My nose is collapsing to the right after cocaine use. Can it be fixed? (Photo)

First and foremost you need to stop all cocaine use permanently. Usually cocaine use affects the septum and lining of the nose but can also cause damage to the alar and even the columella.If the nose is collapsing to one side it may be an effect of cocaine use continually through one nostril and it may be that the alar cartilage on that side has been damaged. It would be important to get an opinion from an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon to assess the damage and discuss what would be required to correct the problem. Usually a graft is needed to restore deficient tissue but if this graft is taken from the septum it would risk a septal perforation since cocaine will have weakened the septum. In your case one would need grafts from your ear in this particular case since it would not be wise to violate the septum.  

Rhinoplasty surgery may not be considered in those who use cocaine even occasionally. Some people are sensitive to cocaine, or an illicit additive, that may lead to midline nasal destructive disease. In that regard, please stop sniffing cocaine, and consider consulting with a reputable ENT or rhinoplasty specialist so you could see what might be best for you. Dr Joseph

You should definitely see a plastic surgeon, ASAP!! The collapse of your nose is due to the damage caused by the cocaine to the nasal framework. This will require a proper reconstruction of the bones, cartilage and mucosa of the nasal framework that if not managed properly can cause further collapse of your nose and breathing problems.
Hope this helps,
Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Cocaine causes the vessels in the nose to shrink.  This results in cartilage weakening and resorption.  You should be off cocaine for months before the support is reconstructed with cartilage (probably ear).  You could have a normal looking nose again, perhaps one even prettier than before the collapse. 

A deviated septum, or crooked nose is sometimes attributed to illicit drug use and contributes to breathing issues as well as physical symptoms. Repairing the nose after recreational drug abuse is often challenging and planning for your surgery will require an assessment of your individual symptoms and signs. It would be worth visiting a rhinoplasty expert to discuss your concerns, enable a detailed assessment of your nose and management plan depending on these findings. Best of luck!

there are many issues to consider in approaching noses damaged from substance abuse.  As others have stated your general health must be evaluated and a cardiologist should see you prior to seeking surgical repair.  Seek a plastic surgeon with a proven track record in cocaine nose treatment--these can be challenging cases. 

First of all,  it is important to no longer using cocaine for at least a year before undergoing any reconstructive efforts. A crooked nose can be straightened with osteotomies, while  the collapse of the bridge  can be built up with ear cartilage

Cocaine use can result in septal perforations (hole in the septum, or the partition dividing the nose into the 2 nostrils); because the septum is important for nasal support, large enough perforations can contribute to sagging of the nasal structures (and other problems such as crusting, bleeding, and whistling).  Your photo suggest a deviation of the nasal axis to the right and left, in a C-shaped deformity.  You would be best served with an in-person consultation and exam with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon; during this consultation, the surgeon can evaluate your functional and cosmetic problems, and develop a treatment plan.  You may require septal reconstruction and rhinoplasty, with possible cartilage grafting (from the ear or rib).  Look for a surgeon with a keen understanding of facial and nasal anatomy and physiology, extensive experience with both cosmetic and functional septorhinoplasty, and ability to develop a good rapport with you.  Good luck!

Yes, in most cases a collapsing nose or saddle nose can be repaired after cocaine use. You didn't mention this but I assume that drug use is in your past. If not, you will want to wait to pursue any surgery until you've stopped any nasal drug use. In most cases, the cartilage and structural damage from cocaine use needs to be repaired. Cartilage from either one of your ribs or a donor rib can be used to rebuild and replace lost structure and straighten your nose. I would recommend seeking a consultation with a reconstructive rhinoplasty specialist for more specific advice about your case. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Collapsing ala can be corrected very nicely with an alar batten graft. Please make a consultation to get definitive recommendations.