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Replacing a Removed Nasal Spine

asked 1 year ago by 11704 in Lindenhurst
Latest answer by Michael A. Jazayeri, MD
Question viewed 434 times
Tags: female, upper lip

During my rhinoplasty 5 years ago my nasal spine was removed without my previous knowledge. My nose looks much shorter from the frontal view and as a result is not aestetically pleasing. Also, my upper lip now appears too long. I was wondering if there is a procedure that can replace the nasal spine and make my nose appear longer from the front view again? Also, will this procedure, if it exists, make the upper lip appear shorter?

13 answers to Replacing a Removed Nasal Spine

Replacing the nasal spine.

If it only needs bulk where the spine was removed this can be done with cartilage or Radiesse. However, if you need lengthening as well the this is more involved. You should see an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Nasal Spine Removal During Rhinoplasty

It is difficult to answer your question without photos and examination. However, I agree with some of the comments what you are describing may be a short nose (pig nose). The best way to lengthen the nose is with extension grafts placed inside the nose to de-rotate the nasal tip. If you have septal cartilage left, then your surgeon can use the cartilage. If inadequate septal cartilage is available, other sources of cartilage or even synthetic material (such as medpor)... more

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD
Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty

No, the nasal spine cannot be replaced, think of it like a piece of bone that has been removed. However, there are ways to lengthen the nose and shorten the upper lip. It is best to consult with a Facial Plastic Surgeon regarding these options.

Michael Sullivan, MD
Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nasal spine

Hey 11704 - based on your description of the appearance of your nose, I would suggest that not only was the spine removed which is not an uncommon maneuver to elicit a very specific change at the base of the center post of the nose but likely the immediate end of the septum was also trimmed. This maneuver can elicit a rotation and shortening effect which can make the upper lip look longer as more is now visible. Revision rhinoplasty is a very difficult endeavor and my... more

Paul E. Kelly, MD
Hamptons Facial Plastic Surgeon

Replacing Nasal Spine

It sounds like you may need a caudal septal extension graft to lengthen your nose and de-rotate the tip. The area of spine removal can be augmented with a cartilage graft.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

The nasal spine may be addressed in about 5 % of rhinoplasties

I have published a number of articles on the nasal spine in rhinoplasty and have found that removing all or part of the spine is used in about 1/20 patients. If other nasal tip supports are left in place, treating the nasal spine would have a minimal effect. To fully understand how to restore the proper angle to the nose, called the naso-labial angle, you should see a rhinoplasty specialist.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Fixes for the short nose

Almost everything that can be taken out of the nose during rhinoplasty surgery, can also be replaced in the subsequent revision rhinoplasty. That includes the nasal septal spine and the end of the septum (caudal septum). Many times to rebuild such a nose, cartilage from other areas (ear, rib) are harvested and used as building blocks. So yes, a good revision rhinoplasty surgeon can probably repair your nose. All the best, Dr. Vartanian.

A. John Vartanian, MD
Glendale Facial Plastic Surgeon

Columellar/Nasal Spine Revision After Rhinoplasty

Removing the anterior nasal spine usually results in a retracted columellar base. This may make the nose look shorter by closing the nasolabial angle in profile view. This may or may not make the lip look longer however. As part of the nasal spine removal you may have lost the caudal end of the septum as well. The nasolabial angle can be opened up and supported by a cartilage caudal extension graft or even a modified premaxillary implant.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com

Caudal Extension Graft to Lengthen the Nose

Generally speaking, what you are describing is that your nose is too short and you want to lengthen it. One techniuqe used to do this is called a caudal extension graft or a septal extension graft. Cartilage from your nose or other parts of your body is used to replace the missing portion of cartilage that was removed in the past. However, the maxillary spine is a different issue and is just one part of the caudal septum. It is in your best interest to consult with a revision... more

Jacob D. Steiger, MD
Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nasal Spine

There are a variety of options and techniques to correct a variety of deformities. It is very difficult to say without seeing your before and after photos what would be the most efficacious approach.

Marc Schneider, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Nasal spine removal and its affect on the nasal appearance.

The nasal spine is a extension of maxillary bones in the midline just at upper limit of upper lip between the two nostrils. It is where the inferior most segment of the nose sits. Therefore, it supports the lower part of the nose and affects nasal projection, how far the tip looks up or down i.e. nasolabial angle. If nasal spine is removed, then the nasolabial angle is reduced and nasal tip drops. This is used to bring the tip down. As tip is brought down, the lip should appear shorter.... more

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO
Huntington Beach Facial Plastic Surgeon

Correcting nasal spine removal

Having the nasal spine removed can cause the columella in that area to retract. This can cause the upper lip to appear longer. Using cartilage grafting techniques, it is possible to correct this problem. I'd recommend visiting with someone experienced in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty to see what your options are.