My nose has a strange dent and looks collapsed on one side, what needs to be fixed? (photos)

Question

My nose has a "dent" on one side that makes it looks very strange, like one side partially collapsed. Oe spot in particular has a specific dent in. This causes my nose to look very strange on one side but somewhat normal on the other and I'm very self conscious about it. What is this actually called and what would need to be fixed to make my nose look "normal" again?

Ahmad N. Saad, MD, FACS · Answer

I can completely understand your concern. I do see the collapse you are referring to. This does cause asymmetry, but it is important to know if it is causing functional nasal obstruction as well. I recommend you consult with a plastic surgeon for formal evaluation, you might need a cartilage graft to support this area and restore symmetry.

Roberto E. Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

I have seen these issues on a multitude of occasions.  This is by no means uncommon.  You have to first understand that the tip of the nose is defined by 2 butterfly wing shaped cartilages called the "lower lateral cartilages".  In my career of having performed thousands of nasal surgeries, Im yet to see these cartilages look equal from right to left.  You have an obvious concavity of the cartilage.  This can be addressed by either cartilage grafting or by taking the memory out of the cartilage and placing a strut graft to support the graft.  Do not under any circumstances listen to someone telling you that you need to "flip" the cartilage upside down.  This not only will not solve the problem, but will cause significant breathing issues.Remember that in Rhinoplasty, the goal is balance along with the concept of "less is more".Please seek the advice of a double board certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.I hope that this helps.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.The harmony between facial parts makes us instinctively recognize the beauty... without knowing it, without defining it, just a perception that surprises and captivates us.In this regard, I suggest perform a Closed Rhinoplasty (without visible scars) to treat the tip, base and nasal bridge.With this procedure you get a delicate nose, better harmonize with your other facial features.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You would benefit from a cartilage graft placed in this area to correct the asymmetry.  This can be harvested from your septum and is probably best addressed with an open approach.

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

The depression on the right side of your nose is likely due to the right lower lateral cartilage asymmetry. This can be improved with a cartilage graft to that side.

Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears that you have some depression in your lower lateral cartilage. Was this an acquired deformity or were you born with it. Have you had any procedures done to your nose? A cartilage graft can be placed during surgery to correct the deformity or you can possible have a non surgical treatment with a temporary facial filler first to see how it would look.Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The photographs demonstrate an inverted and concave right lower lateral cartilage. Depending upon presenting anatomy at the time of the surgery, that  inverted cartilage can be excised and turned upside down to be convex, not concave. Another simple solution is to add an additional cartilage graft to that area to balance the right side to look at look like the patient's left side. This type of procedure is commonly  performed by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

The nasal tip is composed of a pair of cartilages called the lower lateral cartilages.  They are a pair of cartilages which give the tip its shape.  It appears you have an asymmetry of the two sides with a concavity on your right side.  This can be corrected with a procedure where cartilage can be used to graft the area and "fill in" the depression on that side.  The procedure can address any underlying breathing issues from that side of the nose as well.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I might recommend a non surgical rhinoplasty first using HA fillers. Fee $1,000 range>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

This may be a concave deformity of the right alar cartilage. I have seen an elegant solution to this problem. The alar cartilage is dissected from  infracartilaginous and intercartilaginous incisions. If the depressed area is, in fact, a concave deformity of the lateral crus, that segment is cut out and flipped over , and now you have a convex piece of cartilage, which is sewn into position. This would avoid a septoplasty If the correction is not adequate,  some septal cartilage can also be harvested.

My nose has a strange dent and looks collapsed on one side, what needs to be fixed? (photos)

Answers (11)

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