Facial plastic surgery is a good way to remove wrinkles and give your face a more youthful look. But it has many functional uses, too, including helping you breathe easier when medicine isn’t enough. “At CEENTA, we offer many procedures to improve nasal function based on each patient’s individual problems,” CEENTA Otolaryngologist F. Brian Gibson, MD, FACS, said. “Our specialists are trained in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of nasal treatment, and tailor treatments to address pathology in any part of the nasal anatomy.” Rhinoplasty While many people think of rhinoplasties, or “nose jobs,” as being a cosmetic procedure, rhinoplasties can be very useful in helping you breathe easier. Sometimes people will have an internal deformity that blocks normal breathing or causes headaches and repeated sinus infections. In these cases, rhinoplasties are very beneficial. Rhinoplasties usually aren’t performed until a patient’s nose is fully grown. For females this is around age 15 or 16, in males it’s 17 or 18. Prior to a rhinoplasty, your doctor will do a complete facial analysis, and will base your surgery not just on your needs but also on criteria like your gender, age, skin thickness, and complexion. Depending on your nasal deformity and general health, the surgery will either be performed in CEENTA’s surgery suite or in a hospital. You will get either general anesthetic or local anesthetic with intravenous sedation. You will need to arrive several hours before your procedure begins, and the operation usually lasts 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours. You will be able to return to work or school after one week, but you shouldn’t exert yourself for two weeks. You should also not play any contact sports for two months. Generally, patients do not have any visible scars. Septoplasty A deviated septum is another problem that can be fixed with plastic surgery. A deviated septum is when the wall between your nostrils is off-center or crooked. This can cause difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, sinus infections, nosebleeds, sleep problems, headaches, and post-nasal drip. People can either be born with a deviated septum or it can be caused by an injury. While some deviated septums can be treated with medicine, others need a surgical procedure called a septoplasty. A septoplasty is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure in which the bone and cartilage is repositioned and straightened. It can be combined with sinus surgery or a rhinoplasty. It can be performed with either a local anesthesia and IV sedation, or a general anesthesia if necessary. No facial swelling or bruising is expected. Some patients have mild postoperative congestion, which can be treated with nasal spray. Patients can return to normal activity within 24 hours. At CEENTA, many of our ENT doctors are specially trained in these functional plastic surgery techniques. That means they don’t just know how to perform plastic surgery, but they are also familiar with every aspect of the nose, ensuring your care is in the hands of professionals. This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. To make an appointment with an ENT physician and learn if either of these procedures is right for you, call 704-295-3000.
