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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Reasons 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 Beverly Hills 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.

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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. Fortunately, Dr. Brenner can effectively deliver some of the finest deviated septum surgery Los Angeles & Beverly Hills have to offer.

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.

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Recovering from functional rhinoplasty

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 medication to avoid infection.

Dr. Brenner is a functional rhinoplasty specialist in Los Angeles. 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 quality of life. Restricted breathing is not only annoying, it is a health issue that can contribute to more serious problems if left untreated.

Please call today to book your initial consultation with Dr. Brenner who delivers among the best septoplasty Beverly Hills and Los Angeles have to offer. Restore your ability to take a deep breath, play sports and sleep soundly.

Turbinate reduction

The turbinates are the structures on the inside of your airway that moisten and warm up the environmental air as you breathe in through your nose. They are comprised of a piece of bone encased with a mucosal lining. The turbinates can become enlarged and/or irritated in people who have environmental allergies.

They also can become deformed alone or in conjunction with deviation of the nasal septum. Although nasal sprays can control many patients’ nasal symptoms, some patient will require either reduction or partial removal of their nasal turbinates. This procedure can frequently improve nasal airway obstruction.

Correction of internal nasal valve collapse

The internal nasal valve is the space that exists in between the septum and the upper lateral cartilages. It is not uncommon that the upper lateral cartilages collapse and situate too close to the nasal septum. This most commonly occurs as a long term effect of previous nasal surgery. However, it can also occur in the traumatized or even the un-operated nose. Correction of internal nasal valve collapse is possible utilizing small cartilage grafts known as spreader grafts. When placed in between the septum and upper lateral cartilages, they serve to keep the upper lateral cartilages situated away from the septum, thus significantly opening up the airway.

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Renowned Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon
Board-certified general surgeon