Congenital defects are abnormalities in normal development that occur during intrauterine life. They may be structural – affecting the shape and size of a body part– or functional – affecting the normal function of that organ. Congenital anomalies can affect any part of the body, and the nose is definitely not exempted. Many abnormalities can occur during the process of a baby’s development, and while most are difficult to prevent, many certainly can be fixed.
Rhinoplasty is a field of plastic surgery that involves the reconstruction of the nose. Although it is viewed by many as a purely cosmetic specialty, rhinoplasty also serves to correct functional problems too. This is important because many congenital nose defects affect more than just the patient’s appearance; they can hinder a patient’s ability to breathe properly and comfortably. As such, these nasal problems require the skill of an experienced surgeon to correct not just the look of the nose but also the respiratory function.
As rhinoplasty techniques continue to advance, you can trust Nova Rhinoplasty to handle the repair of congenital abnormalities of the nose with the latest techniques. Some common congenital nasal defects amenable to rhinoplasty include:
NASAL SEPTUM DEVIATION
The septum of the nose is a piece of cartilage tissue that divides the nose into two nostrils. Ideally, the septum should be perfectly aligned centrally, separating the nostrils into two equal halves. It’s not unusual to have some degree of deviation – it is present in up to 85% of people – but it is mostly not a cause for concern. However, it can be aesthetically displeasing when the deviation is a major one. More importantly, it can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, headaches, sinus infections, and noisy breathing while sleeping. Medications can help reduce the symptoms of this condition, but surgical repair is the definitive solution.
Septoplasty is the surgical procedure that corrects this deviation. It is done to centralize the septum and, by so doing, cause cessation of the symptoms of the nasal septum being out of position. Rhinoplasty may also be done to ensure the whole nose is perfectly reshaped.
ENLARGED NASAL TURBINATES
Referred to as turbinate hypertrophy in medical terminology, enlargement of the nasal turbinates can occur for different reasons. One of them is abnormal development of the nose in utero. The turbinates, also referred to as concha, are tissues inside the nose that help warm and humidify the air we breathe in, making inhalation more comfortable. When their size is out of proportion, it manifests as nasal obstruction and congestion, and surgery becomes necessary.
The surgery done is called a turbinoplasty. It achieves a reduction of the turbinates to a size that relieves the symptoms caused by the obstruction while preserving the normal function of the tissue. Because of the close relationships of the turbinates to the septum of the nose, turbinoplasty is often combined with septoplasty to achieve optimal correction.
CLEFT NOSE
Cleft lip and cleft palate are relatively common problems that can greatly distort the shape of the nose, leading to what is known as a cleft nose. A cleft nose is characterized by an uneven appearance of the nostrils, nose tip, and even the septum. Additionally, there may be breathing difficulties experienced by the patient. Thus, the nasal structure must be repaired alongside the cleft lip or cleft palate.
Cleft rhinoplasty is the procedure done to repair a cleft nose, and it is often spread across three stages. The first one is done in infancy, the second as the child reaches school age and the last one in the latter years of adolescence.
All the procedures mentioned above can be done effectively and efficiently at Nova Rhinoplasty. Congenital nose defects affect the nose structure and function, so they require delicate procedures to repair them. Contact us at Nova Rhinoplasty today for surgical correction of any nasal defects you or your loved one might have been born with.