Can I Combine Cosmetic and Functional Nasal Surgery?

Woman pictured from the side, before and after rhinoplasty to correct appearance and breathingRhinoplasty is unique among facial plastic surgeries because it can significantly improve both your appearance and breathing.

In his private plastic surgery practice in Mt. Vernon, WA, Dr. Jonathan Grant is a renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in both aesthetic and functional improvements. As a rhinoplasty expert, Dr. Grant understands that many patients have both cosmetic and medical goals. The good news is that he can often address both concerns together.

Cosmetic Versus Functional Goals

Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on the appearance of the nose. Patients may want to:

  • Reduce a hump on the bridge
  • Refine the tip of the nose
  • Narrow wide nostrils
  • Straighten a crooked nose
  • Reshape the nose overall

Functional nasal surgery, on the other hand, corrects structural problems that limit airflow. A few common examples include a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal blockages caused by past injury. With functional rhinoplasty, the primary goal is improved breathing, which can lead to numerous benefits, including more restful sleep and an enhanced quality of life.

Although these goals are different, they often overlap. Many patients are relieved to learn that Dr. Grant can help improve breathing and enhance appearance in a single surgery.

Why Combine Procedures?

There are several advantages to addressing cosmetic and functional concerns together:

  • One recovery: Patients only need one recovery period, whereas scheduling procedures separately can result in spending twice as long recovering.
  • Balanced results: Adjusting bone and cartilage for breathing problems simultaneously with cosmetic refinements ensures that the changes work together for a natural outcome.
  • Efficiency: Combining the procedures can reduce facility and anesthesia costs.

By creating a surgical plan that considers both form and function, patients achieve results that not only look better but also feel better every day.

What to Expect With a Combined Procedure

The combined rhinoplasty process begins with a consultation with Dr. Grant, in which he expertly evaluates your nasal anatomy and discusses your surgical goals.

Dr. Grant utilizes advanced tools, including medical imaging software from Canfield Scientific, to provide you with a preview of your results.

In most cases, Dr. Grant performs the surgery on an outpatient basis, using either intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Most patients rest for one to two weeks and then return to work, with both an enhanced appearance and improved breathing. Although results appear quickly, it’s normal to experience some minor residual swelling for several months.

Functional and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty in Mt. Vernon, WA

Cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty can be a perfect pairing, offering patients a way to enhance both their appearance and breathing in one procedure. Dr. Jonathan Grant has extensive experience performing facial surgery for patients throughout Mt. Vernon and the Seattle area. To schedule your consultation, call 360-336-1947 today.