problems are also eliminated. Thus, changes are made that allow patients to breathe more comfortably. Therefore, it can be stated that there is no clear difference between these 2 types of nasal surgeries.
Functional Rhinoplasty are surgeries performed directly to solve the problems in the nose without taking into account aesthetic concerns and without making any changes outside the nose. Fractures and cartilages that cause difficulty in breathing are removed in these surgeries. However, the aim is definitely not to shape the nose, but to solve breathing problems permanently. Thus, septoplasty performed on people with septum deviation is considered as functional rhinoplasty.
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Benefits of Functional Nose Aesthetics
Functional rhinoplasty is performed to increase the quality of breathing. Factors such as cartilage and bone curvatures, polyps, nasal tumors in the nasal septum directly reduce this quality. If these problems are not solved, it will be inevitable to experience different problems over time. The basis of these surgeries is the elimination of such problems.
The benefits of this type of surgery can be listed as follows:
- Increase in the quality of breathing
- Increase in sleep quality
- Significant relief of dry mouth and infections
- Decrease in snoring
Although the priority of these types of surgeries is not aesthetic concerns, it may be possible to reshape the nose while eliminating functional problems.
Accordingly, the nose is made more compatible with the face by increasing the respiratory quality, which ensures that the person is psychologically affected positively.
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Who Is Eligible For This Surgery?
In functional rhinoplasty surgery, the obstacles in the nasal septum that make breathing difficult are removed. In addition, the nose may need to be reshaped while some different problems related to the nose are also solved. Therefore, candidates must comply with these main requirements. Other candidates suitable for this procedure are:
- People whose nostrils are collapsing, narrowing or overgrowing
- People with nasal problems from birth
- Persons who have damage in the bones and cartilages in the nasal septum and also want to change their nose shape.
People who meet these conditions are considered as suitable candidates for functional rhinoplasty.
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Are There Any Risks of Functional Rhinoplasty?
Studies conducted to determine the risks and side effects after the surgery show that there is no serious problem after functional rhinoplasty. However, it should not be forgotten that the procedure performed is a surgical operation and carries risks in every surgical operation. These risks are generally as follows:
- Complications resulted from anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Nasal septum perforation
- Damage to odor cells and partial loss of sense of smell
- Chronic dry nose
- Redness
- Shape change in the nose
- The emergence of the need for additional rhinoplasty
- Increased nasal congestion
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Recovery Period
Patients are kept under observation for a few hours after functional rhinoplasty surgery. First of all, the anesthetic effect is expected to pass. If it is understood that everything is fine in the next process, patients can return to their homes. However, in the first 3-5 hours, it is very important that patients are not fed orally due to the anesthetic effect.
Patients may have some pain in the first days after surgery but these pains and similar effects will pass by themselves over time. Patients usually recover within 7-10 days. However, patients should not lift weights, keep away from impacts, and follow their doctor’s instructions. At the end of the first 3 weeks after the operation, you can return to daily life by following the precautions.
Things To Do After Functional Rhinoplasty
In functional rhinoplasty surgery, fewer surgical procedures are performed compared to cosmetic procedures and the recovery period is shorter and trouble-free. In addition, it should be kept in mind that the experience and expertise of the surgeon and healthcare team performing the procedure also affect the recovery period.
Patients who are allowed to return home after observation in the hospital are recommended to spend the first time resting. It should be ensured that the blood pressure is not increased İn order to shorten the healing process. Thus, avoiding brisk exercises is one of the primary rules to be followed.
Apart from the issues mentioned above, patients should not be exposed to direct sunlight, they shouldn’t dive and do similar activities for 2 months after surgery.
Age Restriction
The age limit in functional rhinoplasty surgery is directly related to the developmental period. But at this point, the first thing to look at is how urgent the surgery is. If it will have serious effects for the patient, the decision for surgery can be made regardless of the age limit. Some of these situations are:
- Serious problems in breathing
- More loss of nose function over time due to congenital problems.
- Psychological problems or decreased quality of life due to the person’s appearance
- Preservation of bone and cartilage structure during surgery
In cases like those mentioned here, the age limit is not taken into consideration and the patients are urgently operated. On the other hand, if the problem in the nose does not pose a life-threatening risk to the patient, the development period is usually expected to be completed. Since development continues until the age of 18 for men and 17 for women, this is the age limit for surgery.
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Cost of Functional Rhinoplasty
It is not possible to give a clear figure for the cost of this surgery for everyone. Because the content of the surgery will differ according to the patient’s condition. This means costs change. However, the cost of this procedure is generally around 7.000€ in EU countries. This figure is just the amount paid for the surgery. Apart from this, additional fees may be required for anesthesia and other medical procedures.
The cost of functional rhinoplasty surgery in Turkey is between 2.000€ – 2.500€. This figure includes all medical procedures. Accommodation and airport/hotel/clinic transfers are also included in this treatment package. You can solve functional problems in your nose at affordable costs with successful surgeries performed by expert and experienced surgeons in the field.
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