Can Rhinoplasty Fix Sinus Problems? Many people around the world suffer from chronic sinus problems which is the cause for frequent visits to the doctor and taking pills most of the year. But instead of taking medication indefinitely all your problems can be solved by a surgery called functional rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty or nose job is one of the most common surgeries done around the world. In most cases it’s done for cosmetic reasons to modify the shape of the nose but it can have other purposes such as improving the nasal structure for better airflow and reducing nasal congestion which can lead to sinusitis. If you want to know more about this subject, stay with us through the end of this article. In this article we will discuss:
- What are the symptoms of sinus problems?
- What causes these symptoms?
- What are the treatment options for sinus problems?
- What is functional rhinoplasty?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the symptoms of sinus problems?
Symptoms of sinus problems include headache or facial pain, runny nose and nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, dry mouth, breathing through your mouth, frequent sinus infections or trouble sleeping. If these issues aren’t treated properly, they can progress and lead to more serious health issues, such as heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
What causes these symptoms?
One of the most common causes is a condition called deviated septum. The septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage which divides the left and right nostril. The septum can be misaligned, crooked, or off-center which can cause sinus infection, facial pain, nasal congestion, headaches and nosebleeds. The procedure to correct this condition is called septoplasty.
Nasal polyps are another cause of breathing difficulties. Polyps are benign painless soft growths that can develop inside the nasal cavities or sinuses. They can cause nasal congestion, runny nose and loss of smell. Smaller polyps can be treated with medication, but the larger ones may need rhinoplasty.
Another reason for nasal obstruction is enlargement of the turbinates, which are the three shelves of bone in the outer wall of the nasal cavity. Their function is to moisten, warm and filter the air as it is breathed in. These turbinates (usually the middle or lower ones) may develop internal air pockets, causing them to swell and obstruct the airways. Because they have an important function, not all the turbinates will be removed, but rhinoplasty can be used to reduce the turbinates or remove part of them. This will lead to significant improvement in breathing.
What are the treatment options for sinus problems?
Can rhinoplasty fix sinus? The treatment depends on the severity, length and the underlying cause of the sinus problem. For bacterial infections, the first line of treatment is antibiotics but anti-inflammatory medications can also be prescribed to reduce the swelling.
For chronic conditions such as nasal congestions, decongestants are a common treatment option along with saline sprays or rinses.
When medical and non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery is recommended.
What are sinus surgery types?
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and Balloon sinuplasty are the most common type of sinus surgeries. Both of these surgeries are considered minimally invasive and increase the passageway to your sinuses.
In FESS procedure endoscopes are used as guides so the surgeon can remove bone or infected tissues which are trapped inside the sinuses. Therefore drainage passages between the nose and sinuses are widened.
In Balloon sinuplasty the surgeon uses an endoscope and catheter to guide a small balloon into the nose. Then the balloon will be inflated to increase the passageway to the sinuses.
Another type of sinus surgery is Caldwell Luc surgery which is a more invasive procedure and it’s done by making a new opening from the maxillary sinus (the sinus cavity behind the cheek) to the nose so there is a new way for mucus to drain from the sinus cavities.
But there is another type of surgery that can help with sinus problems and it’s called functional rhinoplasty.
What is functional rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty enhances nasal breathing by modifying nasal structures for example widening the nostrils for better airflow or removing scar tissue from prior injuries or infections. Functional rhinoplasty improves nasal function without changing the external shape of the nose. While a cosmetic rhinoplasty changes the nose’s shape without dealing with functionality. Many patients choose to merge the two procedures to achieve both goals; optimal function and desirable shape of the nose. This combination improves healing time and ensures a better outcome, because the form and function of your nose are very closely related. If you are considering doing this procedure, first you have to discus with your physician about whether you are a good candidate or not.Â
Can Rhinoplasty Fix Sinus?
In conclusion, if you are suffering from chronic sinus problems, functional rhinoplasty can be a permanent solution for you and for this purpose it’s better to be done by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist but it could also be done by a plastic surgeon. You can also combine the functional rhinoplasty with cosmetic rhinoplasty so you can have your desired nose shape.
Mediranco Health Tourism Company works with the best ENT specialists and plastic surgeons in Iran. Through Mediranco Health Tourism Company you can make an appointment with them and discus about your problem and whether rhinoplasty is a good choice for you. All you need to do is contact our support team.Â
