Restore proper breathing and nasal function with functional rhinoplasty at New York Group for Plastic Surgery. Performed by board-certified surgeon Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs, this procedure addresses issues such as a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse, helping you breathe more easily and improve your overall quality of life.
Correct Nasal Defects for Better Breathing
Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects structural abnormalities inside the nose that interfere with breathing. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which focuses on appearance, this procedure targets functional concerns such as a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, enlarged turbinates, or nasal polyps. These issues can cause chronic congestion, snoring, sinus infections, and sleep disturbances. Dr. Jacobs performs functional rhinoplasty to restore nasal airflow, alleviate symptoms, and help you breathe more comfortably all day and night.
You May Consider Functional Rhinoplasty If:
- You experience chronic nasal congestion without a cold
- You have trouble breathing through one or both nostrils
- You suffer from frequent sinus infections or headaches
- You snore excessively or have sleep disturbances
- You have a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse
- You notice worsened breathing after a previous nasal injury
- You have a persistent nasal obstruction that affects daily life
- You’ve been diagnosed with enlarged turbinates or nasal polyps
Your Functional Rhinoplasty Options At NYGPS
At New York Group for Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of procedures to treat nasal airway obstruction. Each treatment is tailored to your unique anatomy and breathing concerns. Below are the main types of functional rhinoplasty procedures performed by Dr. Jacobs.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated septum—the wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nasal passages. A deviated septum can significantly obstruct airflow, leading to chronic congestion, nosebleeds, sinus infections, and difficulty breathing through one nostril. Dr. Jacobs performs septoplasty by carefully reshaping or removing the affected portion of the septum to restore proper alignment and improve function.
Turbinate Reduction
Turbinate reduction is performed to address the swelling of the turbinates—bony structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify the air you breathe. When these structures become enlarged due to allergies, infections, or chronic inflammation, they can block airflow and cause nasal congestion. Dr. Jacobs uses precise surgical methods, such as submucosal resection or radiofrequency reduction, to shrink the turbinates while preserving their function.
Nasal Valve Repair
Nasal valve repair targets collapse or weakness in the internal or external nasal valves, which are narrow areas responsible for regulating airflow. When these valves collapse due to trauma, aging, or surgery, they can cause severe nasal obstruction and breathing difficulty. Dr. Jacobs strengthens these structures using advanced grafting techniques, which restore stability to your nasal framework and significantly improve airflow.
Nasal Polyp Removal
Nasal polyp removal is performed when soft, noncancerous growths develop inside the nasal passages or sinuses due to chronic inflammation, allergies, or asthma. These polyps can block airflow, reduce your sense of smell, and contribute to recurring infections or sinus pressure. Dr. Jacobs removes nasal polyps using endoscopic surgical techniques, which helps restore proper breathing, improve sinus health, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Explore Your Options & Visualize the Results
Your consultation begins with a comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Jacobs. He will take a detailed medical history and ask about your symptoms—whether it’s difficulty breathing at night, nasal congestion, snoring, or sinus infections. A thorough physical exam will follow, during which Dr. Jacobs examines the inside of your nose using a nasal speculum and possibly nasal endoscopy to assess the septum, turbinates, valves, and any polyps.
Dr. Jacobs will walk you through the findings and explain which anatomical issues are contributing to your breathing difficulties. Using advanced 3D imaging (Vectra XT), he can simulate potential outcomes and guide you through each surgical option. This ensures you understand your treatment path and feel confident in your personalized surgical plan.
The Recovery Process After Functional Rhinoplasty
After functional rhinoplasty, you can expect some swelling, nasal congestion, mild bruising around the eyes, and temporary discomfort. These are normal side effects and usually improve within the first 7 to 10 days. You may need to wear internal splints or soft packing to support healing, and breathing through your nose may be limited during the first week.
You should plan to take about a week off from work or school and avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Dr. Jacobs will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including how to clean your nose, manage discomfort, and reduce swelling. Follow-up appointments will ensure your healing is on track and your nasal function is gradually improving as expected.
Why Choose Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs?
New York’s Go-to Specialist for Natural-Looking Rhinoplasties
Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with fellowship training in craniofacial surgery. He brings exceptional skills and deep anatomical knowledge to every functional rhinoplasty case. Dr. Jacobs takes the time to understand your unique concerns, explain every option, and create a tailored surgical plan to restore your ability to breathe. Schedule your consultation today to explore your options for functional rhinoplasty with a renowned rhinoplasty expert.