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Alleviate Nasal Congestion
& Breathe Freely

Functional nasal surgery is a specialized procedure to correct structural abnormalities in your nasal passages that obstruct airflow and impede proper breathing. This surgery targets issues like a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse, which can lead to chronic congestion, snoring, and sleep disturbances. By addressing these underlying problems, functional nasal surgery aims to improve your nasal function and overall quality of life.

Your surgeon will carefully assess your nasal anatomy and tailor the surgical approach to your specific needs. Techniques may include functional rhinoplasty to straighten a deviated septum, turbinate reduction to alleviate congestion, and nasal vestibular stenosis repair. Functional nasal surgery is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, resulting in reduced discomfort and faster recovery. Following functional nasal surgery in Anchorage, you can expect significant improvements in breathing.

Doctor doing an examination for functional nasal surgery in Anchorage.

Functional Nasal Surgery Treats:

  • Deviated septum
  • Enlarged turbinates
  • Nasal valve collapse
  • Chronic congestion
  • Sleep disturbances and snoring
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Recurrent sinus infections
  • Nasal polyps

Common Types of Functional Nasal Surgery

Nasal Vestibular Stenosis Repair

Nasal vestibular stenosis repair is a surgical procedure to address a narrowed nasal vestibule, the area just inside your nostrils. This condition can lead to difficulty breathing through your nose due to obstruction. During the procedure, your surgeon may employ various techniques, such as cartilage grafting or tissue rearrangement, to widen the nasal vestibule and improve airflow. Nasal vestibular stenosis repair can significantly enhance your ability to breathe freely, reduce nasal congestion, and enhance overall nasal function.

Turbinate Reduction

Turbinate reduction is a surgical procedure that alleviates nasal congestion and improves airflow by reducing the size of the nasal turbinates, structures inside your nose that help humidify and filter the air you breathe. During the procedure, your surgeon may use various techniques, such as submucosal resection or turbinate outfracture, to shrink or remove a portion of the turbinate tissue. By reducing the size of the turbinates, turbinate reduction can effectively relieve nasal congestion, enhance breathing, and promote overall nasal comfort.

Septal Perforation Repair

Septal perforation repair is a functional nasal surgery in Anchorage to close or repair a hole or perforation in the nasal septum, the thin wall separating your nasal passages. These perforations can result from various causes, including trauma, surgery, or chronic inflammation. During the procedure, your surgeon may use techniques such as local tissue flaps or grafts to close the perforation and restore the integrity of the septum. Septal perforation repair can help alleviate symptoms such as nasal crusting, bleeding, and discomfort.

Rhinoplasty for Medical Reasons

Rhinoplasty for medical reasons, also known as functional rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting structural issues within your nose to improve breathing and overall nasal function. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which focuses on altering the appearance of the nose, medical rhinoplasty addresses concerns such as a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or enlarged turbinates, which may hinder your ability to breathe through your nose. Rhinoplasty can enhance airflow, alleviate congestion, and improve your quality of life.

Advantages of Functional Nasal Surgery:

  • Improved nasal airflow
  • Enhanced quality of sleep
  • Alleviation of chronic nasal congestion
  • Decreased frequency of sinus infections
  • Better response to nasal allergy treatments
  • Enhanced overall quality of life
  • Minimally invasive techniques available
  • Faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery

If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate for functional nasal surgery in Anchorage, contact our office to schedule your personalized consultation.

Functional Nasal Surgery FAQs

How do I know if I need functional nasal surgery?

If you experience persistent nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through your nose, chronic snoring, or sleep disturbances, you may benefit from functional nasal surgery. Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with conditions such as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse, your surgeon may recommend functional nasal surgery to improve your nasal function.

Is functional nasal surgery painful?

You will be under general anesthesia during the surgery, so you won’t feel any pain. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and congestion in the nose. Your surgeon will provide pain medication and instructions on how to manage these symptoms to ensure your comfort during the recovery process.

What is the recovery process like after functional nasal surgery?

Recovery from functional nasal surgery in Anchorage varies from person to person but typically involves a few days of rest at home. During the first week or two after surgery, you may experience swelling, congestion, and mild discomfort. Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions, including how to care for your nose, manage pain, and when to follow up for a post-operative visit. Most people can resume normal activities within a week or two, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks.

How long does it take to see the results of functional nasal surgery?

You may notice some immediate improvement in your breathing after functional nasal surgery, but it can take several weeks to months for the full results to become apparent. As swelling subsides and the nasal tissues heal, you should experience enhanced nasal airflow.

Will I need to take time off work or school for functional nasal surgery?

Most people will need to take a few days to a week off work or school to recover from functional nasal surgery in Anchorage, depending on the extent of the procedure and your individual healing process. Your surgeon will provide guidance on when it’s safe to resume normal activities.

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Alaska Facial Plastic Surgery and ENT is proud to offer specialized care for functional nasal surgery. Our team stands out as the only practice in Alaska with doctors trained in three combined fellowships: facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, advanced head and neck oncology, and rhinology/skullbase surgery. Dr. Sansoni, our fellowship-trained sinus surgeon, leads our efforts to ensure exceptional outcomes. Schedule your consultation today to explore how functional nasal surgery can improve your nasal function and overall quality of life.

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