Can a rhinoplasty be combined with functionality to fix narrow airways? (Photo)

Question

I had a consultation in which the dr. Said I had narrow airways, I believe he's more of an aesthetic dr. Can a rhinoplasty be combined with functionality to fix narrow airways? I'm looking for shorts more narrow nose. Overall smaller

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! First of all thank you for your question. I have evaluated your case regarding the information you shared and your photos. Of course rhinoplasty operation should be in combination with septoplasty operation at the same time and nasal passages should be improved. All or nothing law is valid in nose surgeries, it is necessary to correct all or not touch the inner and outer nasal problems in the same session. Your nose is big and can be shortened, narrowed, alar base can be reduced and tip rotation needs to be raised but your skin is somewhat thick which the downtime would be longer than expected.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Absolutely. People often times think of rhinoplasty being designed to improve the appearance of the time but the majority of times the function of the nose is improved as well (to help improve the breathing).

Good luck !

Good luck !

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing photos. Septorhinoplasty combines a rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedure to correct aesthetic and functional nasal concerns simultaneously. Septoplasty can correct your narrow airways to alleviate breathing problems, while rhinoplasty can create a shorter, more narrow appearance. 
It’s important to keep in mind that rhinoplasty and septoplasty are some of the most complex of all plastic surgery procedures, requiring experience, skill, and even artistry to achieve an optimal outcome. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, with expertise in septorhinoplasty techniques. They will be able to review your concerns and determine the best course of action.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hello,
Yes rhinoplasty surgery can address the aesthetic and functional part at the same time. It is better to consult with a facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and find out the reason of your narrowed airway.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @qwert678! Thank you for sending your photos. The answer is yes. A septoplasty is a procedure to improve the airway and portions of a septoplasty are also performed to make a straighter appearance to the nose in the frontal and basal views. Removal of a dorsal hump and reduction of the size of the nasal tip are part of a cosmetic rhinoplasty. The two procedures are often performed together in people who wish to improve both the appearance of their nose and the airway. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

Functional and cosmetic concerns can be addressed at the same time. It is recommended you seek out a provider with experience if both aspects of care.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.

Within the nasal skin thickness is more significant, the approach tends to include a combination of changes that together add to a smaller footprint of the nose in the balance of the facial features:
- The reduction in projection generally needs to be conservative but can be associated with shortening which makes the nose appear overall smaller.
- If the degree of reduction in projection is more conservative, it is more feasible to produce a narrower appearance of the nasal bridge and tip which again makes the nose appears smaller both from the front view and oblique views
- Assessment of the nasal airway can identify whether there is a degree of septal deviation, obstruction of the top of the airways due to the curvature of the upper part of the tip cartilages, prominence of the inferior turbinates. These are all elements that can be included with the rhinoplasty to help improve the function as well as address the aesthetic nasal concerns

It is possible to use computer imaging and simulations to get a sensible evaluation of the degree of change compatible with your nasal characteristics and the characteristics of the nasal airway. This will help to determine your preferred course of action.

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty. I think it is one of the most beautifying surgeries that we do as plastic surgeons. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty surgery.  The functional portion of rhinoplasties is extremely important.  The vast majority of rhinoplasties I do have some functional component - septoplasty, spreader grafts, or turbinate reduction.  It is important to only see plastic surgeons with extensive experience in rhinoplasty, ie perform at least 6 per month and have performed hundreds of cases. The incision in open rhinoplasty heals almost always invisibly.  Also, critically evaluate on-line galleries to see if their art form resonates with yours. Rhinoplasty is definitely a grey haired plastic surgeon's sport. Best wishes to you

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Most rhinoplasty surgeons also do airway work if needed. You might want to clarify with the surgeon or seek another opinion.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Without in person consultation it would be difficult to give you good advise. In general, rhinoplasty should be combined with septoplasty, turbinectomy and other necessery procedure in order to create functional airway and aesthetic nose. Second opinion consultation with an expert in rhinoplasty is recommended. Good luck.