Functional Nasal Surgery

One thing that distinguishes rhinoplasty from other types of surgery is that it can provide important functional benefits, restoring your ability to breathe properly and your quality of life right along with it. If you’ve been experiencing trouble breathing or other nose-related issues, and you’re in Portland or the surrouding area, reach out and learn about how functional rhinoplasty with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Vila can restore your breathing.

Functional Nasal Surgery in Portland

Functional nasal surgery encompasses various procedures used to address the nasal architecture, which can sometimes be a cause of nasal obstruction. Depending on the severity of the problem, a septoplasty (surgery to straighten the nasal septum) can be done either through an endonasal (in the nose, no external incisions) approach, or an open approach (requires external incisions). The goal of functional nasal surgery is always to improve nasal breathing.

Is Functional Rhinoplasty Right for Me?

This type of nose surgery is highly specific, and Dr. Vila will talk you through your options during your consultation. Your specific issues will go a long way towards determining the nose surgery that will best bring you in line with your goals.

If you’re in Portland or the surrounding area, you’re likely a great candidate for functional rhinoplasty if you’re dealing with an impaired breathing ability, or some other issue that is keeping you from properly breathing. Whatever the issue may be, Dr. Vila can draw on his extensive surgical experience to design a treatment plan that restores your ability to breathe freely and clearly.

What Can I Expect During My Consultation?

Dr. Vila spends time with each one of his patients, supporting and counseling them throughout the entire process, from the moment you walk through our doors, all the way up through the recovery process and beyond. He’ll ask direct questions about your ability to breathe through your nose, and talk over any surgeries or trauma that you might have experienced. In some cases, he will perform a nasal endoscopy, or a minor procedure to visualize the inside of the nose and better understand your anatomy.

Will Functional Rhinoplasty Change the Appearance of My Nose?

It depends! If the goal is to address changes on the inside of the nose (nasal septum) for breathing purposes, this will likely not change the external appearance of the nose. If the goal is to improve breathing in a narrow nose, sometimes this requires creating more space, which can widen the nose. However, any expected changes to the appearance of your nose will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation.

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What Happens During the Procedure?

Depending on the case, either a closed (scarless) approach or an open approach (with an external incision) may be used.

The soft tissue and skin of the nose will be carefully separated from the underlying cartilages, at which point the cartilage framework is addressed and placed into position to improve nasal breathing.

The procedure can last anywhere from two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. At the end, sutures are used to close the incisions, and tapes and a cast are applied to maintain the new shape of the nose. Internal splints are used on the inside of the nose.

Your Recovery Process

All patients are able to go home the same day after surgery, following a short recovery. The external cast will stay on for one week. The associated discomfort from surgery is typically mild, lasts only a few days, and is well controlled with pain medication. The splints inside the nose are removed one week after surgery. Patients can return to normal activities after 10 days.

If you think you’re a good candidate for functional nasal surgery, we want to hear from you! Reach out and set up your consultation to learn more about what this procedure can do for you today.

Functional Nasal Surgery