[email protected]
+82-10-5059-6626 (WhatsApp)
VIPPS Instagram facebook icon Realself icon YouTube Icon Plastic surgery blog icon Pinterest icon VIPPS Linkedin

Contact Us

 [email protected]
+82-10-5059-6626 (WhatsApp)

Academic Activity

[2003.03] Functional Rhinoplasty

VIP Logo

[2003.03] Functional Rhinoplasty

view85 Comment0

Date: March 2003
Conference: 21st Meeting of the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (Shilla Hotel)
Title: Functional Rhinoplasty

Presenter: Dr. Myung Ju Lee


Background

Beyond its prominent role in facial aesthetics, the nose also serves a vital respiratory function, enabling air intake and exhalation. Traditionally, rhinoplasty has focused on external appearance, often overlooking internal issues such as nasal obstruction. Yet structural deformities in the nose—when addressed via cartilage grafting or septal correction—can simultaneously improve both appearance and function. An ideal rhinoplasty should therefore restore proper anatomy to correct external shape and internal function together.


Methods and Materials

Nasal function depends on four key anatomical components:

  1. External Nasal Valve
  2. Internal Nasal Valve
  3. Septum
  4. Turbinates

Deformities can arise from trauma, multiple previous surgeries, or congenital abnormalities. A functional approach involves identifying and correcting the specific structural issues:

  • External Valve Collapse: Reinforced with a lateral crural strut graft or batten graft
  • Internal Valve Collapse: Addressed with a spreader graft
  • Septal Deviation: Corrected with septoplasty
  • Turbinate Hypertrophy: Managed with turbinectomy or a more conservative procedure if mild

Results

By restoring the anatomical defects responsible for nasal obstruction, both the nose’s external shape and airflow improved. In cases of severely enlarged turbinates, partial turbinectomy was selectively performed; mild hypertrophy was managed with techniques that widened the nasal passage.

Most secondary deformities and functional issues stemmed from prior surgeries or trauma. Additionally, in patients with a dorsal hump (hump nose), a deviated septum often coexisted, causing both external asymmetry and narrow internal airflow. Combining osteotomy with a spreader graft successfully resolved these functional and cosmetic concerns.


Conclusion

A functional, anatomically driven approach to rhinoplasty can simultaneously enhance nasal aesthetics and improve airway function. By precisely addressing each structural component—valves, septum, turbinates—surgeons can minimize the need for future revisions and provide holistic, long-lasting results.





Start your free online consultation today!
We offer free online consultations via WhatsApp for international patients, as we understand that in-person visits can be challenging. Our experienced consultants and doctors are here to assist you. Simply let us know which procedures you’re interested in, and we’ll get back to you shortly.

VIP Plastic Surgery Korea footer logo
cer2 cer1 cer3
reviews
instagram facebook realself youtube blog pinterest linkedin

Phone: +82 64 713 1007

WhatsApp: +82 10 5059 6626

Consultations: [email protected]

Business inquiries: [email protected]

Address: 46, Eunnam-1gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Korea (63124)

Dr. Myung Ju Lee M.D. Ph.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon in Korea, specializing in facelift, necklift, and rhinoplasty.

Business Registration No. 841-58-00455

© 2025 VIP International Plastic Surgery in Korea. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that before-and-after photos may vary depending on each patient's case. This website provides information on plastic surgery based on theoretical knowledge and extensive experience. No content contained herein may be used as a substitute for direct consultation.