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Functional Rhinoplasty

In San Francisco, CA

Introduction

Introduction to Functional Rhinoplasty

Imagine taking a full breath, one that expands your lungs without effort, strain, or the faintest sense of obstruction. For many people, this simple act is something they think about every day: the tight inhale before bedtime, the noisy breathing during exercise, or the chronic congestion that never seems to go away. Functional rhinoplasty is the bridge between that daily struggle and the effortless comfort they’ve been missing. At Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery in San Francisco, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Meaghan Noud approaches functional rhinoplasty as both an art and a deeply restorative procedure. Beyond reshaping the nose, she restores balance between form and function, aesthetics and ease, confidence and comfort.

Before + After Gallery

  • Real plastic surgery patient before and after results by Dr. Meaghan Noud in San Francisco, CA.
  • Real plastic surgery patient before and after results by Dr. Meaghan Noud in San Francisco, CA.
  • Real plastic surgery patient before and after results by Dr. Meaghan Noud in San Francisco, CA.
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A woman with long, dark hair stands against a dark teal wall, looking thoughtfully to her right. Soft light highlights her face and hair, and her hand rests gently on her cheek. She wears a light beige long-sleeved blouse, with the dark, out-of-focus background enhancing the dramatic lighting.

What is a Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty is a highly specialized surgical procedure that corrects internal nasal structures that interfere with normal breathing. While cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on external appearance, a functional rhinoplasty targets the internal architecture: the septum, nasal valves, turbinates, and cartilage support. Structural issues, whether caused by genetics, injury, or prior surgery, can lead to the nasal passage collapsing or narrowing. Dr. Noud’s approach rebuilds these passages with strategic precision, reinforcing weakened support, straightening deviation, and restoring airflow without compromising natural facial harmony. In many cases, patients experience both aesthetic refinement and significantly improved breathing.

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Who Are the Best Candidates For a Functional Rhinoplasty?

In San Francisco, we typically work with individuals who experience persistent breathing difficulties caused by structural nasal issues. This may include a deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves, enlarged turbinates, previous trauma to the nose, or complications from prior nasal surgeries. Many candidates struggle with chronic congestion, difficulty exercising due to limited airflow, or sleep disruptions caused by obstruction. Functional rhinoplasty is also an excellent option for patients seeking to combine breathing correction with cosmetic refinement. Dr. Noud performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine if the anatomy, symptoms, health history, and desired outcomes align with the procedure.

What Are the Benefits of a Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty offers a range of life-enhancing benefits that extend well beyond the nose. Patients often report quieter, easier breathing during daily activities, deeper sleep, reduced snoring, and improved athletic performance. Chronic congestion and mouth breathing frequently resolve as the nasal airway finally opens the way it’s meant to. Many individuals also notice fewer sinus infections and decreased reliance on nasal sprays or medications.

What’s the First Step?

Functional rhinoplasty requires a consultation at our San Francisco office, where Dr. Noud takes time to understand your breathing concerns, lifestyle, symptoms, and history. She will perform a detailed nasal examination, sometimes using imaging or endoscopic evaluation to assess internal structures.

From there, she creates a surgical plan that addresses both the functional limitations and, if desired, subtle aesthetic goals. Patients often describe this first step as clarifying and empowering, the moment they finally understand the “why” behind their breathing challenges and the path toward relief.

A patient coordinator in a black top sits in a cream-colored chair, carefully reviewing a treatment brochure with a client.

What to Expect on the Day of Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery

On the day of surgery in San Francisco, the Statera team guides you through every step, ensuring comfort and calm from the moment you arrive. Functional rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Noud begins by accessing the internal nasal structures through discreet incisions, either inside the nostrils or along the columella, depending on the surgical plan. She then strategically reconstructs and reinforces the septum, nasal valves, and supporting cartilage using meticulous techniques designed to restore airflow while preserving or enhancing natural contours. The procedure often takes between one and three hours, after which you’ll recover briefly in the surgical suite until you’re ready to head home with a trusted caregiver.

Dr. Meaghan Noud in her white lab coat, holding an anatomical skull model to explain deep-plane facial structures to a patient.
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Functional Rhinoplasty Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Functional Rhinoplasty Care

Recovery is an essential part of the healing journey. Patients can expect swelling, congestion, and mild pressure for the first week; symptoms are often compared to a severe sinus cold. A small external splint may be placed to support the nose, and internal splints may be used to stabilize structural repairs. Bruising around the eyes can appear but typically fades quickly.

By the second week, most patients feel comfortable returning to work or school, and breathing improvements begin to emerge as internal swelling subsides. Over the following weeks and months, airflow continues to improve, and the nose gradually settles into its final shape. Dr. Noud provides detailed aftercare instructions to support smooth healing and long-term results.

How Much Does a Functional Rhinoplasty Cost in San Francisco, CA?

The cost of a Functional Rhinoplasty in San Francisco varies depending on the complexity of the structural repairs required, whether a cosmetic component is included, and any additional procedures needed to achieve optimal results. After your consultation and examination, Dr. Noud’s team will provide a cost estimate based on your surgical plan. For many patients, functional rhinoplasty may be partially covered by insurance when medically necessary, and the Statera team can assist you in evaluating this.

Why Choose Dr. Noud?

Dr. Meaghan Noud is one of San Francisco’s most credentialed facial plastic surgeons, holding double board certifications through the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPRS). Her training uniquely positions her at the intersection of cosmetic artistry and functional reconstruction. Patients consistently praise her personal technique, modern surgical approach, and compassionate, communicative style.

Functional Rhinoplasty FAQ’S

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’ve been living with chronic nasal obstruction or breathing limitations, now is the time to explore a long-lasting solution. A consultation with Dr. Noud in San Francisco offers clarity, education, and a personalized pathway to easier breathing and a more balanced nasal structure. Contact Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery today to schedule your appointment.

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