Functional Rhinoplasty Houston, TX

Functional rhinoplasty is a name for any type of nasal surgery that’s performed to correct breathing issues with the nose. Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, which is performed primarily to enhance the aesthetics of the nose, functional rhinoplasty is used to remove obstructions to the nasal airflow. That said, the adjustments made to improve airflow can sometimes result in improvements to the appearance of the nose. Specifically, functional rhinoplasty is performed to eliminate nasal irregularities that are causing breathing problems. Some of the most common issues addressed with the procedure include deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, and asymmetrical nasal structure. Dr. Sturm specializes in nasal surgeries, and she has developed a keen understanding of the complexities of the nose. With her skill and experience, she’ll be able to accurately diagnose the cause of your breathing issues by thoroughly examining the structure of your nose.

She’ll then determine the simplest way to correct your breathing, and if it’s possible, she’ll make these adjustments in a way that will also enhance the aesthetics of your nose. Ultimately, the specifics of the procedure will depend on the nature of your breathing issues, as each nasal problem requires a unique solution. In most cases, functional rhinoplasty will involve one or more small incisions inside the nostrils and, in some cases, an additional incision on the columella between the nostrils. In the case of a nasal valve collapse, Dr. Sturm may use a cartilage graft to repair the nasal valve. If there is a growth obstructing the nasal airway, she will carefully remove the growth without damaging any of the surrounding nasal tissue. This also applies to nasal polyps, which are typically very simple to remove. In rare cases, Dr. Sturm may need to reconstruct or adjust parts of the underlying nasal structure to open up the airways.