Functional rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty addresses changes in nasal structure that make breathing difficult.
Dr. Gustavo Suárez · Nasal surgery
Rhinoplastyin Barcelona.
Dr. Gustavo Suárez assesses the shape of the nose and breathing to plan rhinoplasty.
Request a consultation Understanding rhinoplastyThe intended change
The nose, in the
context of the whole face.
The profile, tip, a visible deviation or difficulty breathing are reasons for seeking a consultation. So is discomfort that persists after an operation.
Rhinoplasty can change the shape or size of the nose. The doctor examines its structure and its relationship to the face, and records which changes are sought and which features the person wishes to preserve. These goals guide planning.
The initial consultation
What is assessed
during the initial
consultation.
Dr. Suárez reviews the patient's goals, their medical history and previous procedures. He examines the septum and the structures involved in airflow, including the nasal valves and turbinates.
His training in otorhinolaryngology and facial plastic surgery underpins this assessment of the nose. Based on the examination, he explains the options and considers the requested changes alongside the anatomy. Planning covers the aims and limitations of the procedure.
Meet Dr. SuárezAppearance and function
The types
of rhinoplasty.
The same procedure can have aesthetic and functional aims. The examination determines whether this surgery is appropriate or whether the problem requires another treatment, such as septoplasty or a procedure on the turbinates.
Aesthetic rhinoplasty
Its aim is to improve the shape and proportions of the nose (bridge, tip, width or profile) so that it is in harmony with the rest of the face.
Unlike functional rhinoplasty, which aims to correct breathing problems (such as a deviated septum or a narrow nasal valve), aesthetic rhinoplasty focuses on appearance. Both can be combined in the same procedure when necessary.
Revision rhinoplasty
When there has already been a rhinoplasty, it is referred to as revision rhinoplasty. The assessment takes the previous operation, the condition of the tissues and the progress of healing into account. It may be necessary to wait for the nose to finish recovering before considering another procedure.
The procedure
How
the procedure is performed.
Surgery can modify bone, cartilage or both, according to the agreed goal. Access can be through the nostrils or via an open approach, which includes an incision in the skin between them. The choice depends on the structures that need to be treated.
Before the procedure, the doctor explains the proposed changes, aftercare and follow-up care. This information also includes possible complications.
The technique:
Ultrasonic
rhinoplasty.
Ultrasonic rhinoplasty uses ultrasound to work on the nasal bones. It is one of the techniques Dr. Suárez uses.
The term refers to the instruments, rather than a different type of rhinoplasty: it can form part of a procedure with aesthetic aims, functional aims or both. Its use depends on the structures that need treatment and the planned changes.
After surgery
Time, care
and follow-up.
Recovery
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of congestion may be part of recovery. The appearance in the first few weeks may still change over the following months. The return to work or exercise depends on the procedure, progress and type of activity.
Risks and limitations
Risks include bleeding, infection, changes in scarring and breathing difficulties. The aesthetic result may not match expectations and, in some cases, further surgery may be required.
These risks are exceptional. During the consultation, following medical assessment, they are explained individually according to each patient's characteristics.
Before deciding
Frequently asked
questions.
Goals, preparation and expectations for rhinoplasty.
Can I have a consultation just about the appearance of my nose?
Yes. An aesthetic objective is a reason for seeking a consultation, even if you have no breathing difficulties. Dr. Suárez also assesses nasal function.
Is there a specific age for surgery?
In general, assessment for aesthetic rhinoplasty requires facial growth to have finished. Age alone does not determine whether someone can have surgery: their health and expectations are also considered.
Can a reference photograph predict the result?
It can help explain the change you are interested in. Every nose has different anatomy, so a photograph of someone else does not allow the same result to be promised. The doctor must assess this reference alongside the patient's characteristics.
What should I bring to the initial consultation?
Written questions and any available reports, particularly if you have already had nasal surgery. You should also mention your regular medication, allergies and other treatments. This information forms part of the initial assessment.
Before deciding, it is helpful to review the alternatives, including the possibility of not having a procedure, and what each option can offer. Read the warning signs and confirm the follow-up contact channel with the team performing the surgery.
The clinic
Assessing the nose
and breathing.
The reason for seeking a consultation may be aesthetic, functional or a combination of both. The examination considers the desired changes in relation to the anatomy and takes medical history into account, including previous treatments and operations.
Dr. Suárez is a specialist in otorhinolaryngology, with a fellowship in facial plastic surgery. His profile page covers his training and approach to consultations.
LĀR CLINIC
The clinic
in Barcelona.
Address
Carrer del Mestre Nicolau, 19, 6th floor, Suite 1, 08021 Barcelona.
Languages
Consultations in Spanish and English.
Request an appointment
Telephone +34 669 57 00 45 and email info@drgustavosuarez.com.
Before your visit
Preparing for
the conversation.
The reason for seeking a consultation
Write down what you would like to change, what you want to preserve and whether you have difficulty breathing.
Medical history
Gather reports from previous operations or treatments and information about medication and allergies.
Questions
Ask about alternatives, risks, recovery and follow-up. You do not need to arrive at the consultation with a technique already chosen.