What is the Difference Between a Functional and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?

While facelifts defy aging and botox stops wrinkles in their tracks, rhinoplasty can improve breathing and the face’s balance in one procedure. At Cornerstone Plastic Surgery, Dr. Coville performs rhinoplasty for patients looking to enhance their appearance and those looking to correct medical situations. 

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is the surgical reshaping of the nose’s cartilage, bone, and soft tissue for cosmetic or medical purposes. It is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures as it can help balance the face with one procedure.

Rhinoplasty can change the shape of the nose’s tip or bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip. Often performed under anesthesia, rhinoplasty typically takes 1-2 hours. 

What is Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is the choice to change the nose’s appearance for aesthetic reasons. Whether your nose is crooked, too big, or too small, rhinoplasty can reshape, resize, and conceal humps or bumps. A nose job cannot change your appearance entirely but improves the look for a more pleasing complexion. 

Cosmetic rhinoplasty can boost your confidence in your appearance and improve your quality of life. Before considering cosmetic rhinoplasty, Dr. Coville looks at his patient’s age for physical and emotional safety. Teenagers may need to wait until they stop growing. Dr. Coville does not perform rhinoplasties at a parent’s wishes, putting his patient’s needs above all else. 

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is more likely to have external bruising as it focuses on the outer part of the nose. 

What is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty is a nose job for medical purposes. Some people struggle with breathing problems or sinus concerns due to genetics, an accident, or even intense allergies. In some cases, functional rhinoplasty can be covered wholly or partially by insurance. 

Common reasons for functional rhinoplasty are deviated septum (narrow or crooked nasal passageway), strengthening the sidewalls that could collapse and hinder airflow, and swollen turbinates (structures in the nose that cleans and humidifies the air going to the lungs). Functional rhinoplasty can improve a person’s health and confidence through internal changes to the nose. 

Functional rhinoplasty and cosmetic rhinoplasty both have swelling, but functional may have less external bruising due to focusing on the internal part of the nose. 

Functional VS Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

While they are different in their reasons, both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty can improve your life by boosting your confidence and aiding your health. The best candidates for rhinoplasty have realistic expectations and are in good overall health. 

Patients who receive rhinoplasty can expect better facial balance and wellbeing overall.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to learn more about rhinoplasty? Schedule a consultation with Cornerstone Plastic Surgery using the form below by calling 609-957-5652 to learn more!

Cornerstone Plastic Surgery has two premier locations in Linwood and Tom’s River, NJ.

Related Posts