Saddle Nose after Rhinoplasty

View the research papers from The Plus Plastic Surgery medical team.

What is Saddle Nose?

Saddle nose is a condition where the bridge of the nose appears to sink, resembling a saddle. This deformity is often accompanied by a widening of the nose bridge due to the collapse of the middle part, excessive rotation of the nose tip (twisting), shortening of the nose length, and nasal congestion.

Causes of Saddle Nose

The causes of saddle nose are diverse, including congenital factors, inflammation, hematoma, trauma, and systemic diseases. The most common form seen in clinical practice is saddle nose deformity that occurs secondarily after surgery or trauma.

Four Categories of Saddle Nose

1. Minor: Cosmetic Concealment

In mild cases, the condition can be corrected simply by filling with a cartilage graft or filler.

2. Moderate: Cartilage Vault Restoration

In moderate cases, restoration of the nasal dorsum cartilage is required.

3. Major: Composite Reconstruction

In severe cases, correction is needed not only for the nasal dorsum but also for the nose tip.

4. Severe: Nasal Reconstruction

In extreme cases, a complete reconstruction from the nasal bone to the nasal dorsum and nose tip is required.

Changes due to Saddle Nose Surgery: Case Studies

See more before and after surgery photos.

Case 1: Stabilization of the Nasal Septum Base (Minor)

Patients with less severe deformities can improve them with a simple augmentation of the nasal dorsum using autologous tissue or implants. In other words, it is possible to correct it with simple cosmetic surgery rather than a complete reconstruction of the nasal septum.

Case 2: Cosmetic Changes to the Tip and Bridge of the Nose (Severe)

Once the foundation of the septum is stabilized, rhinoplasty is carried out. Often, the enhancement of the bridge of the nose is executed with the objective of achieving balance with the refined nose tip post-rhinoplasty. This is primarily accomplished using the patient’s own tissue for the augmentation process.