Manhattan nasal breathing surgery
Breathe easier with nasal surgery
Dr. Michael Bassiri-Tehrani specializes in functional rhinoplasty designed to improve airflow and restore natural, comfortable breathing.
Whether it’s due to a deviated septum or other structural issues, this nasal surgical procedure can help you breathe better and feel more energized, while also enhancing your quality of life.
What is functional rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty, also known as septoplasty, is designed to correct structural issues within the nose that can obstruct airflow.
Common causes of breathing problems include a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or collapsed nasal passages. These issues can lead to chronic congestion, snoring, or difficulty breathing during physical activity.
During the procedure, Dr. Michael Bassiri-Tehrani will carefully adjust the internal structures of the nose to improve airflow while preserving—or enhancing—the external appearance. This precise approach not only helps you breathe more easily but can also reduce issues like sinus infections and sleep disturbances caused by poor nasal airflow.
Dr. Bassiri and our team focus on creating functional improvements with a natural look, ensuring you achieve both relief and a balanced, aesthetically pleasing outcome.
What issues does functional rhinoplasty address?
Functional rhinoplasty addresses a variety of structural issues that can block or limit airflow through the nose. Some of the most common problems include:
- Deviated septum: This condition is where the nasal septum, the wall dividing the nostrils, is off-center or crooked, making it difficult to breathe through one or both sides of the nose.
- Enlarged turbinates: The turbinates are structures inside the nose that help warm and humidify the air. When they become enlarged, they can obstruct airflow and contribute to chronic congestion.
- Nasal valve collapse: This occurs when the sidewalls of the nose collapse inward, especially during deep breaths, restricting airflow.
- Nasal polyps: These non-cancerous growths in the nasal passages can block airflow and contribute to chronic sinus problems.
By addressing these and other structural issues, functional rhinoplasty can restore proper airflow, improve breathing, and reduce associated issues like sinus infections, sleep problems, and snoring.
Types of nasal breathing surgeries
There are several surgical options available to improve nasal airflow, each tailored to address specific issues affecting your breathing.
Dr. Michael Bassiri-Tehrani offers a range of procedures designed to correct structural problems while maintaining a natural, balanced appearance.
Here are some of the most common types of nasal surgeries we perform to help you breathe easier.
Functional rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty is a specialized procedure designed to improve nasal function by addressing structural issues that impact breathing, like a deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves, or other obstructions that limit airflow. The goal is to enhance your ability to breathe comfortably while maintaining or refining the natural shape of your nose.
While the primary focus of functional rhinoplasty is to correct breathing issues, it often results in an improved aesthetic appearance as well. The procedure can be customized to enhance the external shape of the nose while ensuring functional improvements, giving patients both relief and a balanced, natural look.
Recovery typically involves mild swelling and bruising, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a week or two.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum, one of the most common causes of nasal breathing problems. When the septum is misaligned or off-center, it can block airflow, making it difficult to breathe through one or both nostrils. Septoplasty straightens the septum, improving airflow and helping you breathe more easily.
During the procedure, your surgeon will make small incisions inside the nose to access the septum. The deviated portions of cartilage and bone are then adjusted, reshaped, or removed to open up the nasal passages. Since the incisions are made inside the nose, there are no visible scars, and the recovery is generally straightforward with minimal discomfort.
Septoplasty is often performed as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia, and most patients can return home the same day. Recovery typically involves some swelling and mild congestion, which subsides over a few days to a week. Many patients notice a significant improvement in their breathing once the initial swelling reduces.
In addition to improving airflow, septoplasty can also alleviate related symptoms such as snoring, frequent sinus infections, and nasal congestion. The procedure focuses on function rather than aesthetics, but in some cases, it can be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty to enhance both the appearance and function of the nose.
Nasal valve repair
Nasal valve repair is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting nasal valve collapse, one of the primary causes of obstructed airflow in the nose. The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal passage, and when it collapses, especially during deep inhalation, it can cause difficulty breathing. Nasal valve repair strengthens the structural support of this area to restore proper airflow.
During the procedure, your surgeon may use cartilage grafts to reinforce the nasal valve and prevent it from collapsing. This is done through small, discreet incisions, typically inside the nose, so there are no visible scars. The procedure is highly effective in treating nasal valve collapse and improving overall breathing function.
Recovery from nasal valve repair is relatively quick, with most patients experiencing minimal swelling and discomfort. You can expect to return to normal activities within a week, and the improvements in breathing are often noticeable shortly after the procedure.
Inferior turbinate reduction
Inferior turbinate reduction is a procedure designed to decrease the size of the turbinates—structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify the air you breathe.
When the inferior turbinates become enlarged, often due to allergies or chronic inflammation, they can obstruct airflow and cause persistent nasal congestion. Turbinate reduction helps open the nasal passages, allowing for easier and more comfortable breathing.
The procedure can be performed using various techniques, such as radiofrequency energy, laser, or surgical removal of excess tissue. The goal is to reduce the size of the turbinates while preserving their function. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
Recovery from inferior turbinate reduction is usually quick, with most patients experiencing mild congestion and swelling for a few days. As the healing process progresses, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your ability to breathe through your nose, and relief from chronic nasal congestion.
Preservation rhinoplasty
Preservation rhinoplasty is an advanced surgical technique designed to reshape the nose while maintaining as much of the nose’s natural structure as possible.
Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, which often involves removing and reshaping cartilage and bone, preservation rhinoplasty focuses on conserving key elements of the nose to ensure a more natural look and smoother recovery. This technique is ideal for individuals seeking subtle improvements in nasal shape without compromising the nose’s natural architecture.
The procedure typically involves refining the nasal bridge, adjusting the tip, or correcting breathing issues, all while preserving the dorsal lines and maintaining the natural contour of the nose. By preserving the original framework, the risk of visible irregularities or long-term complications is minimized, resulting in a more stable, long-lasting outcome.
Recovery from preservation rhinoplasty is generally faster and involves less swelling and bruising than traditional rhinoplasty. Patients often appreciate the natural-looking results and quicker return to normal activities, making this approach a preferred option for those looking for a refined yet subtle enhancement to both function and appearance.
Is functional rhinoplasty right for you?
If you’ve experienced long-term breathing issues that haven’t improved with non-surgical treatments, such as medications or nasal sprays, surgery may be the best solution.
Functional rhinoplasty is ideal for individuals who suffer from chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, or conditions like a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or enlarged turbinates.
Good candidates are typically in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. Whether you struggle with disrupted sleep, difficulty breathing during physical activity, or frequent sinus infections due to poor airflow, functional rhinoplasty can provide lasting relief and significantly improve your quality of life.
A consultation with your surgeon will determine if functional rhinoplasty is the right option for you. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and nasal structure to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.
