Medical Reasons for Rhinoplasty: When Surgery is Necessary
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Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is among the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed worldwide.
While often associated with cosmetic enhancements, rhinoplasty also serves a crucial role in addressing a variety of medical conditions and improving overall health.
This surgical procedure’s functional benefits extend far beyond aesthetics. Let’s explore some of the medical reasons for rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty: Beyond Aesthetics
Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure requiring the expertise of a skilled facial plastic surgeon. It involves the reshaping of the nose, which can significantly influence the aesthetics of the entire face by adjusting the overall facial structure. The procedure is versatile, involving changes to the shape and size of the nose, smoothing a nasal hump, altering the height of the bridge, refining the nasal tip, and straightening a deviated septum.
However, it is important to note that rhinoplasty is not just about enhancing appearance. It also serves to rectify issues stemming from birth defects, abnormalities, injuries, and certain medical conditions that affect breathing.
Reasons for a Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty is performed to improve the nose’s function, often related to breathing issues, rather than for cosmetic reasons. The following are some of the medical reasons that necessitate functional rhinoplasty.
Birth Defects or Abnormalities
Birth defects such as cleft palate or cleft lip can significantly impact the nasal structure, leading to breathing difficulties and other health issues. Rhinoplasty can correct these structural abnormalities, improving not only the nose’s function but also the overall quality of life for the patient.
Broken Nose or Injury
Trauma to the nasal area can result in a broken nose, a hole in the nasal septum, or the collapse of the nasal bridge. These conditions often lead to breathing problems that can be effectively addressed through rhinoplasty.
Breathing Issues and Sleep Apnea
Chronic breathing issues and sleep apnea can often be linked to structural problems in the nose. Rhinoplasty New Jersey may help improve these problems by reshaping the inner nasal structures to remove obstructions and facilitate better airflow.
Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder characterized by intermittent breathing pauses, can be worsened by a misshapen nose.
Rhinoplasty may rectify this by reshaping the nasal structures, removing obstructions like excessive cartilage, which may result in improved breathing.
This procedure can be functional, addressing breathing issues solely, or combined with cosmetic surgery for aesthetic improvement.Sinus Issues and Chronic Infections
Chronic sinus problems and recurrent infections can be significantly alleviated through rhinoplasty, specifically functional rhinoplasty. This type of rhinoplasty focuses on correcting the internal structures of the nose to improve its function, such as widening the nostrils for better airflow or removing scar tissue from prior injuries or infections.
Rhinoplasty can help reduce inflammation and congestion, leading to fewer sinus issues and infections. However, it is important to note that rhinoplasty can also have risks and complications, such as infection, extrusion, distortion, and resorption.
In addition, while rhinoplasty is primarily known for its cosmetic enhancements, it may also provide long-term solutions for persistent nasal congestion and drainage, frequent sinus infections, and other bothersome issues.
Nasal Obstructions and Deviations
Nasal obstructions and deviations, such as a deviated septum, can severely impact breathing and overall health. A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall between the nasal passages, called the nasal septum, is displaced to one or both sides, making one or both nasal passages smaller.
This can lead to nasal congestion, blockage, and difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose. While some people with a deviated septum may not experience any symptoms, a moderate to severe deviation can cause nasal obstruction and require treatment.
A deviated septum is one of the most common nose deformities, with about 70% to 80% of people having a septal deviation that’s noticeable after an examination. Injuries to the nose, such as traumatic blows to the face or car accidents, can cause a deviated septum. Age-related changes in the nose can also lead to a deviated septum or worsen an existing deviation.
After Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments, particularly those targeting the head and neck, can result in changes to the nasal structure. For example, removing cancerous growths in the nasal cavity can leave behind structural abnormalities that may impede breathing or cause visual impairment.
Rhinoplasty, in these cases, serves as a reconstructive surgery to restore the nose’s function and appearance.
The Medical Rhinoplasty Procedure
The medical rhinoplasty procedure is a comprehensive treatment that begins with a one-on-one consultation. During this meeting, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s nasal structure, medical history, and health condition. Based on these findings, the surgeon develops a customized treatment plan that addresses the patient’s unique needs.
The actual surgical procedure varies depending on the specific medical issue being addressed. However, there are two main types of rhinoplasty techniques – closed and open. In a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are hidden inside the nose, while in an open approach, an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue separating the nostrils. Both techniques involve reshaping the bone, cartilage, or both to improve the nose’s function.
Risks & Complications of Medical Rhinoplasty Surgery
As with any medical procedure, rhinoplasty carries some risks and potential complications. These may include bleeding, infection, a bad reaction to the anesthesia, problems breathing through the nose, permanent numbness in and around the nose, the possibility of an uneven-looking nose, pain, discoloration or swelling that may last, scarring, a hole in the septum, and a need for additional surgery.
It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon during the initial consultation to make an informed decision.
Quality of Life After Rhinoplasty
The quality of life after New Jersey rhinoplasty can significantly improve, particularly for patients who have experienced chronic breathing issues, sleep apnea, or recurrent sinus infections. Patients who undergo functional rhinoplasty to correct structural issues typically observe instant improvements in their ability to breathe properly.
It can take up to a full year for the new nasal contour to fully settle and refine following a cosmetic procedure, but the functional benefits are often immediate.
Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Scheduling a rhinoplasty consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is a critical step towards a successful procedure. The surgeon should have extensive experience in performing rhinoplasty, particularly in various cases where rhinoplasty may be medically necessary. They should be board-certified and have a proven track record of successful outcomes, like Dr. Daniel G. Becker.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Daniel G. Becker, please call our Central New Jersey location at 609-436-5740, or call our Southern New Jersey location at 856-772-1617.
