Correcting a saddle nose – Reconstructing the bridge of the nose using rib cartilage or ear cartilage
A saddle nose refers to a depression in the bridge of the nose, causing the nose to appear flattened or sunken when viewed in profile. In addition to the aesthetic change, functional problems with nasal breathing may also occur.
In modern nose surgery (rhinoplasty), a saddle nose can often be corrected by augmenting the bridge of the nose with the patient’s own cartilage, particularly rib cartilage.
This method allows for a stable and long-lasting reconstruction of the nasal structure.
What is a saddle nose?
A saddle nose is characterized by a lack of sufficiently stable cartilage or bone structure in the middle of the nose. This results in a depression along the bridge of the nose, which is visible in profile.
Typical characteristics include:
• a flattened or sunken nasal bridge
• changes in the nasal contour when viewed in profile
• sometimes instability of the nasal tip
• possible impairment of nasal breathing
The severity can range from mild to severe, requiring significant reconstruction.
Causes of a saddle nose
A saddle nose can have various causes.
Common causes include:
• previous nasal surgery
• injuries or nasal trauma
• infections or inflammatory conditions
• congenital cartilage weakness
• in rare cases, autoimmune diseases
Especially after previous rhinoplasty procedures, it can happen that too much cartilage was removed, causing the bridge of the nose to sink.
How is a saddle nose corrected?
Treatment usually involves reconstructive nasal surgery.
This procedure involves reconstructing the bridge of the nose in order to:
• restore the nose’s natural shape
• improve the nose’s stability
• support the tip of the nose
• stabilize the nasal septum
Autologous cartilage is often used for this procedure.
Why rib cartilage is used in nasal bridge augmentation
In cases of a pronounced saddle nose, a larger amount of stable cartilage is often required.
Rib cartilage is particularly well-suited for this purpose because it:
• provides sufficient material for nasal reconstruction
• is very strong and durable
• can be custom-shaped
• enables long-lasting results
Using rib cartilage, the surgeon can precisely shape the bridge of the nose and reconstruct its original structure.
Alternatively, cartilage from a sturdy ear or a graft from the nasal septum can be used.
How rib cartilage is harvested for rhinoplasty
The cartilage is harvested through a small incision in the lower chest area.
Only a small portion of the rib is used, so the stability of the rib cage is preserved.
The cartilage is then carefully shaped and inserted into the nose to rebuild the sunken bridge.
Advantages of using the patient’s own cartilage in rhinoplasty
Many specialists in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction prefer to use the patient’s own cartilage rather than artificial implants.
Advantages include:
• excellent tolerability
• low risk of infection
• minimal rejection reactions
• stable integration into the tissue
• natural sense of touch in the nose
This often leads to long-term, stable, and natural results.
Since it is the body’s own tissue, the cartilage is generally very well tolerated.
Customized Planning for Nasal Bump Correction
The treatment of a saddle nose requires a careful analysis of the nasal structure.
The following factors, among others, are assessed:
• Stability of the cartilage and nasal septum
• Degree of depression of the nasal bridge
• Nasal breathing function
• Aesthetic proportions of the nose in relation to the face
Based on this, a decision is made as to which reconstructive technique is best suited to achieve a natural-looking result
As a rule, we use ear cartilage whenever possible, since rib cartilage can also cause the nose to collapse.