Saddle Nose Deformity Reconstruction Rhinoplasty

Traumatic nasal fracture involving the nasal bone and nasal septum can result in the collapse of the supporting framework of the nose thus resulting in the collapse of the nasal bridge. Likewise, as a consequence of a complication of rhinoplasty the nasal dorsum can collapse due to either excessive resection or damage to the septal cartilage, nasal bone vault, or the supporting upper lateral cartilages.

Saddle nose deformity is not only an aesthetic problem but also a functional issue. Often time’s saddle nose can result in nasal airway obstruction because of internal nasal valve collapse, severe septal deviation, or a combination of both. Repair of saddle nose deformity should be addressed by expert rhinoplasty specialist. Most plastic surgeons who specialize in revision rhinoplasty in Los Angeles fix saddle nose deformity by rebuilding the nose supporting frame with cartilage grafts. More specifically rhinoplasty specialists utilize spreader grafts, onlay cartilage grafts, and lateral cartilage grafts to open the collapsed nasal valve. Repair of saddle nose deformity is a complex facial plastic surgery procedure that is mostly taken on only by expert nose surgeons in Los Angeles who have had experience in nasal reconstruction surgery.

A spreader graft is a pair of straight pieces of cartilage which are sutured on each side of the nasal septum to reinforce and to keep straight the nasal septum and the nasal bridge. A spreader graft will not only straighten the nose but will also open a narrow internal nasal valve, which will in effect open up the nasal airway. A spreader graft rhinoplasty is performed either via an open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty approach.

Saddle Nose Deformity can also be camouflaged with injection of skin fillers into the dent on the nasal bridge. This is the non-surgical repair of saddle nose deformity.