Functional Nose Surgery
Many people commonly consider nasal surgery only to correct problems with the appearance of their nose. However, often nasal surgery can also dramatically improve the function of the nose. This is considered functional rhinoplasty, or septoplasty. When breathing is difficult, patients are affected throughout the course of their daily activities. For people who are unable to move air through their nose and are obligate mouth breathers, common activities like sleeping, exercise, and eating can become problematic.
Dr. Kevin Brenner provides septoplasty in Beverly Hills, a great solution for patients suffering from medical issues such as difficulty breathing.
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View GalleryReasons For Corrective Nose Surgery
Other medical issues that can arise include:
- Nosebleeds
- Pressure in the nose or sinuses
- Facial pain
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Postnasal drip
- Difficulty breathing while participating in sports
- Snoring and loud breathing during sleep
The three most common nasal airway issues, that are surgically correctable include:
- Deviated Septum
- Enlarged Turbinates
- Internal Nasal Valve Collapse
Dr. Brenner's functional rhinoplasty brings about successful breathing correction, as well as an effective handling for the above-mentioned conditions. In addition, he provides revision rhinoplasty for people who have already undergone nose surgery but who didn't obtain the results they desired the first time around. Read on to learn more about septoplasty and how it works.
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty, also known as functional rhinoplasty or corrective nose surgery, is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. The septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone dividing the nostrils. It is typically done endonasally, meaning there are no incisions placed on the outside of the nose. This avoids any external scarring.
Septal deviation and its treatment
Septal deviation is a common reason for nasal airway obstruction. It occurs when the center divider between nostrils, or the septum, is situated more to one side than the other. Septal deviation can be present at birth or it can be caused by a traumatic injury to the nose. Injury is the most common reason for a deviated septum, although some patients will develop septal deviation over time without any previous injury. Septal deviation can be problematic to many patients, interfering with their nasal breathing which impacts physical activity.
Patients typically complain that their breathing is more difficult during exercise or sleep and that they, therefore, must breathe through their mouths. Snoring is also a related symptom.
Dr. Brenner performs corrective nose surgery in Beverly Hills at his certified surgical center. This facility maintains a full complement of surgical and recovery staff and complies with all requirements of government certification agencies.
How It's Done
During septoplasty, incisions are placed within the nose in the nasal mucosa, which is the outermost membrane within the nostrils. Dr. Brenner then uses specialized instruments to trim or straighten the septum and replaces the mucosa back over the septum. Severely deviated segments of bone and cartilage are commonly removed in order to open up the airway.
Dr. Brenner sees many patients seeking functional rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills at his practice. Some patients have long term breathing restrictions that have remained undetected until they come in for their initial consultation. Others are well aware of their breathing difficulties because of symptoms that can include dry mouth, sinus pressure, and difficulty sleeping.
Recovering from Septoplasty
Following their breathing correction procedure, patients will be monitored in the recovery suite until they are fully alert and able to be discharged. There will be a gauze bandage secured under the nose to collect the fluid that will drain for the first 24 to 36 hours. This will need to be changed frequently and patients are instructed in the procedure. It is advisable to keep the head elevated for the first few days, even when sleeping. This will help with swelling. There may be swelling in the cheeks or around the nose for a few days but the use of cold packs will minimize this. Be sure to finish any prescribed antibiotics or other medications to avoid infection.
His experience as a double board-certified plastic and general surgeon enables him to improve virtually any septum-related issue, which will in turn greatly improve the quality of life. Restricted breathing is not only annoying, but it is also a health issue that can contribute to more serious problems if left untreated.
Please call today to book your initial consultation with Dr. Brenner. Restore your ability to take a deep breath, play sports and sleep soundly.
Learn more about Dr. Brenner’s rhinoplasty procedures
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty addresses patients who have previously undergone nose surgery but didn't obtain the results they desired.
Ethnic rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty is for ethnic patients who desire nose surgery to fix aesthetic issues, while still maintaining their cultural look.
Primary rhinoplasty
Primary rhinoplasty, also known simply as "rhinoplasty", is nose surgery to address aesthetic issues of the nose, though can be combined with functional nose surgery.
Learn More About Dr. Brenner
- Renowned Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
- Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon
- Board-certified general surgeon
Is septoplasty covered by insurance?
When septoplasty is performed to correct a documented breathing obstruction, it is often considered medically necessary and may be covered by a patient’s health plan. Coverage depends on the individual policy and on the findings of the nasal exam. Insurers commonly look for evidence of a structural blockage and for symptoms that have not improved with other treatment. Any portion of surgery intended to change the appearance of the nose is typically considered cosmetic and is not covered. The team at Kevin Brenner MD can help patients understand what to expect and what documentation their insurance carrier may request before surgery is scheduled.
How long is the recovery after septoplasty, and when can I return to work and exercise?
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Many patients return to desk work within about a week, once drainage has settled and they feel comfortable. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and contact sports are usually restricted for several weeks so the septum can heal properly. Swelling inside the nose often takes longer to resolve than the swelling that can be seen, so breathing may continue to improve over the weeks and months that follow. Dr. Kevin Brenner provides each patient with personalized guidelines for returning to normal activities based on their procedure and how they are healing.
How do I know if my breathing problem is caused by a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse?
These three conditions can feel very similar, with nasal congestion, a persistently blocked side, or difficulty breathing during sleep and exercise, yet each requires a different approach. A deviated septum is a shift in the wall dividing the nostrils. Enlarged turbinates are swollen tissues along the sidewalls of the nose, and internal nasal valve collapse is a narrowing or weakness at the narrowest point of the nasal airway. Many patients have more than one. During the consultation, Dr. Brenner carefully evaluates the nose to determine what is contributing to the obstruction, so that treatment addresses the true cause of the problem rather than only one part of it.
Can septoplasty be combined with rhinoplasty, and will it change the way my nose looks?
Septoplasty is typically performed endonasally and is intended to improve breathing, not to change the outward appearance of the nose. Many patients, however, wish to address function and appearance at the same time, and the two can be combined in a single procedure with one recovery period. As a double board-certified plastic and general surgeon, Dr. Brenner can evaluate both the form and function of the nose and tailor the surgical plan to each patient’s goals. If you are considering a combined approach, be sure to mention this at your Beverly Hills consultation, as it affects both the surgical plan and what insurance may cover.
Can septoplasty help with snoring and sleep problems?
Often, yes. When a deviated septum or other structural blockage makes it hard to move air through the nose, patients may breathe through their mouths at night, which can lead to snoring, loud breathing, and dry mouth. Correcting the obstruction can make nasal breathing easier during sleep, and many patients notice better rest as a result. Snoring has several possible causes, though, and septoplasty is not a treatment for sleep apnea, so results depend on what is contributing to the problem. During a consultation at Kevin Brenner MD, Dr. Brenner evaluates the nose to determine whether a structural issue is playing a role. Patients who suspect a sleep disorder may also be advised to see a sleep specialist.
