What will it require to correct my Saddle Nose deformity? (photo)

Question

It appears that i have formed a Saddle Nose deformity after a surgery to repair deviated septum following a trauma accident. I don't really care as much about the red scarring as I do the structural damage. What exactly will it take as far as surgery to correct this issue? Costs and whether insurance will cover any are my primary concern. Thanks a lot.

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

A saddle nose can be corrected using person's own cartilage from the rib or ear or preserved cartilage. It is highly successful in experienced hands.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

The saddle nose deformity develops when the septum has been damaged and sinks down. This results in the lack of support of the bridge of the ose which will also visibly sink down. The height of the dorsum is determined by both the cartilage septum as well as the nasal bones. Sometimes the nasal bones can be lowered a bit so that the mismatch in height can be lessened. Then cartilage grafting can be added to raise the septal part of the dorsum. It can be better explained in person by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Good luck.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

You do have that strong bump on the bridge, above the concavity. Although surgeons often think in terms of filling in a concavity, In a situation like yours, it's likely that most of the operation would be to lower that bump. After lowering the bump, the concavity might not look like a concavity at all, but just be in line with a straight bridge. Especially if the tip is brought back toward the face a millimeter or so. In my experience, it's a great advantage if we *don't* have to augment the bridge by putting something up there--it avoids lots of potential complications.We would figure that out by making detailed morphs of your nose, to see whether lowering the bump, and a couple minor associated changes, would do the trick.If there is still septum at the base of that concavity, that's very good, too.Remember also that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. For most noses, it's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And for those who have had previous surgery, it also discusses how to tell whether your first surgeon should be performing your revision. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.
Your nose is also a perfect example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he thinks he can change, and by how much he thinks he can change them. I always email morphs to my online rhinoplasty consultations. When you see the surgeon's goals in the morphs, you'll know whether he has an eye for an attractive nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes an attractive nose. You'll also know whether the changes he proposes are large enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. How would you ever get that figured out without the morphs?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

After extensive nose injury patients frequently end up with both aesthetic and functional deformity. Although you do not report any breathing problem which would be signs of nasal obstruction, it is very likely that you may experience it to a some degree. Only on the basis of in person consultation an experience board certified plastic or ENT surgeon can give you meaningful plan of treatment. Good luck.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you do indeed have a saddle nose deformity as well as a prominent dorsal hump immediately above the concave. These concerns can be addressed with a cosmetic rhinoplasty procedure to correct the nasal bridge and improve your profile. Keep in mind that rhinoplasty is a complex surgery that requires a great deal of expertise and artistry to get it just right. Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in nose reshaping to ensure an optimal outcome.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you do not have any functional issues with your nose, permanent nonsurgical rhinoplasty treatments with micro droplet silicon 1000 may be considered. .Adding volume below the small bump on your profile may lead to a straighter and higher nasal profile appearance. Hope this helps. Thank you. Dr. Joseph

What will it require to correct my Saddle Nose deformity? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Correction of post-traumatic nose deformity

Answer: Correction of post-traumatic nose deformity

Answer: Treating a Saddle Nose Deformity

Answer: Treating a Saddle Nose Deformity

Answer: What will it require to correct my Saddle Nose deformity?

Answer: What will it require to correct my Saddle Nose deformity?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What will it require to correct my Saddle Nose deformity? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Correction of post-traumatic nose deformity

Answer: Correction of post-traumatic nose deformity

Answer: Treating a Saddle Nose Deformity

Answer: Treating a Saddle Nose Deformity

Answer: What will it require to correct my Saddle Nose deformity?

Answer: What will it require to correct my Saddle Nose deformity?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.