Functional Rhinoplasty

Functional Rhinoplasty In Detroit Metro

Introduction

Introduction to Functional Rhinoplasty

Struggling to breathe through your nose can be more than just an annoyance—it can disrupt sleep, impact exercise, and affect your overall quality of life. This could be due to a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, past injury, or structural issues within the nose, but it can make even simple tasks, such as breathing, feel like a challenge. Functional rhinoplasty is designed to correct these problems, restoring proper airflow while maintaining or enhancing the natural appearance of your nose. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which focuses solely on aesthetics, this procedure is medically necessary for many patients seeking long-term relief. Dr. Andrew Compton offers expert functional rhinoplasty in the Detroit, MI area, helping patients breathe easier and feel more comfortable in their daily lives.

Award-winning Facial Plastic Surgeon and rhinoplasty specialist, Andrew Compton, MD, is located in Troy, Michigan, within the Detroit Metro Area, and just a short distance from Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, and Southfield.

A dimly lit photo shows a patient, draped in blue surgical cloth, lying on an operating table, with their face illuminated by the bright headlamp of the surgeon standing behind them. Dr. Compton, the surgeon, is out of focus and wearing a surgical mask, cap, and headlamp, while his gloved hand rests gently on the patient's forehead, likely during a functional rhinoplasty procedure. - Functional Rhinoplasty in Troy, MI
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What is a Functional Rhinoplasty?

The functional version of rhinoplasty focuses on correcting structural issues within the nose that cause breathing difficulties. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which focuses on aesthetics, this procedure aims to improve nasal function by addressing problems such as a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse. These issues can result from genetics, injury, or previous nasal surgery, leading to chronic congestion, snoring, or difficulty breathing through the nose. The surgery typically involves reshaping or reinforcing nasal structures to create a more open airway while maintaining or enhancing the nose’s natural appearance.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Functional Rhinoplasty?

Ideal candidates for functional rhinoplasty are individuals who experience persistent breathing difficulties that have not improved with non-surgical treatments, such as nasal sprays or allergy medications. This includes patients with structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves, or enlarged turbinates, that obstruct airflow. Those who have suffered nasal trauma, whether from an accident or sports injury, may also benefit from surgery if their nasal function has been compromised. Lastly, patients with chronic sinus issues or sleep disturbances associated with nasal obstruction may also be good candidates.

What Are the Benefits of a Functional Rhinoplasty?

The primary benefit of functional rhinoplasty is improved breathing, which can alleviate chronic nasal congestion, reduce snoring, and enhance sleep quality. Patients in the Detroit area who suffer from conditions like a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse often experience frequent sinus infections or difficulty exercising due to restricted airflow—issues that can be resolved with this surgery. Beyond breathing improvements, the procedure can also provide relief from headaches caused by nasal obstruction and improve the sense of smell. Since this is a medically necessary procedure for many patients, insurance may cover a portion of the cost, making it more accessible than elective cosmetic surgery.

What’s the First Step?

The first step in undergoing a functional rhinoplasty is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Compton in Troy, MI. During this appointment, he will thoroughly examine your nasal structure, discuss your symptoms, and review any previous treatments you have tried. He may also use advanced imaging techniques or nasal endoscopy to assess airway obstruction and determine the most suitable surgical approach. This is also the time to discuss insurance coverage, as many functional rhinoplasty procedures may qualify for partial or full coverage if deemed medically necessary.

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What to Expect on the Day of Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery

On the day of surgery, patients will arrive at the Troy surgical facility and be placed under general anesthesia. Dr. Compton will carefully reshape the internal nasal structures, such as straightening a deviated septum, reducing enlarged turbinates, or reinforcing weakened nasal valves to improve airflow. The procedure typically takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the corrections needed. Most incisions are made inside the nose or hidden along natural creases to minimize scarring. After surgery, patients will be monitored in the recovery area before being discharged home with detailed aftercare instructions.

Functional Rhinoplasty Recovery

Recovery from functional rhinoplasty varies from patient to patient. Dr. Compton may place internal splints to support healing, which are typically removed within 1 to 2 weeks. While significant swelling subsides within a few weeks, full healing can take several months as the nasal tissues settle into their new structure. Patients are advised to avoid intense activities and contact sports for at least 6 weeks to prevent complications. Dr. Compton will provide recovery guidelines and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess long-term functional improvement.

How Much Does a Functional Rhinoplasty Cost in Detroit, MI?

A Functional Rhinoplasty for breathing in Detroit may be covered by insurance, but more commonly insurance is considering any rhinoplasty to be a non-covered service. Also, commonly patients may have high-deductible plans or no insurance, so it may be less expensive to forego insurance and pay out of pocket for this service.

Going to the hospital for a functional rhinoplasty may cost between $15,000 to $25,000 based on
which hospital and surgeon you choose. Avoiding the hospital for an in office, IV sedation rhinoplasty is a safe and economical solution for many of our patients.

Expect to pay a total of $8,000- $12,000 for a complete open rhinoplasty which includes nasal
endoscopy, middle and inferior turbinate reduction if indicated. This will be a more
comfortable setting, better anesthetic with less nausea and vomiting, with all of the safety measures of the hospital but no hidden fees or surprise billing.

If you have insurance coverage, we will charge insurance, but insurance will require the surgery to be completed at the hospital or surgery center. Insurance may cover all or a portion of
the surgery performed for medical reasons, such as correcting a deviated septum or improving breathing. However, be aware that insurance does not cover any surgery for the improvement of the outside appearance. If external changes are desired, then extra fees will be required to compensate for this added surgical time. We call these combination rhinoplasties as they combine functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Dr. Compton’s team in Troy will provide a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation and help you navigate insurance options. Financing cplans may also be available to make the procedure more accessible.

Why Choose Dr. Compton?

Dr. Andrew Compton is a double-board-certified specialist in otolaryngology, including head and neck surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, in the Detroit area. He has completed extensive training, including a highly competitive fellowship, and has performed thousands of nasal surgeries to restore both function and appearance. With a deep understanding of nasal anatomy and airway function, Dr. Compton offers surgical solutions to help patients breathe more easily and feel better.

Functional Rhinoplasty FAQ’S

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If you’re experiencing breathing difficulties or nasal obstruction, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Compton is the first step toward finding relief. Contact our office in Troy today at (248) 289-7300 to get started.

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