Please note online appointments can only be booked for our Wayne office at this time. Please call 267.627.6463 to schedule appointments with Dr. Ho in Center City (Philadelphia).

For consultations or treatment visits booked online, a consultation or deposit fee of $150 will be charged at the time of scheduling.

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Next Wrinkle Free Wednesday, February 7th & March 6th

Wayne: 610.688.3363
Philadelphia: 267.578.3064

Wayne:

Philadelphia:

Please note online appointments can only be booked for our Wayne office at this time. Please call 267.627.6463 to schedule appointments with Dr. Ho in Center City (Philadelphia).

For consultations or treatment visits booked online, a consultation or deposit fee of $150 will be charged at the time of scheduling.

Click to continue 

Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery in Philadelphia

Conveniently located to serve Philadelphia, Wayne, and the entire Main Line.

tina ho md facial plastic surgery office
functional rhinoplasty beforefunctional rhinoplasty after

Before & After

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Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty: Before and After

This wonderful female patient presented for rhinoplasty consultation, interested in improving the appearance of her nose. We pursued primary open rhinoplasty with ear cartilage graft to smooth down her dorsal hump, refine and lift her nasal tip, and reduce the width and size of her nostrils. We are so thrilled with her results.

Septorhinoplasty: Before and After

30 year-old female patient came to me for a rhinoplasty consultation, most bothered by nasal deformity issues including prominent nasal bones, crooked nose, nostril asymmetry, dorsal hump, and downturned, round tip with history of prior nasal trauma. We pursued an open septorhinoplasty to take down her hump and smooth out her nasal bones, straighten her nose, lift and refine her nasal tip and improve her nostril asymmetry. She wanted to maintain stronger, higher nasal bridge to preserve her Italian ethnicity. We are so thrilled with her beautiful, natural results demonstrated in this video on year later. Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery – so many surgical techniques and maneuvers are implemented to create even the most subtle changes in the nose.

Closed Rhinoplasty: Before and After

In the game of facial rejuvenation, often less is more for achieving beautiful, natural results. This wonderful patient desired a more conservative approach to rhinoplasty – she only wanted to take down her dorsal hump and slightly lift her nasal tip. Through a closed approach, we were able to help achieve her surgical goals. As illustrated in this rhinoplasty reveal reel, the patient demonstrated typical nasal swelling when her cast was removed one week following surgery. Her surgical results have been aging like fine wine over time since then – she looks amazing at three months out!

What is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Beautiful young woman nose

Seeking functional rhinoplasty in Philadelphia can help you address your breathing problems due to nasal obstruction. Some of the causes of nasal obstructions are congenital defects, trauma, and injury. In order to optimize airflow in the nasal region, this type of nasal surgery may be necessary.

Functional rhinoplasty is a type of nasal surgery intended to improve the breathing function of the nose. In septorhinoplasty, the septum is corrected in addition to the outer appearance of the nose. A patient with a septum issue such as a deviated septum or a septal perforation may be a candidate for a septorhinoplasty to improve the breathing function of the nose. Depending on the nature of a patient’s anatomic issues and nasal breathing problems, the functional rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty portion of the surgery may be eligible to be covered by medical insurance. Cosmetic rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is usually designed to address the external appearance of the nose alone and is typically not covered. Dr. Ho possesses specialized training in both cosmetic rhinoplasty and functional rhinoplasty and will work with each patient to determine which type of nasal surgery is most ideal to address their surgical goals.

What is Dr. Ho’s Approach to Functional Rhinoplasty?

Dr. Ho attracts rhinoplasty candidates from all across Philadelphia and Wayne and other parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York and will develop a customized surgical plan for each patient tailored to addressing their nasal anatomic issues. Depending on whether the patient desires cosmetic rhinoplasty at the same time as well, Dr. Ho will determine with each patient their individualized surgical plan that will improve both the internal structure and outer appearance of the nose. She is experienced in diagnosing and surgically correcting common nasal issues that contribute to nasal obstruction including septal deviation, nasal valve collapse, and drooping nasal tip. As a double-board certified head and neck surgeon, Dr. Ho understands the importance of form and function when it comes to the nose and creates beautiful, natural appearing noses that also breathe well for the long term.
ethnic rhinoplasty - left lateral view

What are common causes of nasal obstruction that can be treated with surgery?

Common nasal issues that can be improved or corrected with surgery include but are not limited to:

  • Deviated septum
  • Nasal valve collapse
  • Nasal wall collapse
  • Drooping nasal tip
  • Underprojected nasal tip
  • Enlarged turbinates

Am I an Ideal Candidate for Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery?

If you are suffering from breathing problems due to narrow nasal passages, you are a good candidate for a functional rhinoplasty procedure. Patients who have misaligned cartilage, also known as a deviated septum, may also undergo this surgery. Ideally, patients are non-smokers and are in good overall health.

    BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

    Your Consultation

    During your consultation, you will be asked about your concerns. Dr. Tina Ho will meet with you personally to perform a physical examination of your nose. Dr. Ho will closely evaluate your nasal anatomy to determine the best techniques to use and will then develop a surgical plan for you. 

