How to Correct Saddle Nose Deformity with Rhinoplasty

What is a Saddle Nose and How Can Rhinoplasty Help? 

Saddle nose deformity is the colloquial name officially adopted by the medical industry given to a collapsed or depressed nasal bridge. As the name implies, those suffering with saddle nose deformity look as though a horse-riding saddle could be strapped onto the bridge of their nose. The curvature caused by the bridge depression has been said to somewhat resemble the back of a horse. Other common terms for this type of nasal deformity include “pug nose” or “boxer’s nose”. Despite the seemingly cute or playful terminology, saddle nose deformity is an unfortunate aesthetic predicament that can occasionally have serious underlying causes. 

The Causes of Saddle Nose Deformity 

It’s important to understand the basic structure of the nose when discussing saddle nose deformity. There are two primary elements that, when negatively affected, will become misshapen to the point of deformity. They are the upper nose cartilage and the nasal bridge or bone. The nasal bridge rests above the upper nose cartilage and relies on this mass of tissue for support and structure. When either the nasal bone or the cartilage support is broken or diminished, a collapsed bridge is often the outcome. 

The vast majority of saddle nose deformity sufferers are victims of some type of accident or injury, causing a structural collapse of their nasal bridge. The reason saddle nose is also known as “boxer’s nose” is due to its prevalence in the realm of professional fighting. Serious and consistent damage to the nasal area will frequently result in permanent bridge collapse. This is usually due to a breaking or deterioration of the nasal bone. Other congenital factors can also amplify or be the prevailing cause of this issue.

Another common cause of saddle nose deformity involves botched rhinoplasty or improper healing post-surgery. In some forms of rhinoplasty, surgeons attempt to reduce the height of the bridge (the bump) by removing cartilage from beneath it. If during this procedure the surgeon improperly extracts too much cartilage or accidentally injures the nasal bone, saddle nose deformity can easily appear. Essentially, this is an instance of surgeons mistakenly going too far, which is an unfortunately common occurrence in all realms of the cosmetic enhancement industry. 

Occasionally, saddle nose deformity can be traced back to syphilis, leprosy, granulomatosis, relapsing polychondritis, excessive cocaine use, or other serious medical conditions. These degenerative diseases or ailments can deteriorate the nasal bone and supporting cartilage to the point of permanent damage. For the most part these cases are very few and far between. Still, if you are suffering from saddle nose deformity it is always a good idea to consult a doctor to determine potential underlying conditions. 

Using Rhinoplasty to Correct Saddle Nose Deformity

We understand that the last thing that patients might think of to help relieve their botched surgery saddled noses is more surgery. However, it is fairly common for multiple surgeries to be required when the first is performed improperly. Cosmetic enhancement treatments are unfortunately not always perfect and occasionally a bit of a balancing act is necessary to achieve optimal results. Hence, the realm of corrective plastic surgery. 

There are two primary types of saddle nose deformity corrections that a rhinoplasty surgeon can perform. If the patient is solely suffering from a nasal bridge depression, then cartilage grafting or certain types of synthetic fillers can often easily solve the problem. Cartilage grafting is similar to fat grafting in that it simply removes tissue from one region to be utilized in another. Cartilage and fat grafting can be used in conjunction in order to maximize potential outcomes. 

There are also instances when the loss of cartilage or bone structure that creates the saddle nose leads to a deformed nasal tip. This is where the term “pig nose” or “pug nose” comes into play. “Pug nose” patients experience an upward lift of their nose tips due to unwanted underlying scar tissue and cartilage disruption. In these types of patients, surgeons must elongate and reconstruct the nasal bridge through grafting while providing more structural support to the nasal tip with further grafting. 

Where to Get Saddle Nose Corrective Surgery 

Regardless of the underlying cause of your saddle nose deformity, CosmetiCare Plastic Surgery Center and MedSpa can help. With several award-winning board certified plastic surgeons along with state-of-the-art tools and techniques on hand, CosmetiCare has been providing corrective surgery to patients in need since 1985. We help our patients understand the causes of their nasal issues and lay out uniquely suited treatment options for each individuals needs and desires.

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