Procedure
Functional rhinoplasty
When the nose does not breathe as it should, and the pyramid is crooked or bothers by its shape, the procedures can be planned together — if the findings allow it.
What is assessed
Deviation of the septum, the internal and external nasal valve, the turbinates, the outer shape and the skin. Difficult breathing is not always “the septum’s fault”. A narrow valve, a collapsed bridge or an overly reduced tip can close the nose even when the septum is straight.
An aesthetic request must not compromise breathing. If the plan narrows the nose more than the anatomy will carry, that is not a good plan — it is said at the examination.
Septoplasty or rhinoplasty
If the problem is only the septum, the solution may be septoplasty without changing the outer nose. That is not a hidden rhinoplasty and must not be sold as one. The outer shape remains; breathing is improved. Septoplasty alone, FESS and the sinuses are not covered by this site — that is on the physician’s profile. Surgeon profile
A crooked nose (deviation of the pyramid) is rarely “only the septum”. The outer axis and the inner septum are often corrected in the same sitting, otherwise air still breaks against a crooked geometry.
Functional rhinoplasty enters when breathing also depends on the outer structures — or when the patient wants another shape as well as breathing. Then a primary plan is made or, if the nose has already been operated on, a revision plan, with function in the same procedure. Primary rhinoplasty · Revision rhinoplasty
Valves and turbinates
The internal valve is the narrowest place in the nose. If the bridge is narrowed too far or too much cartilage is removed, breathing worsens even though the septum is “straight”. The external valve (the alae) collapses on inspiration if support is weak. Both are seen on examination, not only on a CT scan.
Hypertrophic turbinates are reduced when they obstruct flow. They are not removed “to the end” — a dry, empty nostril is a worse outcome than a slightly wider one. Function and shape here are not two menus; the same incision can repair them or spoil them.
Rhinoseptoplasty
A combination of septal correction and the shape of the nose under one anaesthetic. The patient goes through one recovery, not two. Suitability is not assumed — it is confirmed by examination, endoscopy and, when needed, a CT scan. Recovery
The cost outline follows the scope, not the name. A procedure that touches the septum, the valves and the bridge is not the same figure as septoplasty alone — see rhinoplasty fees. Fees
What to bring to the examination
A list of medicines, an earlier CT scan if you have one, and a clear description: at night, on exertion, one-sided or both sides, since when. Allergy and blood-pressure medicines (especially vasoconstrictors in a spray) change the picture. A long-used spray can close the nose by itself — that must be separated from the anatomy before the procedure.
Sinuses
Chronic sinusitis, polyps and FESS are not the subject of this page. Seek those procedures and examinations on the physician’s profile. Surgeon profile
Common questions
What is the difference between septoplasty and functional rhinoplasty?
Septoplasty corrects the septum and aims at breathing, without intending to change the outer nose. Functional rhinoplasty works on the structures that breathe and, when indicated, on the outer shape — valves, turbinates, dorsum, tip.
Is correction of the septum part of functional rhinoplasty?
Yes, if the findings allow it. That is called rhinoseptoplasty: one anaesthetic, one recovery. Suitability is confirmed at the examination, not by assumption.
Does septoplasty change the appearance of the nose?
As a rule no, and it must not be a hidden rhinoplasty. If you also want a different shape, that is planned openly as a combined procedure.
Is a CT scan needed before functional rhinoplasty?
Not always. Endoscopy and the examination often suffice. A CT scan is requested when the bony septum, the turbinates or another cause of obstructed breathing need to be seen.
Does rhinoplasty resolve sinusitis?
No. Chronic sinusitis, polyps and FESS are not this page. Look for those procedures on the surgeon's profile.
Can a crooked nose and breathing be treated together?
Yes, if the findings allow it. A crooked pyramid often goes with a septal deviation. That is rhinoseptoplasty — one anaesthetic, one recovery — not two separate procedures by default.
This website is for information only and does not replace a medical examination, diagnosis or advice. Any decision about surgery is made after an in-person assessment and a discussion of expected outcomes, possible complications and alternatives. In an emergency, contact emergency medical services or call 194 or 112.