A collapsed nostril is when the nostrils on either side of your nose are small and spindly, like a picket fence rather than a nice wide open door. This can be caused by an injury to the nose, an overly aggressive nasal tip trimming procedure, or from having undergone Rhinoplasty.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Collapsed Nostril After Rhinoplasty, nasal valve collapse after septoplasty, nasal valve collapse nhs, and saddle nose after rhinoplasty.
Collapsed Nostril After Rhinoplasty
A collapsed nostril after rhinoplasty is a common issue that can be corrected with a septal strut or caudal extension graft. This post-rhinoplasty complication is not as serious as it may seem, but it does require treatment to prevent further collapse.
This patient had a revision rhinoplasty to open up her collapsed nostril.
This patient had a revision rhinoplasty to open up her collapsed nostril.
Revision rhinoplasty is a common procedure, as many of us know from personal experience and the fact that we are all constantly being asked by friends if we’ve had any work done on our nose. A collapsed nostril is a postoperative complication of rhinoplasty that can occur when too much tissue is removed or not enough support has been given to the septum (the cartilage between two nostrils). In this case, there was no need to do anything further with the bridge or tip; instead, this patient needed a septal strut or caudal extension graft to support the wall of her nostril so it doesn’t collapse again in future surgeries.
Collapse of the nostrils is a common postoperative complication of rhinoplasty.
Collapse of the nostrils is a common postoperative complication of rhinoplasty.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, including the shape of the nasal tip, angle of the nasal bridge and shape of your nostrils.
A septal strut or caudal extension graft can be used to support the nostril wall (see photo below).
A septal strut or caudal extension graft can be used to support the nostril wall (see photo below).
The septal strut is a curved piece of cartilage that is inserted into the nose. A conical tip on this graft has been found to increase stability and durability when it’s attached to the alar base, which helps prevent collapse during surgery. The caudal extension graft also helps support collapsed nostrils because it is made from bone, unlike traditional synthetic materials like silicone or acrylic resin/plastic mesh used in other types of rhinoplasty procedures.
Septal struts are typically made of cartilage, whereas the caudal extension graft might be made of septum, ear, or rib cartilage or medpor.
Septal struts are typically made of cartilage, whereas the caudal extension graft might be made of septum, ear, or rib cartilage or medpor. The septum is the wall that separates your nostrils. Medpor is a synthetic material that can be molded into a shape and then hardened (it’s often used as an alternative to bone).
The key point is that this weakness needs to be addressed but it can be done successfully.
The key point is that this weakness needs to be addressed but it can be done successfully. The patient should be aware of the problem and seek treatment as soon as possible so that an appropriate solution can be found, such as using a septal strut or caudal extension graft.
A collapsed nostril after rhinoplasty is not as difficult to correct as it may seem.
A collapsed nostril after rhinoplasty is not as difficult to correct as it may seem. A septal strut, which is a small piece of cartilage that can be inserted into the nasal septum, or caudal extension graft, which involves taking skin from behind your ear and extending it down to your nose in order to re-open your nostrils are both options available for correcting this issue.
nasal valve collapse after septoplasty
External valve surgery involves strengthening the cartilage and fleshy sides of the nostril with cartilage. This cartilage can be from your own septum, from your own rib, ears, or harvested from an organ donor. Using an open or closed nasal surgery, the cartilage is reshaped and reinforced to hold the external valves from collapsing.
What Is Internal Nasal Valve Surgery?
Cartilage can be placed either through an open or closed nasal surgery into the areas between the midline septum and upper lateral cartilages to hold the upper lateral cartilages away from the septum. This increases the area of the internal valves and as we discussed above, even one millimeter of improvement in the valve area can improve your breathing.
Preparation For A Nasal Valve Procedure
You will meet with Dr. Mourad where he usually spends an hour going over everything related to your surgery. He will evaluate and make sure that he can specifically tailor a custom care plan to your exact needs. During the consultation, Dr. Mourad will determine the exact nature of your complaints and the exact causes. He may prescribe medications that will assist in your complaints. Once a tailored plan is made, Dr. Mourad and his staff will take you through all the necessary information needed to make sure that your surgery happens without issue. We take care of the details so that you can have the most enjoyable experience. Dr. Mourad views treating his patients to be nothing short of a privilege and an honor and enjoys taking the time to get to know his patients and fully understand their issues. Dr. Mourad’s office provides a boutique experience that takes you out of the mindset of being at the doctor’s office. It is a warm, comfortable environment, providing a bespoke experience.
Are There Additional Ways To Fix The Valves?
