What is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty in NYC & NJ is performed when a patient’s focus is on restoring medical health issues such as breathing difficulties, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep-disordered breathing, and sinus problems.

Some of the reasons for patients to have functional nose job include the correction of conditions such as prior nasal fracture, nasal valve collapse, vestibular stenosis, saddle nose deformity, and complicated nasal septum deviation.

Most crooked noses with breathing difficulties also fall into this category. Our plastic surgery center specializes in functional rhinoplasty for her patients in NYC & NJ. This nose job surgery is designed to correct documented breathing problems.

Before & After Functional Rhinoplasty NJ

Functional Rhinoplasty In Depth

by Monica Tadros, M.D., F.A.C.S.

An experienced plastic surgeon can achieve functional correction while maximizing aesthetic improvement.

Indications for functional rhinoplasty for patients may include:

  • Obstructed nasal breathing
  • Injury to the Nose
  • Nasal birth defects
  • Nasal bone fracture
  • Nasal cartilage fracture (normal Xray)
  • Nasal septum deviation with a crooked nose
  • Nasal valve collapse
  • Nostril narrowing or stenosis
  • Saddle Nose Deformity
  • Septal Perforation
  • Deformity after nasal tumor

Dr. Tadros accepts most POS and PPO insurance for any medical issues related to the nose as an out of network provider.

Treatment of each condition depends on exactly which part of the nasal anatomy has been violated. Most often, functional rhinoplasty includes a septoplasty to restore the midline foundation of the nose. Upon establishing a strong foundation, restoration may require “osteotomies,” re-breaking the nasal bones to reposition them favorably.

Further support and restructuring may be performed with grafts to reshape the nose and support the nasal tip and middle vault breathing apparatus.

Most commonly, natural grafts are easily taken from your spare septum or ear cartilage. Functional nose job rhinoplasty highlights the importance of Form and Function in rhinoplasty, where breathing and appearance are usually of mutual concern for patients in NYC & NJ, and the Bergen County area.

Before and After Photos of Functional Rhinoplasty

View before and after photos of patients who had functional rhinoplasty in NJ & NYC performed by Dr. Monica Tadros. Please click on each thumbnail to enlarge to the full-size image.

View more functional rhinoplasty before and after photos.

How is Functional Rhinoplasty different from Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?

The term rhinoplasty is used to describe plastic surgery that changes the support structures of the nose in some way. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is performed when the goals are strictly aesthetic and there is no underlying abnormal anatomy that compromises breathing or sinus health.

Functional rhinoplasty changes the external structures with the goal of correcting an underlying medical condition.

Depending on the needs of the patient and the deformity, the top-rated functional nose job surgeon can restore the structure to the nose with the added benefit of improving appearance. Dr. Monica Tadros, a double-board certified surgeon, specializes in functional rhinoplasty for her patients in Upper East Side, Manhattan, and Bergen County, New Jersey area.

How is Functional Rhinoplasty different from Septoplasty?

Functional Rhinoplasty may include correction of the septum, but these are separate procedures. Septoplasty surgery is performed to correct a deviated septum by straightening the internal wall that divides the right and left nasal cavities. The external support structures that give the nose their shape are not altered if only septoplasty is performed.

Most commonly, septoplasty is performed through incisions inside the nose, and there is no change in appearance.

A functional nose job implies a change in the bone or external nasal cartilages that represent the visible breathing apparatus. Obstructed nasal breathing, traumatic nasal deformity, and nasal valve collapse are the most common conditions treated by functional rhinoplasty.

Does Medical Insurance Cover the Cost of Functional Rhinoplasty?

You should be aware that the majority of insurance companies do not cover the costs of rhinoplasty if it is performed solely for cosmetic purposes. However, functional rhinoplasty or rhinoplasty for breathing problems is considered a medical necessity, thus covered by medical insurance.

Keep in mind that the cost of functional nose job surgery does not only include the surgeon’s fee but also fees related to the operating facility, anesthesia, medications, and splints.

Do not hesitate to contact our top-rated facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Tadros, who will provide you with more detailed information about the procedure and cost breakdown.

Is Functional Nose Job a Good Option for Me?

Functional rhinoplasty is aimed to correct any breathing issues you might have. If you have nasal passages that are too narrow, or you have allergies, hormones, or sinus infections causing turbinates to become enlarged, you are a great candidate for a functional nose job.

Apart from that, if you suffer from a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts, rhinoplasty for sleep apnea is a good solution for you. Keep in mind that there are several rhinoplasty restrictions.

Therefore, if you want to determine whether rhinoplasty is a good option for you, it is advised to schedule an appointment with our best-in-class plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Tadros.

Consultation

Interested in learning more about functional rhinoplasty to help treat breathing problems? Please call to speak to one of our NYC plastic surgeons: (201) 408-5430 or NJ: (201) 408-5430. You may also schedule your no-obligation functional rhinoplasty consultation today. Our offices are conveniently located in Bergen County near 300 Grand Ave, Englewood, NJ 07631, and Manhattan near 911 Park Ave., New York, NY 10075.