    You will be asked about your medical history, particularly underlying conditions, any past surgeries, and current medications. Depending on your needs and goals, you may undergo rhinoplasty that is both functional and cosmetic in nature.

      before and after - left lateral view

      The Functional Rhinoplasty Procedure

      Your functional rhinoplasty surgery starts with the administration of anesthesia. Tiny incisions are created. If they are made inside the nostrils, the surgery is referred to as a “closed” procedure. However, for better exposure of internal structures, an incision at the base of the nose is created. This is referred to as “open” functional rhinoplasty. 

      There are several techniques that can be employed during functional rhinoplasty surgery. Depending on the nature of your nasal obstruction, nasal septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and/or nasal valve repair may be done.

      Septoplasty straightens a deviated or crooked septum, the internal wall structure between the nose that separates the nasal passages. Enlarged turbinates are decreased in size by turbinate reduction to improve your breathing. Collapsed nasal valves can be treated with grafts to provide structural support to help widen the nasal passages.

      After the corrections are made, the incisions are closed with stitches. Splints may then be applied to the nose to aid in healing.

        Recovery and Healing

        Following your functional rhinoplasty procedure, you will need a recovery period of about one to two weeks. It is common to experience bruising, swelling, and soreness. To manage pain and discomfort, pain medication may be prescribed. The splint will be removed about a week after surgery.

          Cost of Functional Rhinoplasty

          Since this surgical procedure is tailored for each patient, the cost of functional rhinoplasty varies for each individual. The overall price will include anesthesia used, the combination of techniques done, the extent of work performed, and other surgical fees. Functional rhinoplasty is covered by health insurance providers.

            Testimonials

            Patient Testimonial Videos

            Rhinoplasty Patient Testimonial

            This beautiful patient shares her rhinoplasty experience with Dr. Tina Ho.

            Rhinoplasty Recovery Video

            This beautiful patient takes us through her rhinoplasty recovery after undergoing surgery with Dr. Tina Ho.

            “My surgical technique focuses on creating a natural, more youthful and more awake, unoperated look for every blepharoplasty patient.”

            Dr. Tina Ho

            Dr. Tina Ho

            Learn More During a Consultation

            Dr. Thuy-Van Tina Ho will be available to discuss functional rhinoplasty and the variety of other procedures we perform during a consultation. Set up an appointment for your consultation – contact our office today.
            Your Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery in Philadelphia will be performed by Dr. Tina Ho in her surgery center in Philadelphia.

            FAQ’s

            What type of patient is an ideal candidate for Functional Rhinoplasty?
            The ideal candidate for functional rhinoplasty is a healthy non-smoker patient who has no remarkable medical or surgical history with persistent nasal breathing problems despite medical management and found on exam to demonstrate nasal anatomic issues that are contributing to their nasal obstruction. Patients who qualify for functional rhinoplasty have tried various medications including oral antihistamines, sinus rinses, and nasal steroid sprays without symptom improvement and usually do not have significant allergy or sinus issues. Dr. Ho is a board-certified head and neck surgeon and will thoroughly evaluate every rhinoplasty candidate to determine whether they may benefit from functional rhinoplasty.
            What is a deviated septum?

            The septum is a thin wall barrier comprised of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two nasal passages. A deviated septum refers to when the septum is crooked or displaced to one side. This nasal finding may be an issue for some patients if it contributes to their nasal breathing problems. Usually the nasal passage where the septum deviates more towards feels more blocked. Depending on the patient’s nasal anatomy, extent of nasal obstruction, and surgical goals, a patient with nasal breathing concerns in the setting of a deviated septum may be a candidate for septoplasty (surgery that corrects the septum alone) or septorhinoplasty (surgery that improves the septum and other parts of the nose including the exterior). Septoplasty is commonly performed via a closed approach unless the location of the septal deviation is very anterior or high.

            What is nasal valve collapse?
            The nose possesses two kinds of nasal valves: the internal and external nasal valves. Nasal valve collapse associated with narrowing or weakness of either of these valves can cause nasal blockage and ultimately nasal obstruction.

            The internal nasal valve is located within the nose and spans the area between the upper septum and the upper lateral cartilage in the middle third of the nose. In asymptomatic individuals, the ideal internal nasal valve angle is 10-15 degrees. Patients with internal nasal valve collapse may experience breathing improvement with Breathe Right ® nasal strips and demonstrate a narrower middle third or inverted V deformity of the nose. Dr. Ho usually performs septoplasty and creates spreader grafts for nasal valve repair of the internal nasal valve.

            The external nasal valve is localized to the ala or nostril and is supported by the lower lateral cartilages. Patients with external valve collapse may possess weaker nostrils that fall inward with inspiration and show a positive Cottle test on examination. Dr. Ho utilizes a variety of cartilage grafting and suturing techniques for nasal valve repair of the external nasal valve including alar batten grafts, lateral crural strut grafts, lateral crural onlay grafts, and lateral crural repositioning.