Functional rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty: Improving nasal function beyond septal and turbinate surgery

Abstract

Nasal obstruction is one of the most frequent complaints in general otorhinolaryngology practice. Different structures have a role in maintaining an adequate nasal breathing func- tion, including the septum, turbinates, lateral sidewalls and nasal alae. Surgery of the nasal septum and inferior turbinates are the most commonly performed procedures and, although effective in most cases, occasionally other nasal structures must be intervened to correctly address the sites of obstruction. The term “functional rhinoplasty” has been coined for sur- gery of the external and internal nasal valves, nasal tip and/or bony pyramid, with prima- rily functional objectives. Given the importance of these structures for restoring an adequate static and dynamic nasal patency, diagnosis and management of these conditions must be dominion of the otorhinolaryngologist.