Saddle Nose Deformity Due to Syphilis or Leprosy

Bacterial infections can impact many areas of the body, including causing nose damage. Syphilis and leprosy are bacterial infections that can have many health implications, including lesions and ulcers that attack the cartilage in the nose. If left untreated, these infections could cause permanent damage to the nose, resulting in a saddle nose deformity. Dr. Maurice Khosh offers repairs for nasal deformities from syphilis or leprosy.

Syphilis Infection and Nose Damage

Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted disease that is very common and easily spread. The danger of syphilis is that the symptoms can go undetected, allowing the disease to progress. While syphilis is treatable, if it is not detected, it can progress to the tertiary phase, resulting in lesions that cause nasal damage. In addition, those with congenital syphilis, infected from their mother at birth, can have nasal cartilage damage. Both types of syphilis can cause a saddle nose deformity if the nasal damage is severe.

Leprosy Infection and Nose Damage

While leprosy is rare in the US, it does still occur and can cause nasal damage. Leprosy or Hansen’s disease is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes, nose, skin and nerves. Leprosy is curable in the early stages, but if it goes undiagnosed or treated, it can cause severe tissue damage. The infection attacks the mucous membranes in the nose and can eventually cause structural damage, resulting in a saddle nose deformity.

While both leprosy and syphilis can be treated and usually cured, the damage that is caused to the nose before treatment is often permanent. Restoring the natural shape of the nose may require repair by a plastic surgeon. Dr. Khosh offers rhinoplasty and non-surgical saddle nose repairs at his office in NYC. Contact our office today to schedule your saddle nose repair consultation and discuss your options.