Functional Rhinoplasty

Functional Rhinoplasty in Chicago by Dr. Jay Dutton

Besides Cosmetic Rhinoplasty, Dr. Jay Dutton also performs Functional Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to improve breathing and reconstruct any abnormalities or injuries of the nose. Of course, Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty can be performed simultaneously to improve both the nose’s function and appearance. The nose’s outer shape can sometimes affect breathing, so reshaping may be necessary to correct functional problems.

To learn more about functional rhinoplasty, contact us today to schedule a consultation in one of convenient locations.

Dr. Dutton, founder and director of the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago, is one of the foremost rhinoplasty surgeons and sinus surgery experts in the country and the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles on the subject. As former Chief of Rhinology/ Facial Plastic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center, he has extensive specialty training and experience in even the most complex types of functional nasal surgery.

Dr. Dutton is well-versed in the latest surgical techniques for correcting a wide variety of issues that affect the nose. He is double-board-certified in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Rhinologic Society, and Chicago Laryngologic & Otologic Society.

Functional Rhinoplasty Benefits

Benefits of Functional Rhinoplasty include

  • Correct a deviated septum
  • Reduce nasal obstructions
  • Improve sense of smell
  • Improve sleep apnea
  • Correct nasal valve collapse
  • Correct injuries and abnormalities of the nose

Other benefits include resolving nasal congestion, dry mouth, mouth breathing, repeated sinus infections, and sinus headaches.

Read more about Sinus Surgery and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty.

The Functional Rhinoplasty Procedure

Functional rhinoplasty is a highly individualized surgery. An expert in the field is required to provide you with a safe and effective result. Dr. Dutton will evaluate your case and devise a surgical plan to improve breathing and health, as well as your appearance if you choose.

Surgery for a deviated septum is called Nasal Septoplasty. Read more about it on our Sinus Surgery page. Nasal polyp removal is another standard procedure, as well as correction of nasal valve collapse.

In most cases, incisions can be concealed so that there are minimally visible scars. The majority of Functional Rhinoplasty procedures are outpatient, but it depends on your particular case. You may be under general anesthesia during your surgery or a local anesthetic with intravenous sedation.

Dr. Dutton will provide all of the details you need to know to fully understand your surgical plan and what you can expect during and after your surgery.

Turbinate surgery

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Dr. Dutton rarely uses nasal packing. After your nasal surgery, Dr. Dutton may need to tape a nasal splint to your nose externally to support any altered bone and cartilage structures. He typically employs splints for the internal nose. You will be able to breathe through these splints, and they are removed within a week.

Stitches inside the nose will dissolve on their own. If any external incisions are necessary, Dr. Dutton will remove them as soon as possible after your surgery.

While most patients take one to two weeks off for recovery after functional rhinoplasty, you may require additional time if your procedure was particularly extensive. Bruising, soreness, and intermittent bleeding are to be expected for at least a week or two.

Dr. Dutton and his staff at the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago will give you detailed after-care instructions. You will see him for follow-up appointments to ensure that your healing is going as planned.

In the hands of Dr. Dutton, rhinoplasty is a very safe procedure. He has performed countless successful nasal surgeries using today’s most advanced techniques.

If you have chronic breathing problems, contact Dr. Dutton’s office today for Rhinoplasty in the Chicago / Oak Brook / DuPage County, Illinois area.

Relevant Articles on Functional Rhinoplasty:

The History of Rhinoplasty: Then and Now

New Technologies in Rhinoplasty Make Nasal Surgery Easier

Podcast with eHealth Radio—The Advantages of Minimally Invasive Rhinoplasty

Revision Rhinoplasty

Dr. Dutton’s New Technology Makes Sinus Surgery Recovery Easier

Minimally Invasive, No Recovery

If you are looking for the latest functional rhinoplasty techniques to open nasal passages and increase airflow, Dr. Dutton may have what you need.  He offers three minimally invasive treatments that are effective and require no downtime. He is the only surgeon in Chicago that provides all three: Z-plasty, nasal valve coblation, and Spirox Latera.

A common cause of nasal obstruction is a nasal valve collapse. A new approach to nasal valve surgery is Z-plasty. This revolutionary technique is used mainly for scar revision.  It is now available to Chicagoans from Dr. Dutton as a minimally invasive option for nasal valve collapse.  After Dr. Dutton and fellow colleagues created a retrospective chart of patients undergoing bilateral intranasal Z-plasty, they found considerable improvements in clearing obstructions and improving airflow.

