What Are Important Medical Reasons For Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is one of the top 5 procedures performed worldwide. While many aim to make the patient feel comfortable and confident, a nose job is also often required to improve sinus functions.

While cosmetic reasons cover straightening a crooked bridge, nasal reshaping and other abnormalities, medical reasons for rhinoplasty address functional issues. These include nasal obstruction, deviated septum, trauma, sinus problems, and congenital defects.

Therefore, many know it as a functional rhinoplasty. It goes beyond aesthetics to restore proper nasal function, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall health.

Hence, it is important to understand rhinoplasty medical importance. In this article, we will explore the important medical reasons for rhinoplasty in detail.

What Is Medical Or Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty is a nose job done for medical reasons. It helps improve breathing, repair nasal injuries from trauma, or treat chronic sinus problems, unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which focuses on appearance.

Note:- Always consult a doctor to determine if rhinoplasty necessary for your condition.

What Are The Medical Reasons For Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can help remove numerous medical defects related to the nasal area, thus improving the overall health of the patient. Here are some medical reasons for nose surgery:

Birth Defects

Birth defects (e.g., cleft lip/palate) can seriously influence the nasal functionalities. Since, you have to wait for a certain age limit to get fixed. Hence, it becomes a necessity when you are an adult.

It causes breathing difficulties, thus making rhinoplasty the possible solution.

Broken Nose Or Injury

Trauma to the nasal area results in a broken nose. This leads to breathing difficulties or deformity. Similarly, many patients may also experience septal perforation, a hole in the partition between the nasal passages.

All such problems need medical surgery for correction. Hence, here comes the rhinoplasty to address such nasal trauma (e.g., fractures, injury).

Breathing Issues & Sleep Apnea

Chronic sinus problems and recurrent infections can be significantly improved through a functional nose job. This type of rhinoplasty corrects internal nasal structures, leading to improved function.

Surgeons may widen the nostrils for better airflow and remove scar tissue from prior injuries, reducing inflammation and sinus problems.

Turbinate Bone Disorders

Enlarged turbinate bones can block airflow through the nasal passages, causing nasal obstruction. A medical procedure such as Septoplasty is often necessary to resolve this problem.

Nasal Obstructions & Deviations

Chronic sinusitis may lead to nasal valve collapse, causing obstructions. A rhinoplasty procedure can help resolve this issue.

Similarly, a deviated septum can make breathing difficult, leading to nasal congestion and blockage. Rhinoplasty becomes a necessity to correct such a medical issue. Further, age related deviations are also solvable through a nose job.

After Cancer Treatment

Certain cancer treatments, especially those related to head or neck, may cause changes to nasal structures. For instance, the removal of cancerous growth from the nasal cavity leaves behind structural abnormalities that hinders breathing, and requires a rhinoplasty for correction.

How Medical Rhinoplasty Performed?

Medical rhinoplasty is a comprehensive treatment that requires an expert for examination and recommendation. Surgeons need to develop a customized plan based on the level of deformity.

Here are the common steps involved in a functional rhinoplasty:

Step 1: Consultation & Evaluation

Consult a plastic surgeon to discuss symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. The surgeon will conduct a thorough examination and imaging tests (if needed) to determine the best line of action.

Step 2: Anesthesia & Preparation

Surgeons generally perform medical rhinoplasty under anesthesia. They then prepare the nasal area for surgery.

Step 3: Surgical Repair

The surgeon performs the surgical procedure to repair the necessary nasal parts. It may include a septoplasty, turbinate reduction or sinus surgery.

Step 4: Closure And Recovery

Surgeons then close the incisions and monitor the patient for immediate recovery. Nasal packing may be used to control bleeding and support newly corrected nasal structure.

Step 5: Post-Surgical Follow-Up

Patients should attend follow-up appointments to monitor the recovery phase.

What Are Functional Rhinoplasty Benefits?

Medically needed rhinoplasty offers numerous benefits. In addition to better breathing, you can enjoy the following pros from a functional rhinoplasty:

1. Correcting nasal obstructions leads to improved airflow and breathing.
2. It offers relief from sinus issues while reducing risk of infections.
3. Improved breathing quality leads to enhanced quality of life.
4. It reduces risks of respiratory problems.
5. By addressing nasal problems, it improves overall health and well-being.

What Are Medical Rhinoplasty Side Effects?

Since rhinoplasty is a medical procedure, it comes with risks and complications. Although, surgeons discuss these with patients during the assessment phase. It is important to keep these in mind before opting for a nose job.

Here are some common side effects of a functional rhinoplasty.

• Reaction to anesthesia
• Risk of infection
• Bleeding after the rhinoplasty
• Permanent numbness around the nose
• Breathing problems through the nose
• Uneven nose
• Hole in the septum (may need additional surgery)