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Saddle Nose Repair

Saddle nose deformity or nasal dorsum collapse is an uncommon, but devastating deformity that may require a rhinoplasty or nose job. Saddle nose deformity is due to loss of cartilage support in the mid nose, associated with loss or weakness of septum cartilage. In a mild form, saddle nose deformity causes depression of the middle third of the nose, only visible on profile views. In more severe cases, significant collapse of the nasal dorsum leads to upward rotation of the nasal tip, shortening of the nose, and nasal obstruction. The nasal deformity can lead to nasal obstruction, self-consciousness, withdrawal and depression. Nasal reconstruction in saddle nose sufferers can be life changing.

Nose reshaping. What would you like to improve about your nose?

Collapsed Nose Repair

Nasal collapse and saddle nose deformity can be caused by various etiologies, including: nasal trauma, previous nasal surgery, autoimmune disorders (Wegener’s granulomatosis, relapsing polychondritis) and sniffing of recreational drugs. Prior to repair of saddle nose deformity, one should establish and treat the underlying cause of the nasal collapse. This may necessitate biopsies, blood tests or consultation with specialists.

Dr. Khosh is vastly experienced in treating patients with saddle nose deformity. He is well versed in all techniques for saddle nose reconstruction including: filler injections, cartilage grafts from the ear and the rib, bone grafts from the skull and manufactured implants. Dr. Khosh treats each patient individually by tailoring the reconstructive options and the approach for repair (open rhinoplasty vs. closed rhinoplasty) to the extent of the deformity and the underlying cause of the collapse.

Patients, who seek consultation for saddle nose deformity in New York are encouraged to bring photographs that display their nose in its healthy state, prior to collapsing. During the consultation visit, Dr. Khosh uses computer imaging to allow clear communication and discussion of the intended outcome from nasal reconstruction. In the visit, the treatment options and the benefits and shortcomings of each choice are discussed. If you or a loved one suffers from nasal collapse or saddle nose deformity, we invite you to contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Khosh.

Saddle nose treatment New York, NY

Case Study

This 17 year-old girl had developed saddle nose deformity from Wegerner’s granulomatosis. She sought consultation for repair of nasal collapse. Her nasal reconstruction entailed cartilage grafting from the rib.

  • Patient: 17 year-old girl with nasal collapse
  • Problem: Saddle nose deformity
  • Procedure: Rib cartilage graft thorough an open rhinoplasty approach

Disclaimer: These are actual results for patients of Dr. Maurice Khosh. Plastic and cosmetic surgery results can vary between patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most insurance companies consider the surgical repair of a saddle nose deformity to be reconstructive rather than cosmetic and therefore cover the costs of surgery.

Currently, rib cartilage grafting is my preferred technique for repair of a saddle nose deformity. A one to two inch incision in the crease below the breast allows access for removal of a piece of rib cartilage. The incision site is closed meticulously, and the scar is barely perceptible. Pain and discomfort resolve in approximately 10 days.

I harvest ear cartilage through an incision behind the ear. Cartilage harvest is confined to the concave central aspect of the auricle, known as the conchal bowl and the concha symba. There will be no change to the appearance or function of the ear. The incision site is completely hidden.

Although each case is unique, the average duration of surgery for saddle nose deformity is 3.5 hours.

In surgical procedures where rib cartilage was used for repair of a saddle nose, patients typically stay in the hospital for one night. Other modalities of saddle nose repair are performed as outpatient surgeries, and patients can go home after surgery.

No. We do not use packing inside the nose following saddle nose repair.

Nasal valve collapse can be preformed via the closed (endonasal) or the open (trans-columellar) approach. Both approaches entail incisions inside the nostrils. The open approach adds an incision across the columella (the skin between the two nostrils). Open approach affords better visualization of the nasal tip cartilages and allows for precise placement of cartilages and is often preferred for nasal valve repair.

Normally, the septum (wall in the middle of the nose) provides supports the bridge of the nose. If the septum becomes weak due to loss of cartilage, then it can default in it’s function as supporting strut for the nasal bridge. The bridge of the nose will then sag and may eventually collapse.

The goal in most rhinoplasties is lowering the bridge of the nose and/or refining the appearance of the nasal tip. This is usually accomplished by shaving bone and cartilage, and using stitches to bend the nasal tip cartilages. Saddle nose repair is a more complicated reconstructive procedure. Often times, rib cartilage must be shaved into precise size and shape before placement into the bridge of then nose and the nasal tip area. Saddle nose repair requires a greater level of surgical skill and expertise.

Related Procedures

Most patients who undergo repair of saddle nose deformity are singularly concerned about the appearance of the nose. Although other cosmetic procedures such as blepharoplasty, chin implantation, or neck liposuction could be performed simultaneously, these secondary procedures are not commonly sought.

Beautiful woman with scarf.

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What Dr. Khosh's Patients Say

5.0

Based on 174 reviews

Meredith G.
Saw Dr. Khosh for a fractured nose. He reset my nose beautifully (and with little discomfort to me) and then discussed some of my sinus issues with me upon my follow up visit. Never felt like he was rushing me out and felt very confident in his abilities. I would highly recommend to anyone needing plastic or reconstructive options!
Jackie C.
Great front office, really good experience after what was a terrible accident. I was made to feel comfortable. Dr. Khosh is very good at what he does. I'm still healing but I'm confident of the results
Kaitlin M.
Dr. Khosh takes exceptional care of his patients. He has operated on me twice, each time making me feel extremely comfortable and satisfied with the results. His staff is also very kind and knowledgeable.
Diana G.
Dr. Khosh & his staff Susan & Christine are absolutely amazing! They were so supportive & helpful from beginning to end & they are just wonderful people. Thank you guys I truly appreciate everything you guys have done for me. I would recommend them to anyone & everyone!
Joann M.
After visiting and being evaluated by several doctors, I kept going back to Dr. Khosh. His tranquil spirit and professionalism were captivating. Thank you for a job well done and keeping me calm throughout the entire process. A special thanks to your staff Susan and Christine for all of their support as well. Hi highly recommend Dr. Khosh.
Leah G.
Upon hearing of the overwhelmingly positive experience a friend of mine had in choosing Dr. Khosh as her surgeon, I decided to make an appointment for my own septoplasty/rhinoplasty/turbinate reduction. Although I was slightly skeptical as the praise I had heard seemed a bit hyperbolic, all uncertainty dissipated after meeting the Doctor and his staff. My pre- and post-operative experience was excellent in terms of concerns adequately addressed prior to the surgery and mitigation of any bruising in the convalescent period. Despite my apparent predisposition to rather slower healing, a year after the surgery, my nose looks really pretty and my breathing entirely unobstructed! I highly recommend Dr. Khosh!
Courtney G.
AMAZING!!!!!! I had Dr Khosh perform lipo on my chin/neck and my result is unbelievable! Better than I could have expected! I met with a couple of surgeons and the second I met with Dr Khosh I knew he was the one I was going with. He was compassionate and explained every detail of what would take place during the surgery and what to expect during recovery. I even emailed a few times during recovery with various questions and he got right back to me asap which was really comforting! I honestly fully recommend Dr Khosh, he did an amazing job and is an amazing person.
Frieda S.
i can finally breathe!! Dr. Khosh made the entire experience a breeze, it was truly a pleasure to be under his care. I am forever thankful and highly recommend him. Not only does his work speak for himself, but he has excellent bedside manner. His kindness and patience is above and beyond. He takes the time to answer to every question you have to help you understand the process while at the same time making you feel so comfortable. From the first consultation i knew i was in good hands. I am so pleased with the result and forever thankful.
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