I was born without cartilage in my nose which makes my profile unpleasing as well as I believe causes me some breathing problems. What are my options? I uploaded a photo with a simulated result that I am hoping for. Is this result possible? Will it change my front view very much? I am also worried about my nostril shape if I did get surgery because right now they are basically round. Would my nostrils become oddly shaped? Also, would the price be similar to a regular rhinioplasty?
May 14, 2015
Answer: Cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty. Sometimes they meet in the middle. In your particular case if you are really missing strong cartilage and you have difficulty breathing you may be suffering will from something we generally referred to as "vestibular collapse".Basically there are some narrow areas inside the nose referred to as valves that collapse inward when breathing in. This is particularly an issue for people who have very little cartilage support. In addition to this it appears your midface or maxillary bone does not have much forward or anterior projection. This will limit your cosmetic outcome a bit but I think the simulation you posted is reasonable as an expectation.Bottom line for you I think you would require rib cartilage grafting to really build and support the nose. I think it could be fair to say that some of this may be functional and partially covered by insurance. I cannot say for sure without on examination but if you get consultations with good facial plastics surgeons I'm sure you will be pointed in the right direction. Aside from myself or my personal favorites of the Bay area would be Dr. Umang Metha in the Menlo Park area.Chase Lay, MD
Helpful
May 14, 2015
Answer: Cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty. Sometimes they meet in the middle. In your particular case if you are really missing strong cartilage and you have difficulty breathing you may be suffering will from something we generally referred to as "vestibular collapse".Basically there are some narrow areas inside the nose referred to as valves that collapse inward when breathing in. This is particularly an issue for people who have very little cartilage support. In addition to this it appears your midface or maxillary bone does not have much forward or anterior projection. This will limit your cosmetic outcome a bit but I think the simulation you posted is reasonable as an expectation.Bottom line for you I think you would require rib cartilage grafting to really build and support the nose. I think it could be fair to say that some of this may be functional and partially covered by insurance. I cannot say for sure without on examination but if you get consultations with good facial plastics surgeons I'm sure you will be pointed in the right direction. Aside from myself or my personal favorites of the Bay area would be Dr. Umang Metha in the Menlo Park area.Chase Lay, MD
Helpful
May 15, 2015
Answer: Saddle nose deformity I agree that for a man, your nose is too short, dorsum too depressed, and tip up too high. In my experience the best repair will be a bone or rib cartilage repair. I also use banked bone, so that you do not have to have another scar. I don't think ear cartilage will be strong enough to support your dorsum. Also silicone inserts are made , but they have a high extrusion rate, and many have to be removed .
Helpful
May 15, 2015
Answer: Saddle nose deformity I agree that for a man, your nose is too short, dorsum too depressed, and tip up too high. In my experience the best repair will be a bone or rib cartilage repair. I also use banked bone, so that you do not have to have another scar. I don't think ear cartilage will be strong enough to support your dorsum. Also silicone inserts are made , but they have a high extrusion rate, and many have to be removed .
Helpful
