Beyond Aesthetics: How Functional Rhinoplasty Is Changing Lives in Chattanooga, TN

Not everyone who gets rhinoplasty is doing it for the same reason. 

We feel a need to say that because most people are under the impression that rhinoplasty (or nose job, as it’s often called online) is a procedure solely designed to change the way someone looks or appears.

While that’s certainly one aspect of rhinoplasty, it’s not the only aspect. 

And an obsession with one aspect often means other aspects get overlooked. 

The problem with this narrow-minded view of rhinoplasty is that it creates a misconception that nose jobs are strictly cosmetic and anyone who gets a nose job must, therefore, be unhappy with their appearance. 

That, of course, isn’t always true. 

But the misconception, alone, can deter someone from wanting one — even if they desperately need it. 

At Nease Cosmetic, we want each and every one of our Chattanooga patients to feel confident in the results from their rhinoplasty — no matter what the reason is for wanting or needing one in the first place.

Functional vs. Cosmetic: Two Very Different Types of Rhinoplasty 

The way we see it, there are three types of rhinoplasty patients today:

1) Those who are happy with how their nose functions but not how it looks, 2) those who are happy with how their nose looks but not how it functions, and 3) those who don’t like anything about their nose. 

Those who are unhappy with how their nose looks will undergo cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is designed to change the appearance of the nose for aesthetic reasons and can affect the bridge, root, tip and/or nostrils. It’s what most people think of when they hear the term nose job. 

Those who are unhappy with how their nose functions will undergo functional rhinoplasty. 

Functional rhinoplasty is designed to correct structural problems inside the nose that interfere with nasal function, such as one’s ability to breathe or smell properly. In some cases, it can be medically necessary.

And if you’re someone who doesn’t like anything about your nose — you’ll undergo a combination of both.

How Can Functional Rhinoplasty Improve Quality of Life?

Most of what we hear about rhinoplasty comes from a cosmetic perspective. 

After all, rhinoplasty is the third-most popular cosmetic procedure for the face in the United States with nearly 50,000 patients undergoing one in 2024, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The only procedures that ranked higher were the facelift (~80,000) and eyelid surgery (~120,000). 

But let’s dive a little deeper into the functional aspect of rhinoplasty — because that’s just as important. 

According to the ASPS, two of the most common medical reasons for rhinoplasty are nasal passages that are too narrow and a crooked line of cartilage known as the septum, also known as a deviated septum.

Here are a few other common functional reasons why patients seek rhinoplasty: 

• Congested airways, sinus infections and chronic sinusitis
• Snoring and breathing pauses caused by sleep apnea
• Removal of nasal polyps that obstruct airflow
• Nasal obstruction caused by trauma or injury to the face
• Nasal deformities resulting from cleft lip and palate
• Nasal valve collapse or insufficiency affecting airflow
• Enlarged turbinates causing chronic nasal congestion

In other words, if you can’t breathe or smell properly, functional rhinoplasty can — and often does — help. 

So while the cosmetic side of rhinoplasty gets all the attention (and is still a major focus) the functional side might be even more life-changing for patients who have been struggling to breathe or smell for years.

What to Expect From the Rhinopolasty Procedure

It doesn’t matter what type of rhinoplasty procedure you’re getting — it always starts the same way. 

With a consultation, of course!

The initial consultation is hands-down the most important part of the process. It’s not only where you and your doctor discuss your goals (and the reality of what’s possible), but it’s where the preparation begins. 

And that preparation can include everything from stopping certain medication to not wearing makeup. 

All in all, preparation for rhinoplasty can take several weeks (depending on scheduling), but the actual procedure generally takes anywhere from one to three hours with final results available within a year. 

Here’s a look at what patients can expect before the procedure: 

• Discuss goals, expectations, and desired outcomes with surgeon
• Review medical history and current medications
• Physical examination of nose structure and breathing function
• Computer imaging may be used to show potential results
• Discuss surgical technique options (open vs. closed approach)
• Review risks, complications, and recovery timeline
• Obtain detailed cost breakdown and financing options
• Schedule surgery date and pre-operative appointment
• Complete required medical clearances or lab work
• Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you initially
• Prepare recovery space with elevated pillows
• Follow pre-operative instructions (fasting, skincare routine)

Here’s what patients can expect on the day of surgery: 

• Change into surgical gown and have IV line placed
• Meet with anesthesiologist and surgical team
• Receive general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation
• Surgical site is cleaned and sterilized
• Surgeon makes incisions (inside nostrils for closed; across columella for open)
• Skin and soft tissues are carefully lifted to expose nasal structures
• Cartilage and bone are reshaped, removed, or augmented as planned
• Nasal tip may be refined and repositioned
• Septum may be straightened if needed for breathing improvement
• Incisions are closed with sutures
• Nasal packing or splints may be placed
• External nasal splint is applied

Here’s what patients can expect while recovering from rhinoplasty: 

• Manage pain with prescribed medications
• Keep head elevated at all times to reduce swelling
• Apply cold compresses around eyes (not directly on nose)
• Breathe through mouth due to nasal packing
• Have someone monitor you for first 24 hours
• Follow post-operative instructions for medications and care
• Wear nasal splint for around 1-2 weeks
• Avoid strenuous activities for at least one month
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments
• Final results could take up to one year (12 months)

Deciding to have rhinoplasty — and then going through with it — can feel like an overwhelming process.

You might have questions that pop up at 2 AM while you’re laying in bed, concerns about the recovery process and how long you’ll be away from your normal routine, or about what your results will look like.

But don’t worry — our team of medical professionals will be with you every step of the way. 

From the first consultation through to your final follow-up appointment, Nease Cosmetic Surgery is here to answer your questions, address your concerns and provide the support you need to feel confident in this decision.

Revision Rhinoplasty: The Second Chance You Were Looking For

We wish we could tell you that every rhinoplasty goes perfectly the first time.

But the reality is, sometimes it doesn't.

Maybe you had your first rhinoplasty years ago with high hopes, only to find that your breathing didn't improve — or actually got worse. Or maybe the aesthetic results weren't what you originally expected. 

If that sounds familiar, then don’t worry — you're not alone.

And more importantly, you're not stuck with those results forever.

Revision rhinoplasty — sometimes referred to as secondary rhinoplasty — is designed specifically for patients who need corrections or improvements after a previous, often unsuccessful nose surgery. 

It's the second chance most patients are looking for after a rough first experience.

At Nease Cosmetic, we've helped many Chattanooga patients who felt disappointed or frustrated after their first rhinoplasty experience — and we’d be honored to give anyone else that same opportunity!

Nease Cosmetic Surgery: Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Are you having a hard time breathing properly? Have you lost some or all of your sense of smell? Is your broken nose making it difficult to breathe through your nose? Are you interested in functional rhinoplasty? 

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions above, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to Nease Cosmetic Surgery. 

For our Chattanooga patients who've struggled with breathing issues, chronic sinus problems or sleep disruption for years, functional rhinoplasty can be a life-changing procedure with life-altering implications.

These aren’t just cosmetic improvements — they’re an investment for a better future. 

To learn more about how rhinoplasty can change your life, book your first consultation at (423) 515-3223.