I have a hole in my nose! Can anything be done to fix this?

Question

Hi, I'm 25 and for the last 5 years had taken cocaine, whilst I was doing this I suffered a problem with my thyroids and immune system so was unable to heal quickly. After doing cocaine it left scabs which quickly turned into a hole. Immediately I stopped taking cocaine but my hole has continued to get bigger. This has now caused me to feel too anxious and paranoid to leave the house. I need advice and hopefully help to fix my nose!! This is ruining my life! I want to get to the girl I use to be!

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

Repair of a septal perforation is certainly possible.  The success rate of this type of procedure is higher for smaller perforations.  Because surgery isn't successful 100% of the time, most people reserve surgery for perforations that are symptomatic for whistling, crusting/bleeding, or nasal obstruction.  It would be wise to get the opinion of a facial plastic surgeon who is experienced with this type of procedure.  Best of luck!

Callum Faris, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
Most septal perforations cause no symptoms. Perforations that cause symptoms or are enlarging can be closed surgically. This is usually performed through a open septorhinoplasty approach. I suggest you see an ENT/FPRS if the perforation is enlarging. Ideally the perforation and external shape deformity can be corrected at that operation.

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

A septal perforation--the hole you're describing--can be a difficult thing to fix. They don't always have to be fixed unless they are particularly symptomatic, such as whistling, bleeding, or crusting. Some can be too large to repair, but small to medium sized holes hac be repaired through an open rhinoplasty approach with a combination of mucosal flaps (moving tissue inside the nose to cover the hole) supported by an Alloderm interposition graft (a patch of material placed in the hole between the mucosal flaps). This is typically an outpatient procedure done under anesthesia.Hope this helps,--DCPPearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A septal perforation can be corrected by using a mucosal flap from the septum to cover the opening.  If it is too large however, it may not be possible to fix.  Nonetheless, these perforations do not always have to be fixed and you can still have normal function.

I have a hole in my nose! Can anything be done to fix this?

Answers (4)

Answer: Septal perforation

Answer: Septal perforation

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I have a hole in my nose! Can anything be done to fix this?

Answers (4)

Answer: Septal perforation

Answer: Septal perforation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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