Functional Rhinoplasty

External Anatomy of Nose

  • Nasal Bones
  • Upper Lateral Cartilages
  • Lower Lateral Cartilages
  • Nasal Septum/Columella
  • Soft Tissue Envelope (Skin and Muscle)

Internal Anatomy

  • Nasal Septum
  • MIddle and Inferior Turbinates
  • Sinus Drainage Pathways for the (Maxillary, Ethmoid, & Frontal Sinuses)

Internal Nasal Valve

  • Formed by the junction of the Nasal Septum and the Upper Lateral Cartilages 
  • Narrowest portion of the Nasal Airway
  • Normal valve angle 10-15 degrees


External Nasal Valve

  • Inferior to the Internal Nasal Valve
  • Lateral border: Nasal Ala
  • Medial border: Septum and Columella
  • Common area of "sidewall collapse" on inspiration 

Anatomic Nasal Obstruction Symptoms

  • Consistent Difficulty Breathing through one or both nostrils
  • Need for external devices (Breathe Right Strips) to sleep
  • Fails to improve with topical application of medications

Surgical Treatment

Goals:

  1. Remove anatomic obstructions
  2. Straighten the Deviated Septum
  3. Prevent Internal and External Valve Collapse
  4. Strengthen the nasal framework