How to solve functional and aesthetic nasal deformities

The concept of nasal deformities encompasses those abnormalities that alter nasal function or aesthetics. Many of the patients that go to an otolaryngologist refer to both problems ie they breathe badly through the nose and also notice an aesthetic deformity. It is also frequent to meet the patient who comes with a nasal breathing problem and during the consultation are seen aesthetic alterations that must also be corrected to improve the function. Therefore, function and aesthetics in the nasal organ are intimately related and it is difficult to approach them independently.

The importance of diagnosis in nasal deformities

During the consultation with the surgeon it is important to establish an accurate diagnosis, for this we must determine what is the problem that prevents proper nasal breathing and what are the aesthetic deformities that the patient wishes to correct. It is essential, therefore, to perform a correct exploration inside and outside the entire nasal organ.

Exploration of the nasal interior is performed by a fibroscope , consisting of a camera coupled to a flexible optical fiber, designed for the exploration of the entire upper airway. With this we determine if there is any mechanical obstruction or if the nose collapses during respiration. For the external exploration of the nose we will use our own expert vision, obtaining photographs and palpation.

Nevertheless they establish a diagnosis on the problems of function and aesthetics. From here, we will discuss with the patient what should be treated, the surgical techniques that we should apply and which approach we will use. In these years patients are looking for a natural result, ie, the nose is not operated and that harmonizes with the rest of their facial features.

Types of functional and aesthetic nasal deformities

If we talk about aesthetic alterations, we should divide roughly whether there is a problem of excess or defect of the back, if the nasal tip is deformed or asymmetric and if the nose is deviated laterally. In this way and in a simple way we can study and explain the aesthetic alterations of a nose so that the patient can understand it. Of course there is an added functional problem that must be addressed in the same intervention.

It is important to emphasize that a nose should not be operated without an exhaustive analysis of the nasal interior and exterior, since certain maneuvers on nasal esthetics, if the interior is not properly explored, can have negative repercussions on its function.

Causes of functional and aesthetic nasal deformities

In some cases, the nasal alterations are part of the normal development of the people and it is normal that the form of the nose of the parents is inherited. On the contrary, other deformities are acquired, and in practice, the majority are secondary to trauma following traffic accidents or sports accidents.

Rhinoplasty: the definitive treatment for nasal deformities

The only long-term, definitive system for treating nasal deformities is surgery. Despite this, there are currently certain substances that can be infiltrated under the skin to modify the nasal contour, although the results are inconsistent over time and therefore the results are unpredictable.

Current interventions are not too painful or traumatic. The surgery should be individualized for each patient because there are no two noses the same, but on average one surgery should last an hour and a half or two hours in the event that we are talking about functional and aesthetic surgery. The times tend to be longer in more complex cases such as in cases where the patient has previously been operated on or a history of complex trauma. In most cases, the patient can be discharged to their home the same day of the intervention. The results of the surgery are definitive in 3 or 4 months.

Consequences of untreated nasal deformities

A nasal breathing problem, it is normal that with time and age worsens, as the tissues lose consistency and a patient who as a young man does not breathe well through the nose will see this function worsened over the years. Occasionally can influence in the onset of a sleep apnea syndrome, more complex to treat and that can have more serious consequences in the long term.

Aesthetic alterations are consistent over time and natural aging will be affected as well as the rest of the structures of the face.

How much does a rhinoplasty cost?

The total cost of surgery with Hospital and Surgeon expenses is considered independently for each patient. It will depend on the complexity of the case to be treated, since the surgical time will be extended especially when in the case of noses previously operated or with multiple deformities that require more complex techniques. The average cost of a surgery should be around 3000 Euros.