If your tip is dropping then surgery to lift the tip can open both the internal and external valves. Straightening the septum or narrowing the skin and cartilage between the nose can increase the area of airflow and improve nasal valve function as well. Dr. Mourad has successfully used a technique that removes the lower edge of the upper lateral cartilage with an increase in the angle of the internal valve that he has found very effective.
What If Both Of My External And Internal Valves Are Collapsed?
You can repair the external and the internal valves on one or both sides at the same time. In fact, you can also have septoplasty, sinus surgery, and rhinoplasty during the same surgery. Dr. Mourad is an expert surgeon at all of the above procedures and will work with you to plan the right procedure to get you breathing better.
After Surgery and Recovery
Does Insurance Pay For Nasal Valve Surgery?
Yes! Because it is considered a “functional surgery” that will improve your quality of life, most insurances will pay for some or all of the costs for surgery, anesthesia and the facility fees. Our office will check your insurance benefits and let you know what they are before your office visit so there are no surprises. We will take care of the paperwork and dealing with your insurance company and will let you know what’s going on. Of course, cosmetic surgery is rarely if ever paid by insurance. Dr. Mourad is board certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology and an expert nasal surgeon. If you think you have nasal valve collapse, please feel free to call our office.
nasal valve collapse nhs
Nasal valve collapse, also known as nasal valve stenosis, is one of the most common causes of nasal obstruction. When the nasal valve, the narrow part of the airway, weakens it can collapse inward. This affects one or both sides of the nose and causes difficulty breathing. Typically, patients experience nasal valve collapse, NVC, as a result of a rhinoplasty or a deviated septum.
What Causes A Nasal Valve Collapse?
Nasal valve collapse usually occurs due to weakness or injury to the nose. This could be a traumatic injury or previous nose surgery. Additional reasons that this problem may develop include:
Signs Of Nasal Valve Collapse
Typical signs of nasal valve stenosis include nasal congestion and pronounced difficulty in breathing inward from the nose. Patients with nasal valve collapse may have a difficult time breathing during physical activities, as though they have a clothespin on their nostrils. Keep in mind, some NVC is expected during strenuous activities, but significant obstruction shouldn’t occur. These symptoms can make physical activities more difficult while for others, it may prevent them from participating altogether.
Additionally, patients may also find it especially hard to breathe while lying down, which creates a tendency to breathe through their mouth.
This could result in snoring and poor sleep quality, which has further implications. Often these patients seek out remedies such as BREATHE RIGHT® nasal strips for relief, but the source of the problem remains.
Does Nasal Valve Collapse Get Worse?
The nasal valve collapse can get worse over time. This may not happen in every case, but there is a risk for the continued weakening of the nasal structure, leading to further narrowing and difficulty breathing.
How To Diagnose Nasal Valve Collapse
An accurate diagnosis is key to providing an effective treatment plan for NVC. At St. Louis Sinus Center, Dr. Gould and staff take these steps to diagnose nasal valve collapse:
Nasal Valve Stenosis Treatment Options
For patients with nasal valve stenosis, there are few conservative treatment options. However, there are several surgical techniques our staff can use to treat NVC. The course of treatment will vary by patient and can be one of the following:
“Dr. Gould and his staff were wonderful. They all took the time to answer any and all questions and made sure I was satisfied with the answers. The office is stunning! I strongly recommend St. Louis Sinus Center.” – Leslie G.
“Dr Gould and his staff were wonderful. They were all so professional and kind. They made me feel comfortable and in good hands. I had a balloon procedure in the office…….best decision I have made in years. I would recommend them to anyone with sinus problems. I couldn’t be happier with the results.” – Mary M.
How Can A Cartilage Graft Help A Nasal Valve Collapse?
The use of graft material is common in the treatment of nasal valve collapse. This may be referred to as a spreader or spacer that is placed to fortify the nasal structure. A spreader graft is made of cartilage. It is inserted between the septum and the upper lateral cartilage in the nasal passage.
This new structure widens the narrowed area to allow better airflow through the nasal valve. In addition to improving respiration, the cartilage graft may improve the symmetry and appearance of the nose.
How Can A Nasal Ridge Broadening Help A Nasal Valve Collapse?
The nasal ridge is the vertical line from the tip of the nose up toward the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. Using a graft, the doctor can widen this middle area of the nose, creating even more space for air to pass through the nostrils.
How Can Sutures Help A Nasal Valve Collapse?
The suture technique repairs collapsed nasal valves by securing the valve area to the bone tissue just under the eye. This connection lifts the nasal structure upward and outward to open the nasal passages for easier breathing.
