I have a very soft and squishy nose, almost like there’s no cartilage supporting it. Is a rhinoplasty a good idea? (Photo)

Question

I’ve had two incidents with my nose. The first time, I hit my nose super hard on the ground which resulting me going to the ER. My nose had like red veins showing, and it was almost like a pig nose a while. And then the second time, I got hit with soccer ball directly in the nose. I have a deviated septum, and it feels like there’s not really much cartilage supporting my nose. I’m scared if I get a rhinoplasty my nose will just collapse and it will become worse.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you may benefit from rhinoplasty with a columellar strut graft to add nasal tip support and a tip refining rhinoplasty.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with noses similar to yours performed by your surgeon.  If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon. 
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

A rhinoplasty specialist will be able to comprehensively address the issues you have with your nose. While there are a variety of approaches and techniques employed by various surgeons, it is up to you to do your due diligence to find a rhinoplasty specialist in order to achieve the best results possible. Good luck!

Lucas Bryant, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. You have identified one of the key things we assess during physical examination for patients considering nasal surgery. To answer your question your doctor will need to examine you in person to feel and assess both your septal cartilage (if it's present), your tip support, find areas of deviation and nasal bone stability. 
Additional, if you are having breathing problems, just because your septum is crooked doesn't mean that's the reason for your breathing difficulty. There are many things that go into helping someone breath better. The septum, turbinate, internal nasal valve, external nasal valve, and pyriform aperture are a few of the things we assess to come up with a correct treatment plan.
Each patient is different and you most likely would still do very well with nasal surgery. Warm regards.

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and information, overall shape of your nose would be more helpfull. Due to traumas you had, you may have issues inside and deviated septum can cause breathing problems for you. By a well-executed Rhinoplasty you can have maximal healing, minimal edema and no scar on your columella.Best Regards,

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

A soft nose means that you lack good cartilage support. Many people have poor tip support (you can push your nose tip into your face) naturally. It only becomes a problem if this is not addressed during a rhinoplasty since the nose can droop after surgery if this is evaluated for beforehand. To improve the support, your surgeon may use your septal cartilage as a support strut to strengthen the nose. This also helps address your deviated septum at the same time so there is a double benefit to this. It is best to have an in-office evaluation to determine the best treatment plan for your nose. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you whether you are an appropriate candidate for surgery and exactly what to do  without  examining  you, physically feeling your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history and discussing the pros and cons of the operative procedure would not be in your best interest. Natural appearing results need to be individualized and what is appropriate for one patient is not necessarily the best for someone else. I would suggest that you find a surgeon certified by the American Board of American Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.
 
 Robert Singer, M.D., FACS
 
 La Jolla, California

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos would go on some complimentary consultations with experts who use digital photography to show you what can be accomplished with your nose and how it might be done so you are fully informed about the desired procedure Dr Corbin

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The softness of your nasal cartilage is secondary to an inherited characteristic, probably not the result of your trauma. You can achieve an excellent result despite your soft cartilages but please see an experienced rhinoplasty specialist because the operation is more difficult in a patient like you. Properly done you can improve both the appearance and breathing function without experiencing a "collapse".

I have a very soft and squishy nose, almost like there’s no cartilage supporting it. Is a rhinoplasty a good idea? (Photo)

Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

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Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

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