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Rhinoplasty

Functional Rhinoplasty

Surgery directed primarily at nasal airflow rather than appearance.

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Region
Nose
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Theatre time
2–4 hours
Downtime
1–2 weeks

Overview

Functional rhinoplasty treats nasal obstruction from valve collapse, septal deviation, or turbinate hypertrophy using spreader grafts, alar batten grafts, and septal work. Aesthetic changes may occur as a side effect and should be discussed in advance.

What it changes

  • Internal and external nasal valves
  • Septal position
  • Turbinate volume
  • Dorsal width (with spreader grafts)

Common goals

Improve nasal breathing
Correct post-traumatic obstruction

Candidates

General factors a surgeon may consider. Only a qualified surgeon can assess whether you are a candidate.

  • General physical health suitable for the anaesthetic required
  • Realistic, clearly articulated aesthetic or functional goals
  • Stable anatomy appropriate for the technique proposed
  • Non-smoking or willingness to stop for the surgeon's required window

Surgical approach

  1. 01Septoplasty
  2. 02Spreader and batten grafting
  3. 03Turbinate reduction

Recovery timeline

  1. Day 1

    Immediate post-operative period. Swelling begins, dressings or splints may be in place, supervised rest.

  2. Week 1

    Peak swelling and bruising. Limited activity, soft diet where relevant, first follow-up visit.

  3. Week 2

    Bruising fades. Many people feel socially presentable, light activity resumes.

  4. Week 4

    Most acute swelling resolves. Gradual return to exercise as cleared by the surgeon.

  5. Month 3

    Contours become clearer. Residual swelling continues to settle.

  6. Month 6

    Result is largely representative of the final outcome.

  7. Month 12+

    Final refinement, scar maturation, and revision assessment if needed.

Risks & complications

Bleeding, haematoma, or infection
Temporary or, rarely, permanent nerve disturbance
Asymmetry or an outcome that differs from expectations
Scarring, delayed healing, or wound problems
Anaesthetic risks
Possible need for revision surgery

Limitations

Not all obstruction is structural — allergy and mucosal disease also contribute
Aesthetic refinement is not the objective

Before & after cases

No verified cases published yet

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Surgeons performing this procedure

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Cost

$5,000 – $18,000

These are broad estimates only. Actual costs vary significantly by country, surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, imaging, orthodontic treatment, revision policy, and individual complexity. Always obtain a written quotation.

Questions to ask your surgeon

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Information on this platform is for educational purposes and should not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. Surgical suitability, risks, and expected outcomes must be assessed by an appropriately qualified surgeon.