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Chances of Good Cosmetic Result from Functional Rhinoplasty?

asked 2 years ago by hellopretty in spain
Latest answer by Richard W. Fleming, MD
Question viewed 472 times
Tags: broken nose, rhinitis

I broke my nose as a child had a functional Rhinoplasty, then a cosmetic Rhinoplasty a few years later - everything great for 20 years but now, a couple of years rhinitis (enviromental) has weakened everything, and I have both internal and external valve weakness.

I have had this confirmed by 2 surgeons. If I inhale forcefully my nostrils close. Its causing sleep apnea and breathing problems and I have been offered an op to correct the problem using grafts. Does this type of surgery always make the nose look wider and any tips for a good cosmetic result?

12 answers to Chances of Good Cosmetic Result from Functional Rhinoplasty?

Impact of functional surgery on Nasal Appearance

Having a good functional and a good cosmetic result after nasal surgery are not exclusive. In rhinoplasty surgery a change in one part of the nose may necessitate a change in surrounding tissue to achieve a balanced, proportional, attractive nose. See an experienced surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty: one and the same

Form follows function. The two are tied together. Nostrils that collapse on inspiration are often the result of thin lower lateral cartilages, and are usually fixable. Usually, the nose looks better when this is done, and the "done look" of an overly pinched appearing tip can be reduced or eliminated.

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Functional rhinoplasty results

The functional aspect of the nose sounds like valve flaps and vestibular stenosis. This is repaired through spreader grafts placed internally on the inside of the nose to spread outwards the upper lateral cartilages. Indeed the nose will look 2 mm wider on each side at the mid-third of the nose when these grafts are placed. It will also help the breathing and bolster the upper lateral cartilages so they do not flail and flap inward upon inspiration. If your sleep apnea is very severe... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Cosmetic Result with Functional Rhinoplasty

Hello, If grafts are placed inside the nose, it will appear wider. When done properly by a highly skilled surgeon, cosmetic results will be optimized. In this case, achieving optimal function will result in a modified appearance, but it is possible to perform the surgery in such a way that the nose will still be aesthetically pleasing. Hope this helps answer your question. Thank you and best of luck. Dr. Nassif

Paul S. Nassif, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Functional and aesthetic surgery of the nose

The approach to nasal surgery must always include consideration of aesthetic and functional ideals. In the case of functional surgery, techniques exist that can improve 'valve' function and preserve nasal form (for the most part). Of course, each situation must be dealt with individually and you would need a personal examination to determine what is right for you. The nomenclature of 'external valve collapse' and 'internal valve collapse' is poor and leads (in my opinion) to much... more

Sam Most, MD
Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drmost.com

Dynamic and Fucntional restoration of the nose and airway: possible cosmetic consequences

The key thing here is the dynamic appearance of the nose. If you took a picture when breathing in deeply now, you would likely have a pinched appearance to the nose. If you fix your nose with structural supporting grafts, it is likely that your nose will look nearly the same at rest but look better when you forcibly inspire.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic Result from Functional Rhinoplasty

Although a functional rhinoplasty is just that, functional, we, as surgeons, strive to make it as cosmetic as possible. This is especially true when we must do something to the external nose, as you need. To find out what you can expect, you need to talk to the surgeon you choose at length.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic results from functional Rhinoplasty

Your nose may appear wider if spreader grafts are placed to keep the valves open. This should be a subtle change unless your nose and your skin are very thin. The best tip for a good cosmetic result is to go to someone very experienced with revision rhinoplasty. Look for someone in your area who is certified by the appropriate board, and do ask to see before/after photos. Good luck.

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Functional rhinoplasty for nasal collapse.

Your own cartilage can be used to open your airway with minimal increase in width. You should see an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon to do this.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Revision rhinoplasty to restore breathing can look natural too

Rhinoplasty has evolved over the past three decades. We now leave more structure or put structure in to support the nose and keep it from collapsing with breathing; also to withstand aging. Placing grafts in revision surgery to treat internal and external nasal valve collapse can strengthen the nose and improve breathing, even reduce apnea if the nose is a contributing cause. The nose may appear a little bit wider, but not in an unaesthetic way. Grafts can be placed so that the walls of... more

Steven J. Pearlman, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Functional and cosmetic concerns should be balanced

Hi Hellopretty, Functional issues sometimes can appear over time. As we age, the ligaments that support your nasal cartilage start to stretch and your nasal sidewall and tip support may be suffering as a result. You do not necessarily need huge grafts that are going to support your nose at the expense of widening it significantly. The objective of a well-executed rhinoplasty is to balance your functional and aesthetic concerns with well-placed grafts that provide the needed strength but that... more

Jason Litner, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic Result After Correction of Nasal Valve Collapse

Hello pretty, The procedure to correct external valve collapse involves the placement of a precise graft into a pocket on lateral aspect of the nostril. This serves to support the nostril on inspiration. When performed properly, the pinched, operated appearing nostril is a bit wider, but actually usually looks better and more natural. Collapse of the internal valve is usually corrected with an internal spreader graft that may widen the middle dorsum of the nose a couple of millimeters. ... more