How can a collapsed nose be fixed?

Question

I have had an issue with multiple cases of trauma and damage to my nose. The nostrils completely close when I breathe and it's really scary. Sometimes either side will swell up and I can't sleep on it. I don't think it's allergies as I never had issues with this before trauma. Realistically how does this get fixed? Won't surgery further interfere and cause worse swelling and poorer breathing?

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

It depends on what exactly has collapsed but techniques can be employed to definitely help you with your breathing and the aesthetics of the nose.  Photos would be needed to help assess the extent of the procedure.  Cartilage grafting techniques, placing certain cartilage grafts in the nose would be used to structurally reinforce the nose and prevent future collapse.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
description, you have external nasal valve collapse.  This can be fixed with alar batten grafts.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and not just a computer animation system. The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Yes this can be repaired to give your nose the support it needs to prevent the collapse. This is usually done with cartilage grafts to maintain support. See a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who can show u photos of his patients like you who have had this done.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a surgery to improve the shape of the nose for breathing or appearance.A collapsed nose may occur when the nose has lost its structural support either from trauma, infection, cocaine abuse, or repeat surgery. Fixing the nose requires replacement of the structures that hold the shape of the nose so it does not collapse. This will make the nose stiffer or more rigid. Your nose will be need to be examined to diagnose where the collapse is happening. You may need rib cartilage to recreate your nasal support. I would consult with a rhinoplasty surgeon who understands rib harvesting and grafting for a safe and happy outcome. Safety comes first.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are many different types of collapses that can occur in the nose such as collapsing of the lower lateral cartilages, collapsing of the upper lateral cartilages, collapsing of the dorsal septum, and collapsing of the nasal bones. Each one of these issues are treated differently. To treat a collapsed alar rim requires an alar rim graft to support the lower lateral cartilages. To  treat a collapsed upper lateral cartilage requires a spreader graft. A bone graft is required for collapsed nasal bones. A cartilaginous onlay graft is required to treat a saddle nose deformity of the nasal dorsal cartilage. For more information and many  before and after rhinoplasty examples, please see the link and the video below

How can a collapsed nose be fixed?

Answers (5)