The ‘nose job’, or rhinoplasty, is a popular procedure for people who wish to improve their overall facial appearance. But not all nose surgeries are geared towards a better look. In fact, Functional Nasal Surgery aims to improve the functionality of one’s sinuses and upgrade one’s overall quality of life. Such a procedure is also called a Septoplasty.
What Is Functional Nasal Surgery?
Dr. Ronald F. Rosso
Most people with breathing problems deal with them for years. Some do not even realize that there’s an actual issue. Perhaps the most common reason for breathing problems is a deviated septum.
The nasal septum is the wall separating the two nasal passages. When the septum is crooked, it causes uneven airflow in the nasal passages. This results in airflow problems in the smaller passage. And, while this seems like a minor issue, the implications can be severe. A simple Plastic Surgery procedure will do away with this problem, making your life easier.
Of course, everyone has a deviated septum to some extent. No human face is absolutely symmetrical. However, issues crop up when the deviation is severe and disrupts the inflow of air.
Here are a few ways in which a Functional Nasal Surgery also called Septoplasty can change your life:
1. Easier Breathing
The most observable benefit after Functional Nasal Surgery is the ease with which one can breathe. In fact, by smoothing out the passages, this procedure can open up space so that air can flow inside easily.
And, it’s no surprise that an increase in oxygen intake thanks to this procedure, will upgrade your quality of life.
2. Decreased or Eliminated Snoring
While it’s true that everyone snores from time to time, people with a deviated septum are likely to snore a lot more. This is due to restricted movement of air in the nasal passages. As a result, nasal congestion from this deviation can cause loud breathing and excessive snoring. Often, Functional Nasal Surgery can fix this issue.
3. Improved Quality of Sleep
Dr. Ronald F. Rosso
In some severe cases of deviation of the septum, people may experience a phenomenon called sleep apnea. This is when a person stops breathing momentarily, often multiple times in an hour. The reduced oxygen intake results in poor quality of sleep which, in turn, impacts your energy levels and overall quality of life.
In such cases, due to the reduced oxygen intake, the heart needs to work much harder to ensure that enough oxygen reaches the vital organs. In turn, this can lead to increased blood pressure and can cause serious heart problems and possibly even heart failure.
Septoplasty is a common procedure used to treat sleep apnea patients with a deviated septum.
4. Diminish Headaches and Sinus Infections
Due to the built-up pressure from uneven nasal passages, many folks with a deviated septum experience frequent headaches, irritation in the sinus, fluid discharge, and even nosebleeds.
As a result, these people tend to be more susceptible to allergies as well. This is due to the limited space for air to flow as the nose is not able to expel dust and dirt as easily as it would like to.
Subsequently, a Functional Nasal Surgery can help decrease or eliminate these minor issues, making life a more joyful experience.
5. Enhanced Physical Activity
It’s quite obvious that smoother airflow makes it easier for the body to carry out its metabolic activities. Hence, most people with a deviated septum while exercising tend to get winded and breathless faster than people with a non-deviated septum. Certainly, a Septoplasty helps to open up the nasal passages and allow for better air circulation which helps to build stamina and endurance during physical activity.
With the help of this functional rhinoplasty, you can boost oxygen intake and upgrade your workouts and physical activity, giving your body the power to operate as efficiently as possible.
The Functional Nasal Surgery Procedure
During corrective nasal surgery, Plastic Surgeons make one or more incisions in the nostril or in the columella, which is the strip of skin in front of the septum. Through these incisions, the Plastic Surgeon manipulates the cartilage, bone, and the skin to open up the nasal passages and allow for smoother airflow.
Sometimes, patients may combine a Septoplasty with a regular rhinoplasty in order to fix their noses and create a more aesthetic appeal once they’ve recovered. This way you get the benefit of an upgraded quality of life and the increased level of confidence that comes with a more proportionate and beautiful appearance. In certain cases, your health insurance may reimburse the cost of the Functional Nasal Surgery but it does not cover the cost of cosmetic changes.
Functional Nasal Surgery Recovery
Recovering from a Septoplasty is very manageable. sually, the patient goes home the same day as the procedure. Rarely, there will be splints in the nose. In such a case, the Plastic Surgeon removes them within 7 days.
It’s normal to expect some congestion and bleeding, which should end in 1 to 2 weeks.
Of course, strenuous physical activity needs to be discussed with your Plastic Surgeon. Generally, once recovered, you’ll feel a lot more energized and lively thanks to this procedure.
It’s Life-Changing
While most people only hear from others about how revolutionary a Septoplasty procedure can be, they only realize the extent of transformation once they’ve undergone it themselves. As a matter of fact, some are even shocked at how much more easily they can breathe. Even if they never thought there was anything wrong with their breathing, to begin with!
In order to confirm that you’ve got a deviated septum and require nasal correction surgery, it is necessary to set an appointment with a Plastic Surgeon who will assess your situation and suggest the most appropriate course of action.
So do your homework, find the right Plastic Surgeon, and enjoy a more efficient, fulfilling, and energetic lifestyle!
About Dr. Rosso and Peninsula Plastic Surgery
Dr. Rosso is one of the leading Plastic Surgeons in the South Bay and has large experience in correcting deviated septums. His expertise includes performing Septoplasties to fix sports-related nose injuries given his expertise as the Chadwick School Varsity Football and Basketball Teams Volunteer Physician.
He operates in his state-of-the-art Surgery Center or at the local Torrance and Little Company of Mary Hospitals.
Dr. Rosso has been voted 2018 Daily Breeze South Bay’s Favorite and 2017 Best of the Beach and the Peninsula Plastic Surgery doctors and staff have been awarded the 2018 Spectrum Award for Customer Service Excellence. At the end of 2018, he has also received an Award from the ER Doctors and Medical staff at Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance for his great work and commitment to patients.