Can Men Opt for Saddle Nose Rhinoplasty?
Gone are the days when any kind of plastic or cosmetic surgery was considered a women-centric domain. In fact, rhinoplasty for men is one of the most common cosmetic procedures around the world. With the twin-edged benefit of easier breathing and looking better, nose surgeries are a popular procedure among men.
How are men noses different?
The rule of thumb says that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to talking about the perfect nose for men. And this makes septoplasty, septorhinoplasty, and rhinoplasty for saddle nose, hump nose, bulbous nose tip, etc. an art form in which the surgeon must understand and execute the balance between the nose and other facial features. The ideal nose fits the face perfectly. In men, it is common to have some flatness in the dorsum of the nose. Men often feel incredibly self-conscious about a hump in the nose because by nature they have a larger nose and a saddle nose is very noticeable and only decreases the attractiveness of the nose. What makes saddle nose surgery or rhinoplasty for men different from that for women is that men have thicker skin and oiler skin. hence the nose job consultation for saddle nose correction in men needs an in-depth understanding of the male skin on the surgeon’s part. Male saddle nose repair or bulbous tip repair has different goals than female rhinoplasty.
Saddle nose deformity, also known as nasal collapse or nasal dorsum collapse, is a condition where the bridge of the nose is weakened or collapsed, resulting in a depressed or “saddle-like” appearance. The septum is the central pillar of the nose and gives it its structural stability and shape. A weak septum can cause the nose to collapse and give a saddle-like concave appearance.
This condition can be
- congenital (present at birth) or
- acquired due to trauma,
- previous nasal surgeries,
- or certain medical conditions such as autoimmune and vascular disorders or drug abuse (cocaine) which leads to tissue necrosis and shrinking of the septum.
- or a weakened nasal septum cartilage.
- Septoplasty is too young patients
- Because septal hematoma and septal abscess caused because of compromised blood to the septum
- Chronic infections
A saddle nose in men gives the side profile a concave appearance. With the dorsal hump surgery for men, the result has to be a strong and more well-defined nose.
Saddle nose rhinoplasty
Historically saddle nose correction is the most commonly addressed problem regarding nose surgeries. The history of saddle nose rhinoplasty dates back to the time of Sushruta in 800 BC. The oldest medical document from ancient Egypt also mentions this deformity and its treatment. Today the techniques for correcting dorsal concavity, hump nose, bulbous tip, crooked nose, etc. are highly advanced and precise.
In the olden days the frontal forehead flap was used for saddle nose correction but it did not usually work too well. Later it was stated that the saddle nose is because of the loss of the cartilage and/or bony structure in the nose which was affecting both functional and aesthetic aspects for a patient.
The technique used for Saddle nose rhinoplasty in men is dependent on the stage of concavity of the nose.
- The first stage of saddle nose deformity is the least severe one with minimal depression above the supra tip of the nose. This happens because of reduced septal support to the nose.
- The second stage is the moderate depression. The dip is less than 5mm and the loss of septal supports causes the nasal tip to lose its projection and have an upward rotation.
- The third stage is a large loss of both bony and cartilaginous support. As a result, the tip loses more projection and the nostrils become board. The nose is classified as short nose in such cases.
Saddle nose surgery, also known as nasal reconstruction or saddle nose rhinoplasty, often involves the use of grafts to rebuild and support the nasal bridge. Grafts are typically used to restore the height and shape of the nose, as well as provide structural support. Here are some common types of grafts used in saddle nose surgery:
Septal cartilage graft: The septum is the partition between the nasal passages. In saddle nose surgery, cartilage is often harvested from the septum (the nasal septal cartilage) if it is available and sufficient in quantity. The septal cartilage graft can be used to reconstruct the nasal bridge, add height, and provide structural support.
Ear cartilage graft: If there is limited or insufficient septal cartilage, the surgeon may harvest cartilage from the ear (auricular cartilage). Ear cartilage can be carved and shaped to create a graft that is then used to rebuild the nasal bridge.
