bubble_chart Overview

Saddle nose deformity refers to a condition where the nasal bridge appears flattened or sunken inward, resembling a saddle shape, hence the name. In grade III deformity, there is also shortening of the nasal length, a low and upturned nasal tip causing the nostrils to face upward, resulting in a dish-shaped facial deformity. Saddle nose is primarily caused by damage to the nasal bones and septum that form the nasal framework, or it may involve additional factors such as scar contracture after injury to the nasal mucosal lining. It can be classified into congenital and acquired types. Acquired cases are often due to trauma, infection, or nasal septum surgery leading to nasal bridge collapse. In simple cases, the skin and nasal mucosa remain intact with no functional impairment. Complex cases, in addition to a depressed nasal bridge, may involve defects or scar contractures of the external nasal skin, internal nasal mucosa, or nasal bones. Treatment commonly involves tissue grafting for augmentation or the use of embedded skin grafts with prosthetic support.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. Low or depressed nasal bridge;
2. In complex cases, it may be accompanied by defects or scar contractures of the external nasal skin, nasal mucosa, or nasal bones, as well as defects of the nasal septum;
3. In cases of gangrenous stomatitis, it may be accompanied by defects of the nasal columella and upper lip.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. Congenital simple saddle nose is present from birth;
2. acquired cases have a history of trauma, infection, or nasal septum surgery;
3. the nasal bridge is low or sunken;
4. there may be defects or scar contractures in the nasal skin, mucous membrane, nasal bone, or nasal septum, and it may also be accompanied by defects in the nasal columella or upper lip.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Simple saddle nose: Rhinoplasty is performed. The transplanted tissues include cartilage, bone, or medical silicone substitutes, with autologous cartilage or bone being preferable.
2. Complex saddle nose: Scar excision and release with skin grafting or flap transfer; inlay skin grafting with prosthetic support.

Saddle nose refers to the abnormal appearance of a flat or depressed nasal root and bridge. Except for severe cases, it generally does not cause functional issues. Common saddle nose creates aesthetic defects, prompting many people to seek surgical correction. The surgical correction for ordinary saddle nose is highly effective, with minimal trauma and a short recovery time. The surgical method involves implanting solid silicone or hydroxyapatite in the depressed areas of the nasal root and bridge. Surgeons should be cautioned against accepting so-called silicone injection methods, as although simple, they may lead to irreversible adverse consequences. Additionally, patients who have undergone surgery should be informed that if any local adverse reactions occur after rhinoplasty, they should promptly seek consultation at a cosmetic and plastic surgery department and disclose their surgical history to receive timely and effective treatment.

bubble_chart Cure Criteria

1. Cured: The nasal bridge has returned to being straight, the nasal tip no longer protrudes downward, and the nasolabial angle is slightly greater than 90°.
2. Improved: The nasal bridge has become relatively straight, and the nasolabial angle is close to 90°.
3. Not cured: The nasal bridge remains depressed and has not recovered.