Saddle Nose Repair and Collapsed Nose Repair with Dr. John Hilinski: Expert Nasal Reconstruction in San Diego, CA
Saddle nose, also known as a collapsed nose, occurs when the nasal bridge becomes sunken or flattened, creating a “saddle-like” appearance. This condition not only affects the appearance of the nose but can also cause breathing difficulties due to the structural weakness of the nasal framework. Saddle nose can result from trauma, previous rhinoplasty, or congenital defects. Dr. John Hilinski, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Diego, is a leading expert in saddle nose repair and collapsed nose reconstruction. With his extensive experience and advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Hilinski can restore both the form and function of the nose, helping patients achieve natural, long-lasting results.
Dr. Hilinski, Nicole, and team are absolutely amazing! Dr. Hilinski is very knowledgeable, takes the time to thoroughly explain procedures, and has gone above and beyond with patient care during my procedure and throughout all of my follow-ups.
What is Saddle Nose Repair/Collapsed Nose Repair?
Saddle nose repair is a reconstructive procedure designed to correct a collapsed nasal bridge. The surgery typically involves rebuilding the nasal framework using grafts, often from the patient’s own rib cartilage, ear cartilage, or septal cartilage. This approach strengthens the weakened nasal structure, restores the nose’s natural shape, and improves overall nasal function.
A collapsed nose can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Trauma
Injuries to the nose, such as fractures or significant blunt force, can weaken the nasal bridge and lead to a collapsed appearance.
Previous Rhinoplasty
Over-aggressive removal of cartilage or bone during a previous rhinoplasty can compromise the structural integrity of the nose, leading to saddle nose deformity over time.
Congenital Defects
Some individuals are born with nasal deformities that affect the shape and support of the nasal bridge, resulting in a collapsed nose.
Infections or Diseases
Conditions such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis or severe septal perforations can cause the nasal bridge to collapse.
Saddle nose repair requires precise surgical expertise, as the goal is to restore both the cosmetic appearance and the functional support of the nose. Dr. Hilinski’s approach focuses on using biocompatible grafts to ensure long-term stability, while also creating a nose that looks natural and blends harmoniously with the patient’s facial features.
Why Choose Saddle Nose Repair?
Patients may choose saddle nose repair for several reasons, including:
Restoring Nasal Shape
A sunken or collapsed nasal bridge can create an imbalanced or irregular appearance. Repairing the nasal structure can restore a natural, proportional shape.
Improving Breathing
A collapsed nose often affects nasal function, leading to breathing difficulties. Reconstructing the nasal bridge can improve airflow and alleviate functional problems.
Correcting Trauma or Surgical Complications
Many patients seek saddle nose repair after experiencing trauma or complications from previous rhinoplasty surgeries. Repairing the nasal bridge can resolve these issues and restore both form and function.
Enhancing Self-Confidence
Correcting a saddle nose can significantly improve a patient’s confidence by creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and resolving functional concerns.
Special Considerations for Saddle Nose Repair
Saddle nose repair is more complex than standard rhinoplasty procedures and requires careful planning and advanced surgical techniques. Some special considerations for this surgery include:
Cartilage Grafting
One of the most important components of saddle nose repair is the use of cartilage grafts to rebuild the nasal structure. Dr. Hilinski often uses rib cartilage, which provides a strong, durable framework that supports the nasal bridge. In some cases, septal or ear cartilage may be used, depending on the extent of the damage.
Functional Restoration
In addition to improving the appearance of the nose, saddle nose repair is designed to restore nasal function. This may involve correcting structural issues that impair breathing, such as septal deviations or nasal valve collapse.
Complexity of Surgery
Since saddle nose deformities often involve significant structural collapse, the surgery is more complex than typical rhinoplasty. Dr. Hilinski’s advanced training in reconstructive rhinoplasty makes him highly qualified to handle these challenging cases, ensuring both aesthetic and functional improvements.
Longer Recovery
Due to the complexity of the procedure, recovery from saddle nose repair may take longer than standard rhinoplasty. Patients should expect some swelling and bruising for a few weeks, with final results becoming visible over the course of several months
FAQ: Saddle Nose Repair
Saddle nose repair is a more complex procedure that involves reconstructing the nasal bridge using cartilage grafts. Unlike regular rhinoplasty, which may focus on reshaping or refining the nose, saddle nose repair is designed to restore structural support to a collapsed nasal bridge.
In most cases, Dr. Hilinski uses rib cartilage for saddle nose repair because it provides strong, durable support for the nasal bridge. Depending on the extent of the collapse, ear cartilage or septal cartilage may also be used.
Recovery from saddle nose repair typically takes longer than standard rhinoplasty. Most patients experience swelling and bruising for the first 1-2 weeks, and full healing may take several months. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Yes, saddle nose repair often addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns. By rebuilding the nasal structure, Dr. Hilinski can improve airflow and alleviate breathing difficulties caused by the collapsed nasal bridge.
In some cases, saddle nose repair may be covered by insurance if the procedure is deemed medically necessary to correct functional issues, such as difficulty breathing. Cosmetic components of the surgery are generally not covered. Dr. Hilinski’s office can assist in determining insurance coverage during the consultation process.
Why Choose Dr. John Hilinski for Saddle Nose Repair?
Dr. John Hilinski is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in complex nasal reconstruction, including saddle nose repair. After earning his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, he completed his residency in Head and Neck Surgery at UCSD Medical Center, followed by specialized fellowship training in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Dean M. Toriumi, a renowned rhinoplasty expert. Dr. Hilinski’s advanced training and extensive experience in reconstructive nasal surgery make him one of the leading surgeons in San Diego for saddle nose and collapsed nose repairs.
Dr. Hilinski’s personalized approach ensures that each patient receives a tailored surgical plan based on their unique anatomy and goals. His focus on both the cosmetic and functional aspects of nasal reconstruction ensures that patients achieve natural-looking results that improve their appearance and quality of life.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Hilinski
If you are experiencing a collapsed nose or saddle nose deformity and are seeking a skilled surgeon to restore the appearance and function of your nose, schedule a consultation with Dr. John Hilinski. As San Diego’s leading expert in saddle nose repair, Dr. Hilinski offers personalized care and advanced surgical techniques to help you achieve natural, long-lasting results. Contact us today to take the next step toward a fully restored nasal structure and improved quality of life.