How to Fix Hole in Nose Caused by Cocaine Use?

Question

I have a hole in my nose (still growing) from doing cocaine about 5 years ago. I've stopped the drugs for over 3years now but my nose is falling apart and its really depressing me. What can I do to fix it? I know the cartilage wont grow back so for the last 1.5 yrs I've been putting Ayr nasal gel and petroleum jelly on the exposed cartilage. Now the whole nose is caving in on me and there is a hole the size of my index finger that can almost fit through from one side to the other. PLEASE HELP ME

Peyman Solieman, MD · Answer

Dear Jayha,A hole in your nose/ septal perforation is a relatively difficult problem to correct and requires a practice/ surgeon who specializes in this procedure. It is not enough to see an ENT or Plastic surgeon as the majority of either of these surgeons will have essentially no practical experience in correcting this problem.Depending on the size of the hole it is possible through an open rhinoplasty approach to creat flaps that can close the hole. Based on the fact that you feel your nose is collapsing, it would suggest either the hole is relatively large with a low likelihood of it being able to be closed or the perforation is high in the septum and destabilizing the nose. Even if it is not possible to close the hole it is important to create more support and prevent any further collapse. In the right hands this can be done in a way that should support your nose for the rest of your life so that you won't need to worry about collapse.Warm Regards,Peyman Solieman, MD

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

A septal perforation can be treated surgically by either a plastic surgeon or an ENT.  As with other forms of substance abuse, anesthesia and analgesia become concerns as your body will not normally metabolize the anesthetic agent and it will take more than usual to sedate you.  There is always concern about addiction to the postop pain medication as well as that it will not hold you, so the postop course will be more painful for you.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A hole in the nose (septal perforation) caused by cocaine use is often treated with a septal button.  Placement of the septal button is a surgical procedure.  Consult with an otolaryngologist in your area to determine if this is an option for you.

How to Fix Hole in Nose Caused by Cocaine Use?

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How to Fix Hole in Nose Caused by Cocaine Use?

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