[Health Column] Treating Nasal Congestion and Rhinoplasty at the Same Time? From the Effects of Functional Rhinoplasty to Key Information!
Hello! I am an ENT specialist at View Plastic Surgery. Director Go Eun-seok no see.
Many of you have probably suffered from sleepless nights due to chronic rhinitis or nasal congestion of unknown origin, haven't you?
If nasal congestion persists even after taking medication, this is not a simple problem. It is highly likely that this is because the internal structure of the nose has been deformed.
If you are suffering from stuffy noses along with concerns about your appearance, such as a hooked nose, a deviated nose, or a flat nose, I will introduce today Functional rhinoplasty This can be a very excellent answer.
From now on, I will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the key information for simultaneously correcting both the inside (function) and the outside (aesthetics) of the nose.
1️⃣ Am I a patient with a nasal disease?
💌 Minor symptoms in daily life are actually Deformation of the internal structure of the nose It could be a sign of a disease caused by.
Please take a quick look at the items below to see if any of the symptoms apply to you!
🟩 I frequently experience nasal congestion even though I don't have a cold.
🟩 I breathe through my mouth unconsciously when I breathe (mouth breathing)
🟩 Frequent runny nose with clear discharge or frequent sneezing
🟩 I often hear people around me say that I snore heavily.
🟩 My concentration often drops because of difficulty breathing.
🟩 Persistent chronic headaches (migraines) of unknown cause
🟩 At some point, I started having trouble smelling.
2️⃣ What is the inside of the nose like that it gets blocked?
💌 The internal structural causes of nasal congestion are broadly divided into 3 types It is divided into categories, and precise surgical methods tailored to each are required.
📍 1. What if the pillar inside the nose is bent? → deviated nasal septum
Causes and Symptoms: It is a condition in which the 'nasal septum,' a bone and cartilage partition that neatly divides the inside of the nose into left and right sides, bends like a bow to one side, blocking the airway. It is the main culprit causing severe blockage in only one nostril, as well as chronic headaches and sinusitis.
Surgical method: It straightens the deviated and bent nasal septum cartilage and neatly cuts away any excess cartilage that obstructs smooth breathing.
✨ Cosmetic Surgery Linkage Points: At this time, safely collected during the disease treatment process Septal cartilage It is the safest and best natural implant material that naturally and beautifully raises the tip of the nose.
📍 2. What if the tissue inside the nose swells up and blocks the airway? → inferior turbinate resection (Hypertrophic rhinitis)
Causes and Symptoms: This is a condition in which the nasal mucosa (inferior turbinates) becomes abnormally thickened due to allergies or chronic inflammation, severely obstructing the flow of air. You cannot shake the persistent feeling that your nose is stuffy and blocked.
Surgical method: Using a precision high-frequency device, it shrinks hypertrophied mucous membranes back to their normal size, restoring comfortable breathing.
✨ Surgery effects: Immediately after surgery, you can instantly feel cool and fresh air entering through your nose.
📍 3. What if the roof of your nose (ceiling) has narrowed and feels stuffy? → Nasal valve reconstruction
Causes and Symptoms: The 'nasal valve,' a very narrow space located at the top of the inside of the nose, acts as a very important valve that regulates the flow and volume of air when we breathe.
If this space is structurally too narrow or sagging, even trying to breathe just a little will cause the inside of your nose to stick together, making you feel extremely stuffy.
Surgical method: It safely secures the structurally narrowed non-valve space to allow cool air to flow in and out, and expands it to a normal range.
✨ Surgery effects: It is highly effective in resolving chronic, deep nasal congestion that could not be resolved by cosmetic surgery that only raises the surface.
3️⃣ Do all rhinitis patients necessarily need surgery?
Depending on the type of rhinitis and the individual's internal structural condition The direction of treatment changes completely.
⚠️ There is a point you must be aware of here! Since the 'allergic rhinitis' we commonly experience is a disease caused by our body's immune response, it is not a concept that guarantees a 100% cure simply by undergoing surgery.
thus The process of thoroughly identifying the exact type and cause of the nasal condition I am currently suffering from is the top priority. It must be.
A customized treatment plan must be applied based on each individual's internal nasal condition, the angle and degree of septal deviation, the swelling of the inferior turbinate mucosa, and history of previous surgery.
Precise diagnosis by a specialist with extensive clinical experience It is essential to take the step of verifying whether the surgery is truly suitable for you.
💬 FAQ: Top 3 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Functional Rhinoplasty
Q1. How much is covered by medical expense insurance?
Surgeries such as deviated septum correction, nasal valve reconstruction, and chronic rhinitis surgery (inferior turbinate resection), which are for the treatment of diseases rather than for the purpose of simple cosmetic improvement, are usually... according to the terms and conditions of the indemnity medical insurance you have subscribed to. 80~100% reimbursement of actual expenses You can significantly reduce the burden by receiving this.
(⚠️ However, since the specific refund rate may vary depending on the patient's exact diagnosis and the insurance product you have subscribed to, it is most accurate to check directly with the relevant insurance company based on the specialist's diagnosis results before surgery.)
Q2. Should the surgery be performed at an ENT clinic or a plastic surgery clinic?
The wisest and most satisfying choice is an ENT specialist and a plastic surgeon. Systematic collaborative treatment system It is to find this perfectly equipped hospital.
The most ideal approach to minimize side effects and maximize satisfaction is an organic form where complex internal nasal structural conditions are treated accurately and safely by an ENT specialist, while the external design lines are handled exclusively by a plastic surgeon.
Q3. I heard that people with deviated or hooked noses are required to get tested for nasal diseases. Why is that?
This is because if you have a hooked nose structure where the nose is outwardly bent to one side or the bridge of the nose is bumpy and protruding, there is a very high probability that the bones and cartilage inside the nose are also bent along with the external shape.
In other words, a crooked nose and a hooked nose are not merely aesthetic shortcomings, Structural 'signals' from the body indicating that the airway inside the nose is deformed, causing chronic nasal congestion, rhinitis, and sinusitis Because of this, before surgery 3D-CT A thorough internal disease examination through the back is essential.
🔸 Conclusion: Careful criteria for selecting a hospital to improve quality of life
Functional rhinoplasty is not a general cosmetic surgery that simply raises the bridge of the nose to make it look pretty.
The nose's most precious inherent function Comfortably regain 'clear breathing' to dramatically improve quality of life At the same time, it is a precise and complex surgery that completes a sophisticated appearance that suits you best.
Therefore, to ensure satisfactory and safe results, you must carefully review the checklist below before selecting a hospital.
✔️ Since the inside and outside of the nose must be considered simultaneously, there is a wealth of experience in this surgery skilled medical staff impression?
✔️ Capable of accurately identifying the internal structure of the nose without error Advanced 3D-CT equipment Do you possess?
✔️ Seamless collaboration system between otolaryngologists and plastic surgeons Is this established?
✔️ You can undergo surgery with peace of mind Emergency response system and thorough safety management system Does it have?
If the nasal congestion you are currently experiencing is causing significant discomfort in your daily life, we recommend that you start by visiting a hospital to have your nasal condition thoroughly examined, rather than deciding on surgery without careful consideration.
We hope you find the healthy and beautiful solution that is perfect for you through sincere consultation with medical professionals. 🙏
Director Go Eun-seok of View Plastic Surgery
ENT specialist
Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine
Regular member of the Korean Medical Association
Regular member of the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology
Regular member of the Korean Rhinological Society
Regular member of the Korean Rhinological Society (KRS)
Regular member of the Korean Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Full member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (AAFPRS)









