In general, Rhinoplasty describes all surgical procedures on the nose which involves changing the size of one or both of the nostrils, enhancing the nasal tip to give the illusion of a thinner nose, and reshaping the nose’s bridge. Alternatively, Septoplasty often describes corrective procedures, such as repairing a deviated septum and other common problems that impair patients’ breathing. Doctors in the Los Angeles area, such as Dr. Zoumalan, are very familiar with the different kinds of Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty and the purpose each procedure serves.
How can functional and aesthetic Rhinoplasty be incorporated into one surgical procedure?
Very often, patients will go into a surgeon’s office with a breathing problem easily repaired by Septoplasty or functional Rhinoplasty. However, patients often will simultaneously experience dissatisfaction with the appearance of their nose. In cases such as these, many Los Angeles doctors, including Dr. Zoumalan, can perform functional Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty to ameliorate a patient’s trouble breathing and, in the same procedure, can alter the aesthetics of that patient’s nose to his or her liking, traditionally known as a Rhinoplasty. For example, if a patient in the Los Angeles area goes to Dr. Zoumalan for a deviated septum repair, Dr. Zoumalan may also smooth the bridge of the nose, with phenomenal results.
In what instances are functional Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty performed without altering appearance?
In cases where a patient is satisfied with the appearance of his or her nose and simply wants a procedure to repair a breathing problem, it is possible to undergo the procedure without aesthetic alteration. Usually, this occurs when the problem is internal or in the sinuses, as these conditions often affect breathing without changing outward appearance of the nose. While the nose may appear larger and more inflamed immediately after functional Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty, this swelling will eventually decrease, and the nose will restore itself to original appearance.
What kind of breathing problems necessitate functional Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty?
Deviated Septum: A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage that separates a patient’s nostrils, or the nasal septum, is ruptured or displaced. A deviated septum can be caused by a number of things, including conditions present from birth, certain nasal injuries, drug use, and natural aging. The result of a deviated septum can vary between general discomfort and complete blockage of one nostril, which can severely impair a patient’s ability to breathe. Doctors in the Los Angeles area, including Dr. Zoumalan, perform Septoplasty for deviated septums if the deviation is severe enough. Click here to learn more details about deviated septums.
Turbinate Hypertrophy: A turbinate is a part of the nose that both humidifies and cleanses air that enters the nostrils. Turbinate hypertrophy is a condition that occurs when the turbinates enlarge, causing difficulty breathing, moderate to severe nosebleeds and chronic sinus infections. Turbinate hypertrophy may necessitate surgery when one or both of the nasal passages is obstructed. Surgical procedures that Los Angeles doctors such as Dr. Zoumalan may perform in this instance include straightening the septum, or Septoplasty, and reducing the size of the turbinates. To learn more about turbinate hypertrophy, click here.
Valve Collapse: A nasal valve collapse is one of the most serious conditions that can impair a patient’s ability to breathe. The nasal valve is the narrowest section of the airway, and a nasal valve collapse almost always necessitates surgery in the form of Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty. A nasal valve collapse can be caused by a previous surgery, excessive drug use or advanced aging. For more information regarding nasal valve collapse and repair, click here.
How to Find the Right Surgeon for Functional Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty in Los Angeles
One of the most important factors in achieving the desired surgical outcome is to be properly matched with an expert surgeon. This is especially true in the Los Angeles area, where plastic surgeons abound, often with lackluster credentials. The opposite can be said of Dr. Zoumalan, who has rave reviews on Yelp and years of practice with functional Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty. Click here to learn more about Dr. Zoumalan’s expertise and how to connect with him in Los Angeles.
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