Nasal coblation is a minimally invasive treatment for swollen turbinates. Turbinates are long, thin bones covered in a soft tissue lining both sides of the nasal passages inside. Turbinates’ primary function is to warm and humidify the air we breathe. When the bones or the soft tissue become swollen, it may trigger nasal congestion, obstructive sleep apnea (snoring), or chronic runny nose.

Those familiar with breathing strips or the practice of spreading your facial cheeks to open nasal passages, realize the slightest narrowing of the nose can negatively impact your breathing. Spirox has designed a permanent solution for this nasal narrowing. The Latera is a 24 mm device placed inside the wall of the nose. The procedure takes only minutes. Its benefits are life-changing, especially for rhinoplasty patients who develop a weak lateral wall.

Why Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago

Dr. Jay Dutton is the founder and director of the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago. He is one of the foremost rhinoplasty surgeons and sinus surgery experts in the country and the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles on the subject. As former Chief of Rhinology/ Facial Plastic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center, he has extensive specialty training and experience in even the most complex functional nasal surgery types.

Dr. Dutton is well-versed in the latest surgical techniques for correcting a wide variety of issues that affect the nose. He is double board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Rhinologic Society, and Chicago Laryngologic & Otologic Society.

In the hands of Dr. Dutton, rhinoplasty is an extremely safe procedure. He has performed countless successful nasal surgeries using today’s most advanced techniques.

If you have chronic breathing problems, contact Dr. Dutton’s office today for Rhinoplasty in the Chicago, Oak Brook, and DuPage County, Illinois area.

Functional Rhinoplasty FAQs

How much does a functional rhinoplasty cost in Chicago?

The cost of your Chicago rhinoplasty depends on the techniques involved and the concerns you want to resolve. After meeting you in a personalized consultation, Dr. Dutton and his team at the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago can give you an accurate price estimate.

Can a nose job stop you from snoring?

Rhinoplasty can help resolve snoring with surgical techniques that enhance your nose’s structure and function. While septoplasty and turbinate reduction are two of the most effective techniques for resolving snoring, you can only learn about the best approach for your concerns after a detailed consultation with an experienced surgeon.

At the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago, Dr. Dutton specializes in various rhinoplasty techniques that can help you quit snoring. During your consultation, he can recommend a surgical approach that will provide ideal outcomes.

Can a functional rhinoplasty change your nose’s appearance?

While the primary goal of functional rhinoplasty is to resolve medical concerns such as snoring or breathing issues, you might want to combine it with a cosmetic nose job to help you enhance your nose’s appearance. To achieve your desired results, it’s crucial to choose a top rhinoplasty surgeon.
With his extensive experience in performing all types of rhinoplasties, Dr. Dutton can help you achieve your desired Chicago nose job results. After understanding your medical and aesthetic concerns, Dr. Dutton can customize a surgical plan that will help you attain your goals.

Does functional rhinoplasty have any side effects?

After a functional rhinoplasty, you may experience bruising, swelling, and pain for the first few days of recovery. Intermittent bleeding from your nose may also occur for a few days. If these issues last longer than you expect or you have any other concerns, please contact our office.
To ensure your healing process remains as comfortable as possible, Dr. Dutton and his team will provide you with detailed post-op and recovery instructions that include how to manage pain and when to return to our office for follow-up visits.

How long does it take to recover from functional rhinoplasty?

Since everyone’s body heals at a different rate, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. For instance, if you had a minimally invasive surgery, you might feel well enough to return to work and your typical daily activities within a week or two. However, you may need a longer recovery period if you had a more extensive surgery.

As one of the country’s top rhinoplasty experts, Dr. Dutton understands you may worry about what to expect after a functional nose job. Before performing your surgery, he’ll walk you through a detailed recovery timeline and suggest steps you can take to speed healing.

Will I need to get stitches removed after functional rhinoplasty?

If your functional rhinoplasty involves any external stitches, Dr. Dutton’s team will advise you when you need to return to our office to have them removed.
On the other hand, Dr. Dutton uses dissolvable stitches for all internal incisions. These can work wonders for your comfort and convenience after your functional rhinoplasty.

Learn More

Contact Dr. Dutton for your functional rhinoplasty concerns, where he can look to improve the function of the nasal airways and reconstruct any abnormalities or injuries of the nose.

Call us at 630-574-8222 or
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