Trends in functional rhinoplasty

Abstract

The evolution of the rhinoplastic surgery has spanned several centuries, with the last few decades focused on the development and refinement of techniques that address the nasal airway specifically. This increased focus on functional rhinoplasty has led to significant improvements in our ability to preserve and augment the nasal airway. Techniques are generally categorized by their effects on the external and/or internal nasal valves. Limitations exist, however, in our ability to critically interpret and apply these techniques due to a dearth of validated and reliable outcomes measures as well as confusion regarding the nomenclature of the nasal valves. This chapter will present a brief introduction to the history of functional rhinoplasty, means of evaluating the nose, outcomes, and surgical treatment of the nasal airway during functional rhinoplasty.