The nose is a delicate part of the body, and any deformation or damage can easily cause breathing problems. Not being able to breathe through your nose can contribute to sleep problems, poor exercise, dry mouth and other symptoms. This problem can often be remedied with nasal valve reconstruction, also referred to as “functional rhinoplasty.”
To learn more about this treatment and whether you are a good candidate, we encourage you to visit Columbus Facial Plastics at The Sullivan Centre. Our practice is conveniently located in Columbus, OH, and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
What is Nasal Obstruction?
Difficulty breathing through the nose can be caused by a deviated septum, nasal trauma, allergies, and previous septoplasty or rhinoplasty. Nasal valve collapse is an increasingly common type of nasal obstruction that is treated with surgery. If you have already been diagnosed with nasal valve collapse, then you may be a good candidate for nasal valve reconstruction or “functional rhinoplasty.” If you have not been diagnosed, Dr. Nogan can conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the breathing problem and the best course of action.
Nasal Valve Reconstruction / Functional Rhinoplasty
Once Dr. Nogan has determined that surgery is the best option for you, we can schedule your procedure. When the nasal valves have collapsed, the appearance of the nose is often affected. Both the function and appearance of your nose can be improved during surgery.
What to Expect
Nasal valve reconstruction or functional rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you should refrain from eating or drinking anything the night before surgery. The surgery itself lasts for 1-2 hours, and our surgeon can prepare you for what to expect immediately after waking up from anesthesia. Dr. Nogan can perform this procedure with patients under local anesthesia in certain cases, and this is determined during your consultation.
Before you leave our practice, we can give you a prescription for pain medication if necessary. We can provide you with aftercare instructions, including anything related to wound care.
The Recovery
Any pain or bruising should rapidly improve during the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. Improvement in breathing is usually noted during this same time frame. It is important to elevate your head while you sleep and apply ice packs as necessary to help speed up this process. We will give you specific instructions on how long you should avoid strenuous activity and how soon you can return to your normal daily activities.
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about functional rhinoplasty, we encourage you to get in touch with our educated staff at Columbus Facial Plastics. We hope to see you soon at our practice in Columbus, OH. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
