For someone considering nose surgery, the priority can be breathing, the appearance of the nose, or both. Stating the reason for the visit clearly helps us understand what is expected from surgery and which options fit. That is why, at the first consultation, breathing complaints and expectations about appearance are assessed separately.
The terms functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty describe which need the operation addresses. In many patients, though, breathing and appearance cannot really be thought of apart. The difference lies in the aim of the operation. When needed, these aims can come together in one plan.
Functional rhinoplasty aims at breathing
Rhinoplasty is surgery to correct the shape of the nose and how it works for breathing. Functional rhinoplasty aims to correct the function of the inside and outside of the nose to relieve blockage and difficulty breathing. In this approach, the focus of the assessment is the difficulty experienced when breathing through the nose.
The word functional refers to the breathing aim of the operation. You may have no wish to change how your nose looks. It matters to say so clearly at the start of the consultation. The right procedure becomes clear after a personal assessment, based on the structure of the nose and the needs you describe. The name of the operation alone is not enough to define what will be done.
Aesthetic rhinoplasty concerns the appearance of the nose
Aesthetic rhinoplasty is the surgical approach aimed at the appearance of the nose. What bothers you about how your nose looks, and what you expect from surgery, are the core of the assessment. These expectations are looked at together with the examination of the nose. This way the surgical plan is built around your reason for coming and your current nasal structure.
Coming with a wish about appearance does not leave breathing out of the consultation. If you have difficulty breathing, it should be mentioned too. In the same way, someone whose priority is breathing may also have expectations about appearance. Which aim comes first is decided by assessing expectations and examination findings together.
Why are appearance and function discussed in one plan?
In many patients, the look of the nose and how it works for breathing cannot be thought of separately. For this reason, functional and aesthetic aims can be assessed in a single surgical plan when needed. The scope of the operation is not the same for everyone. What will be done is decided after the examination, according to the person's needs and expectations.
Septorhinoplasty may come up for patients who have a crooked septum and also want a procedure for the appearance of the nose. Septorhinoplasty means surgery for the crooked septum and cosmetic procedures done in the same session. Being done in the same operation does not mean the procedures share the same purpose. The aim of one is the septum, and the aim of the other is the expectation about appearance.
Making the aim of surgery clear at the first consultation
At the first visit, we listen to your concerns and expectations, examine your nose and explain the suitable options. If you have had a nose operation before, this information is part of the assessment. A second operation to correct problems that remain or appear after an earlier operation is called revision rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty is usually done under general anaesthesia and, depending on the procedure, takes a few hours on average. Questions about the scope of the operation, the anaesthesia and its duration can be cleared up at the first consultation. To talk about your priorities for breathing and appearance, you can book an appointment through the contact form, by phone or on WhatsApp.