I was born without cartilage in my nose. What are my options? (Photo)

Nasal reconstruction of saddle nose without septal cartilage. Your nose can be reconstructed using ear cartilage to give you a bridge and adequate to projection. I would need to see your frontal view to determine what changes need to be made to your nostrils if any. Make sure you see a very experienced surgeon since your nose Should be done by a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon familiar with the nasal  reconstruction. I have done many noses like yours without needing a rib graft  

#Rib cartilage is the way to go for your augmentation rhinoplasty.Seek out a plastic surgeon in your area with expertise in rib cartilage grafting.  The results can be quite gratifying.Good luck

This may be Binders syndrome but an exam is necessary. Your own rib cartilage is best to reconstruct the missing architecture. These are challenging cases even in the most experienced hands. They require time and patience. ask to see photographs of the surgeon's previous patients with this kind of problem and you will better know what to expect.

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

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 .

You do have cartilage in your nose but the contour and lack of adequate bone and cartilage has caused the problem with your nose that we call a saddle deformity. Using fascia and cartilage from your septum and ears we can augment your profile and improve nasal breathing if that is necessary. Consult with a rhinoplasty specialist who has experience with this work.