The polyglycolic acid sutures that are often used for nasal valve suspension do eventually dissolve. However, studies reveal that the valve appears to remain stable over time, presumably due to the formation of submucosal scar tissue along the suture tract.
Depending on the situation, a doctor and patient may determine that it is more advantageous to use a permanent suture material rather than sutures that will dissolve. The benefit here is that there is no question about the long-term stability of the nasal valve after the suture has been inserted.
saddle nose after rhinoplasty
People may opt to reshape their noses for several reasons. Some of these reasons may be medical and others aesthetic. Whatever their motivation, a successful rhinoplasty is an effective way to correct a misshapen nose.
Generally, most patients are happy with the results of their nasal reconstruction. But in some rare cases, problems can crop up, one of them being saddle nose. To correct this and other issues, revision rhinoplasty is required.
What Is a Saddle Nose Deformity?
The shape of the nose is the result of the proportions of the nasal bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. The bridge of the nose is supported by two structures: the nasal bones (in the top third of the nose) and the upper set of cartilages (in the middle third of the nose).
Sometimes, due to disease, injury, or surgery, the bones or cartilages are damaged. The bridge loses its support and collapses inward. The result is a nasal bridge with a depression in the middle-third portion that makes it look like a horse saddle. That is why this condition is called a saddle nose deformity.
It is also called boxer’s nose, as it is seen very commonly among boxers due to the repeated impact injuries they are prone to receiving on the nose. In certain cases, it causes the tip of the nose to have a small upturn, so it may also be called a pug nose.
A saddle nose can have a strong emotional impact on a patient, making them depressed or self-conscious. It can also cause difficulty in breathing normally.
Though many patients develop saddle noses due to accidents or diseases, a rhinoplasty failure can also cause it. It can be triggered when an attempt to reduce the height of the nose results in accidental damage to the nasal bones or over-reduction of cartilage. It can also occur if the healing process after surgery does not progress well. In such cases, it is important to remember that this may not be the original plastic surgeon’s fault; proper healing is often a process that is not under their complete control.
Revision Rhinoplasty to Correct Saddle Nose
It is understandable that patients may feel uncomfortable with the idea of repairing the damage caused by one nasal surgery with another. However, this is the only permanent solution to this problem.
Experts suggest that it is better to wait for a while before undergoing the next surgery. Waiting gives the scar tissue time to soften and the swelling time to go down completely, which will in turn help the surgeon correctly judge the condition and make accurate revisions.
As saddle nose is caused by damage or excess removal of the supporting cartilage or bone, adding a support structure is an effective solution. Revision is generally done by harvesting cartilage from areas like the ribcage or ear, carefully shaping it, and then grafting it into the structure of the nose.
Ideal Candidates for Saddle Nose Revision Rhinoplasty
Ideal candidates for saddle nose revision rhinoplasty have recovered from their past rhinoplasty procedure for more than one year. Healthy individuals who have realistic goals are excellent candidates for revision rhinoplasty. Non-smokers are preferred, and smokers must quit before the date of surgery.
Your Consultation
Correcting a saddle nose with revision rhinoplasty will require a consultation. You will discuss your concerns about the results of your first rhinoplasty surgery with Dr. Compton, along with your goals for your revision rhinoplasty.
Your medical records—especially those of the original rhinoplasty surgery—will be closely evaluated, and your present nose aesthetics will be carefully examined. Photographs may be taken as a reference.
Based on the physical exam and your realistic goals, our surgeon will personalize a treatment plan and schedule your procedure.
The Procedure
Revision rhinoplasty usually takes around two to four hours, which is longer than traditional rhinoplasty procedures due to the complexity of the procedure. Anesthesia will be administered to the patient to ensure a pain-free surgery.
Before any alterations are made to the nose, a bone or cartilage graft will be harvested and shaped. Small incisions will be made (most likely a single incision across the columella), and the skin of the nose will be lifted.
The graft will be sewn in to create new support, any other corrections will be made in the nose structure depending on the treatment plan. The incisions will be closed with sutures after completing these corrections.
What is recovery Like?
In the nose area, temporary bruising and swelling can be observed in the first few weeks after the procedure. Specific instructions and prescriptions will be provided to make the recovery process comfortable for the patient.
The patient will have to visit Dr. Compton for a follow-up appointment to check on the healing process of the nose.
The Cost of Correcting a Saddle Nose Deformity With Revision Rhinoplasty
The cost of revision rhinoplasty varies according to the treatment plan. The grafting procedure also impacts the overall price of the surgery. Contact your insurance provider to find out if the cost of your revision surgery will be covered.