What is the Difference Between Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty? 

It may not be well known that rhinoplasty procedures can actually improve far more than someone’s looks or confidence. While many people choose cosmetic surgery to adjust the appearance of their nose, some people use what is called a functional rhinoplasty to correct a physical problem with their nose that can affect their breathing, sleeping, or more.

While reconstructive rhinoplasty and a cosmetic nose job have many similar benefits, there are some important distinctions, too.

Cosmetic Facial Plastic Surgery

Popular facial plastic surgeries like rhinoplasty, or commonly known as a nose job, is a popular choice for people wanting to improve the overall appearance of their nose. Cosmetic rhinoplasties can improve the nose by fixing humps, bumps, nasal tilt, and even nostril size to better suit someone’s aesthetic preferences or goals.

Cosmetic nose jobs are often self-elected surgeries done on behalf of someone’s own choice, meaning this treatment is not necessarily covered by insurance payments. However, cosmetic facial plastic surgery can be budget friendly through finance options and creating a financially beneficial treatment plan with your provider.

What is a Functional Rhinoplasty?

A functional rhinoplasty is a nose job that aims to restore a person’s nose function and normal appearance due to medical concerns, trauma, or birth defects. Both functional rhinoplasty and cosmetic nose jobs use similar procedures and techniques, but they can solve very different issues.

Functional rhinoplasties can improve a person's ability to breathe, as sometimes nasal airways may be blocked due to slanted cartilage in the nose. Adjusting the bridge of the nose can also improve sleep and reduce snoring. Functional rhinoplasties can also be done to adjust any trauma that was done to the nose through unwanted accidents.

Understanding the difference between facial plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery can be complicated. What qualifies for a certain distinction may require special consideration by an insurance carrier. To find the right surgery for you, always schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.

Dr. Apostolakis is a Trusted Facial Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust to Restore Your Confidence

Spend this year feeling confident and secure in yourself and your appearance with Dr. Apostolakis Rhinoplasty Specialist. Goof facial plastic surgery allows the overall beauty of the face to shine through, and a Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job procedure, can help improve the nose's appearance and overall nasal breathing.

Whether you’ve always wanted to make a change or are considering a nose job or other facial plastic surgery in Austin, our team at Louis William Apostolakis, M.D. is led by our board-certified surgeon who holds years of experience providing Rhinoplasty in Austin, TX, and helping to improve the appearance of faces and overall quality of life.

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