Outfracturing the sunken nasal bones?

Question

After open rhinoplasty (hump removal) my upper nose bones (near the eyes) collapsed inwards. I have never heard of this happening to anyone. Can anyone explain why this happened? Too aggressive osteotomies maybe? My surgeon wants to outfracture the bones to push them back outwards and put some support inside for a week to keep the bones out and not collapse again. Does this sound right and is it major/difficult revision? Thank you in advance.

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

While rare, this complication of collapse of the nasal bones can occur. Without being present during the case, it's impossible for me to say exactly why this occurred in your case: thin bones, poor fracture propagation, overly agressive osteotomies, etc. Fortunately, it is often possible to correct it with outfracturing, much like fixing someone's broken nose. It can require more advanced techniques if simple outfracturing and splinting didn't work, but that's unusual. By the way, any very minor final contour irregularities that are not affecting nasal breathing can often be camouflaged with in-office fillers.All the best,
--DCP
Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is possible that the nasal bones might have been in-fractured too aggressively. Out fracturing them and putting nasal packing internally may help to reposition them.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A revision rhinoplasty is more difficult that a primary rhinoplasty, so its important to choose your surgeon wisely based on extensive experience. The nasal bones can be out fractured to a  wider position, and then can be held in place with spreader grafts.  The spreader grafts are harvested from inside the nose, provided there's cartage left over after the primary  rhinoplasty.

Outfracturing the sunken nasal bones?

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Outfracturing the sunken nasal bones?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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