Severe saddle nose deformity reconstructed with rib cartilage

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Rhinoplasty

Background:

• Augmenting the nasal dorsum, particularly in cases of saddle nose deformity, presents challenges due to thin skin and the need for robust structural support.
• Stable reconstruction of the cartilaginous septum is crucial for both functional and morphological outcomes in treating these deformities.

Observation:

• A case of severe posttraumatic saddle nose deformity is presented, where conventional spreader grafts were not feasible due to lack of nasal pyramid support.
• The treatment involved a single, large costal cartilaginous graft combined with a columellar strut for reconstruction.

Findings:

• Successful reconstruction of the nasal dorsum and significant improvement in nasal breathing were achieved.
• The patient reported high satisfaction with the aesthetic and functional results.
• No graft resorption or displacement was noted during the 14-month follow-up, with only minor nostril asymmetry as a complication.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates the efficacy of using a substantial costal cartilage graft and columellar strut for correcting severe saddle nose deformities when standard techniques are not applicable.
• The findings support autologous costal cartilage as a reliable and stable material for complex nasal reconstruction, offering long-term structural integrity and aesthetic improvement.