Consultant Otolaryngologist & Rhinoplasty Surgeon in Dubai
Dr. Fateh Alsalem — Consultant Otolaryngologist & Rhinoplasty Surgeon in Dubai

Clinic Location

HMS Hospital, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE

Phone

+971 50 295 3644

Email Address

info@drfatehrhinoent.ae

Breathe better · Dubai

Functional Rhinoplasty in Dubai

Nasal surgery planned to improve the structure of your nose for better breathing, while keeping a balanced, natural appearance. Assessed and performed by Consultant ENT & Rhinoplasty Surgeon Dr. Fateh Alsalem.

Nasal breathing & airflow
Natural facial harmony
Functional rhinoplasty for better nasal breathing in Dubai
Consultant ENT19+ years' experience
HMS HospitalMirdif, Dubai
Understanding the Procedure

What is functional rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty focuses on improving the structure of the nose to support better nasal breathing. It differs from cosmetic rhinoplasty, which mainly changes appearance. Learn more in our complete rhinoplasty guide.

Cosmetic rhinoplasty

Focus: appearance

  • Nasal hump, width or asymmetry
  • Shape of the nasal tip
  • Balance with facial proportions

See rhinoplasty in Dubai.

Functional rhinoplasty

Focus: breathing & structure

  • Nasal obstruction and blockage
  • Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
  • Structural narrowing of the nasal airway
  • Problems after previous nasal surgery or injury

In some cases, cosmetic and functional concerns can be addressed in the same operation. If you've already had surgery, see revision rhinoplasty.

Common Causes

What can block nasal breathing?

Nasal obstruction can have several structural causes. Tap a number to learn about each one.

  1. The septum is the wall dividing the two sides of the nose. When it is bent or shifted, it can narrow one or both airways and make breathing harder.

  2. The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the airway. If it is narrow or weak, it may collapse inwards when breathing in, especially during exercise or deep breaths.

  3. Turbinates warm and humidify the air. When they are enlarged, they can contribute to a blocked nose. Persistent congestion may also be related to sinus problems.

  4. Nasal trauma or earlier surgery can change the nasal structure or weaken its support. In patients who have already had rhinoplasty, this is assessed as part of revision rhinoplasty.

Signs to Look For

Could a structural problem be affecting your breathing?

Persistent nasal obstruction
One side always more blocked
Mouth breathing
Noisy breathing or snoring at night
Breathing harder during exercise
Dry mouth on waking
Blockage after a nose injury
Breathing worse after previous surgery
These symptoms can have different causes, including allergies or sinus disease. An ENT assessment is the way to find out whether the problem is structural.
Tailored Surgery

What surgery may involve

The exact plan depends on your anatomy and assessment findings. Depending on the cause, surgery may include one or more of the following.

Straightening the septum

Correcting a deviated septum (septoplasty) to open the narrowed airway.

Reducing the turbinates

Reducing enlarged turbinates when they contribute to a blocked nose.

Supporting the nasal valve

Strengthening weak or narrow areas of the nasal structure to help keep the airway open.

Your surgeon will explain the planned procedure, expected benefits, possible risks and recovery before any treatment.
Your Journey

From consultation to easier breathing

Step 1

Consultation

Your breathing concerns, medical history, previous surgery or injury, and goals.

Step 2

Examination

Assessment of the septum, nasal valve, turbinates and external nasal structure.

Step 3

Personal plan

A plan for function, and appearance if desired, with realistic expectations.

Step 4

Recovery & follow-up

Clear aftercare instructions and follow-up visits while the nose heals.

Dr. Fateh Alsalem, functional rhinoplasty surgeon in Dubai

Dr. Fateh Alsalem

Consultant ENT & Rhinoplasty Surgeon · HMS Hospital Mirdif

As an ENT surgeon with more than 19 years of experience, Dr. Fateh assesses how your nose works as carefully as how it looks. MRCS (ENT) Edinburgh · Arab Board.

FAQ

Functional rhinoplasty questions

What is the difference between functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty?

Cosmetic rhinoplasty mainly focuses on the appearance and proportions of the nose. Functional rhinoplasty focuses on improving the nasal structure to support better breathing.

Can functional and cosmetic concerns be treated together?

In some cases, yes. Cosmetic and functional concerns can sometimes be addressed during the same operation, depending on your assessment.

Is a deviated septum the only cause of a blocked nose?

No. Nasal blockage can also be related to the nasal valve, enlarged turbinates, previous injury or surgery, allergies or sinus disease. An ENT assessment helps identify the cause.

Will functional rhinoplasty change how my nose looks?

Functional surgery focuses on the internal structure. Whether the external appearance changes depends on the procedure needed and your goals, which are discussed during consultation.

Can functional rhinoplasty help with snoring?

When nasal obstruction contributes to snoring, improving nasal breathing may help in selected patients. Snoring can have several causes, so a full assessment is needed.

What is recovery like?

Recovery varies with the procedure. Temporary swelling, congestion and some discomfort are common early on. You will receive specific aftercare instructions and follow-up.

Book a functional rhinoplasty assessment

If you struggle to breathe through your nose, a specialist assessment can identify the cause and the right treatment, with or without cosmetic changes.

LocationHMS Hospital Mirdif
Saturday – Wednesday11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed

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Medical disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for an individual medical assessment or diagnosis. Treatment suitability, expected results, risks and recovery vary between patients and should be discussed with a qualified specialist.