Many people think rhinoplasty is only about improving appearance — but for thousands of patients each year, rhinoplasty is a medical procedure that restores proper airflow and dramatically improves quality of life. At the Atlanta Institute for Facial Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Pradeep Sinha has performed thousands of functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures, helping patients breathe better, sleep better, and feel better.
If you suffer from chronic congestion, mouth breathing, nasal obstruction, or trouble sleeping, functional rhinoplasty may be the solution you never knew existed. Below, we explain exactly how nasal surgery can improve breathing and what makes Dr. Sinha a leading specialist in this area.
What Is Functional Rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty is a specialized form of nasal surgery focused on restoring airflow through the nose. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty — which changes the appearance — functional rhinoplasty addresses structural problems that prevent the nose from doing its job.
Common breathing problems that functional rhinoplasty treats include:
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Deviated septum
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Valve collapse (internal or external)
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Enlarged turbinates
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Congenital airway obstruction
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Nasal trauma
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Over-reduction from previous rhinoplasty
Patients often choose functional rhinoplasty because they want to breathe better and improve their appearance at the same time — something Dr. Sinha is uniquely experienced in delivering.
How Breathing Works (and Why It Sometimes Doesn’t)
The nose is the body’s natural air filter and humidifier. But if any part of the nasal passage collapses, curves, or becomes blocked, airflow becomes restricted.
The three most common causes of restricted breathing are:
1. Deviated Septum
The septum is the wall of cartilage that separates the nostrils. If it is crooked or displaced, one side of the nose can become significantly blocked.
2. Internal Nasal Valve Collapse
This is the narrowest part of the airway. If the cartilage is weak or pinched inward, airflow drops dramatically — especially during exercise or deep inhalation.
3. Enlarged Turbinates
Turbinates are structures inside the nose that warm and moisten air. When swollen, they can block the airway and cause chronic congestion.
Functional rhinoplasty addresses these issues by restructuring and strengthening the areas causing blockage.
How Functional Rhinoplasty Improves Your Breathing
1. Straightening a Deviated Septum (Septoplasty)
A septoplasty is often performed during functional rhinoplasty. Dr. Sinha carefully reshapes and centers the septum, opening both air passages equally and reducing chronic congestion.
2. Supporting the Nasal Valves
This is one of the most important (and misunderstood) areas of breathing improvement. Dr. Sinha uses structural grafts — often taken from your own cartilage — to strengthen the internal valves. This prevents collapse during breathing and creates a clear, steady airflow through the nose.
3. Reducing Turbinate Size
If turbinates are enlarged, Dr. Sinha performs a conservative reduction to open the airway without compromising their function. The result is smooth airflow without chronic blockage.
4. Correcting Trauma or Previous Surgery Issues
Past injuries or overly aggressive rhinoplasty can lead to nasal collapse. Functional rhinoplasty rebuilds and reinforces the nasal framework for improved breathing and appearance.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Functional Rhinoplasty
Patients often report improvements within weeks of healing:
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Easier, deeper breathing
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Better sleep and reduced snoring
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Improved athletic performance
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Less congestion and sinus pressure
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Reduced mouth breathing and dry mouth
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Better overall quality of life
Many say it’s the first time they’ve been able to breathe clearly in years — or even in their entire lives.
Cosmetic and Functional Results Can Be Combined
One of the unique benefits of functional rhinoplasty at Dr. Sinha’s practice is that he can address structural issues andrefine nasal shape in the same procedure. Some of the most common cosmetic refinements performed simultaneously include:
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Smoothing a dorsal hump
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Refining a bulbous or droopy tip
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Straightening a twisted nose
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Narrowing wide nostrils
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Improving symmetry after trauma
This combined approach allows patients to achieve a more attractive appearance and better breathing all at once.
Why Choose Dr. Sinha for Functional Rhinoplasty in Atlanta?
Dr. Sinha is one of the few surgeons in the country who is:
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Double board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery & ENT (Head & Neck Surgery)
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A specialist with 30+ years focused ONLY on the face
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Expert in complex structural and functional nasal reconstruction
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Known for achieving natural, long-lasting results
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Trusted by thousands of patients seeking improved breathing and facial harmony
His deep understanding of nasal anatomy — both cosmetic and functional — allows him to deliver results that look beautiful and work beautifully.
Are You a Candidate for Functional Rhinoplasty?
You may benefit from functional rhinoplasty if you experience:
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Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
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Chronic congestion with no allergy cause
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Trouble sleeping or snoring
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Mouth breathing
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Exercise intolerance due to nasal airflow
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A collapsed appearance in the mid-nose
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Prior trauma or unsuccessful nose surgery
A personalized consultation with Dr. Sinha will determine the exact cause of your breathing issues and the best solution.
Breathe Better. Sleep Better. Live Better.
Functional rhinoplasty can be truly life-changing — restoring airflow, improving comfort, and enhancing confidence at the same time. If you’re struggling to breathe through your nose or considering rhinoplasty for aesthetic and functional reasons, Dr. Sinha and our team are here to help.
Schedule your consultation today.
We offer in-person and virtual appointments for your convenience.
