When Is Surgery Necessary to Repair a Saddle Nose Deformity?

Many people choose to have rhinoplasty to improve the shape of their nose and the balance of their facial features. However, patients who choose to have rhinoplasty to repair a saddle nose deformity may have been perfectly happy with their nose before it was damaged. Deciding to have any type of plastic surgery is a major decision, and never one to be taken lightly. If you have a saddle nose deformity, you may wonder about other procedures available to repair your nose or if saddle nose surgery is your only option.

Saddle nose deformities, minor and major, all have one thing in common. This is the lack of support to the nasal septum and bridge. The nasal bridge has collapsed to some extent, creating a dip on the lower portion of the bridge. For some, this is the only indication, and the rest of the nose remains the same. Others may have a deep horizontal crease where the bridge collapses, an over-rotated nasal tip, shortened nose or breathing obstructions. The type of repair needed depends on the level of damage and the results desired by the patient.

Extent of Damage to the Nasal Cartilage

Cartilage is the main component of the nose structure. The nasal bones stop at the top of the bridge, and the rest of the nose is shaped and supported by cartilage. When there has been significant loss of cartilage from an infection, previous surgeries, disease or injury, repairing the shape and function of the nose requires surgery. There is usually not enough healthy cartilage to support the bridge and nasal tip, so a cartilage graft is required. Small pieces of cartilage harvested from other areas of the body can be carefully shaped and grafted to restore the nasal structure and form.

When there has not been a significant amount of cartilage loss, common in trauma where the nose bridge is compressed from damage, surgery is not always necessary. Facial filler injections can be used to cosmetically improve the shape of the nasal bridge. While these treatments must be repeated to sustain the appearance, it is a less invasive option for minor saddle nose deformities that only have a slight depression on the nasal bridge.

For those with a saddle nose deformity who want to explore repair options, come see the expert in all things “saddle nose.” Dr. Maurice Khosh offers surgical and non-surgical repairs for all levels of saddle nose deformities at our state-of-the-art plastic surgery clinic in Manhattan.