Rib cartilage graft: In more severe cases of saddle nose deformity or when larger amounts of cartilage are needed, rib cartilage grafts may be used. A small incision is made in the chest, and a section of rib cartilage is carefully harvested. The rib cartilage is then shaped and placed to reconstruct the nasal bridge.
Diced cartilage graft: Diced cartilage grafts are created by finely mincing or pulverizing cartilage, usually from the septum or ear. This minced cartilage is then placed in a pocket or wrapped in a layer of soft tissue to form a graft. Diced cartilage grafts can be used to build up the nasal bridge or add volume to specific areas.
The choice of graft material depends on the individual’s specific needs, availability of donor sites, and the surgeon’s expertise. Each graft type has its own advantages and considerations, and the surgeon will determine the most suitable graft(s) for achieving the desired outcome.
Symptoms of saddle nose
The characteristic sunken nose is the most visible symptoms of saddle nose deformity. The location of the deformity can cause breathing issues, septal perforation, nose bleeds, nasal discomfort and chronic crusting in the patient.
How is saddle nose corrected?
The most popular method to correct the saddle nose in men is a type of rhinoplasty called the Septorhinoplasty. During the nose job consultation, the best surgeon for rhinoplasty will examine your nose and determine if only the septal correction is needed or it needed to be combined with other nose jobs such as crooked nose correction, hump nose or dorsal hump, bulbous nose tip surgeries etc.
The surgeon can use either open or closed nose job procedures to make the corrections. Saddle nose correction, is also known as Septorhinoplasty or nasal reconstruction.The procedure is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) who has expertise in nasal surgery for saddle nose correction.During the procedure, the surgeon may use various techniques to correct the saddle nose deformity in men. These may include:
Use of grafts: Cartilage grafts, often taken from the patient’s own nasal septum, ear, or rib, are used to rebuild and support the nasal bridge. These grafts are carefully placed and secured to create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing shape.
Osteotomies: Controlled fractures or cuts are made in the nasal bones to reposition and align them properly. This helps in restoring the height and contour of the nasal bridge.
Dorsal augmentation: If there is a significant loss of height in the nasal bridge, synthetic implants or additional grafts may be used to augment and rebuild the area.
Tip refinement: In some cases, the nasal tip may also require reshaping to achieve better balance and harmony with the reconstructed nasal bridge.
Saddle nose correction surgery is done under anaesthesia. Recovery from saddle nose correction surgery may involve swelling, bruising, and nasal congestion for several weeks. Nasal splints or packing may be placed temporarily to support the newly reconstructed nose. Patients are advised to follow post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon, which may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding strenuous activities, and keeping the nasal area clean. The recovery takes about one week and you will have to take one week off from work. During the recovery avoid any heavy bending and lifting and keep the head elevated when sleeping.
Who can get a saddle nose correction?
Adult males can opt for saddle nose correction. This age is usually around 16-17 years as by that time the nasal structure has generally reached its full adult side. The patient should be healthy and of sound mind.
Cost of saddle nose rhinoplasty for men
The cost of saddle nose rhinoplasty for men can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the geographical location, the expertise and reputation of the surgeon, the complexity of the case, the extent of the procedure, the type and amount of grafts used and any additional treatments or services included.
It’s worth mentioning that the cost of rhinoplasty for saddle nose correction can also typically include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia fees, facility fees (if performed in a surgical facility or hospital), pre-operative consultations, post-operative follow-ups, and any necessary medications or dressings. Additional expenses may include pre-operative tests, imaging, or additional procedures.
Keep in mind that cost should not be the sole determining factor when choosing a surgeon. It is crucial to prioritize the surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and expertise in nasal surgery. Board certification, patient reviews, before-and-after photos, and consultations with multiple surgeons can help you make an informed decision.
Insurance coverage for saddle nose correction or rhinoplasty can vary depending on the specific circumstances. In some cases, if the procedure is deemed medically necessary to correct breathing problems caused by the saddle nose deformity, a portion of the cost may be covered by insurance. However, if the procedure is considered solely cosmetic, insurance coverage may not be available. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine their specific coverage policies.
