I'm 25 yr old woman of Somali origin. After a trauma, I developed a saddle nose. Is it worth to have a reconstruction? (photo)

Thank you for your inquiry!The quick and simple answer to your question is in your hands and it is you who has to gauge whether or not it is "worth it". However, to make a well informed decision I highly recommend that you seek a consultation with a well-experienced surgeon who will provide you with the details needed for your decision.It is important to mention that the finest cosmetic results in any particular case are based on a variety of factors, including: the unique anatomy of the patient, realistic expectations, a well-informed and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon concerning the best options for you especially covering a deep understanding of the pros and cons of any given choice you will adopt. Please keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon online who offers to tell you what to do without a physical examination covering the nature and the status of the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative solution would not be in your best interest. With that in mind, it is the safest and for your best interest to find a plastic surgeon with solid experience and certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who is ideally a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons that you will trust and be comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.Good luck!!!Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

Dear Nimco,If you have trouble breathing and are self conscious about the look, a reconstruction would be appropriate for youI would seek out a rhinoplasty specialist, maybe someone you know through your work to help evaluate your optionsIf it is trauma related and you have a breathing problem, your insurance may cover a portion of the procedure depending on the historyBest,Nima Shemirani

I could not advise without knowing more and evaluating you in person or with standardized photographs.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

The worth it in saddle nose reconstruction is whether you have any impaired breathing and how you feel about the shape of your nose. As long as you use your own cartilage tissue for grafting, a saddle nose reconstruction will be stable and have an uncomplicated permanent volume result. The cost of the nose reconstruction may be partially offset by being covered by insurance since the origin of the problem was from a traumatic injury.

It's difficult to tell from the photographs, however when a saddle nose is present, it can be reconstructed with cartilage grafting techniques to build up the bridge. In most cases when there is a  saddle deformity there is no cartilage is unavailable. Ear cartilage may be required to build up the bridge line. Of course if there is nasal cartilage available that would be the first choice to use in the reconstructive efforts. 

Without examining you, I cannot tell if you truly have a saddle-nose deformity. For certain your nasal dorsum is deficient. To augment the nasal dorsum is a common procedure and there are different ways to do this. Seek consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to have it fully evaluated and make appropriate recommendations.