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What Causes a Nostril to Collapse?
Nostril collapse occurs when the structural support of the nostril weakens, leading to narrowing or complete closure. This condition can make breathing difficult and may worsen over time if not addressed. Understanding the causes behind nostril collapse is essential for prevention and effective treatment.
RELATED: Why Is One of My Nostrils Bigger Than the Other?
Rhinoplasty Complications
One of the primary causes of nostril collapse is complications arising from rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job. If a surgeon removes too much cartilage from above the nostril during the procedure, it can leave the nostril without sufficient support. This lack of structural integrity means the nostril cannot stay open during inhalation and exhalation, as the airflow exerts pressure on the weakened area. Gradually, this can lead the nostril to become narrower and eventually collapse altogether.
Severe Deviated Septum
An extremely deviated septum is another factor that can lead to nostril collapse. The septum, which divides the nasal cavity, can be off-centre, causing one nostril to be significantly wider than the other. The wider nostril experiences more airflow and pressure during breathing. Over time, this increased pressure can weaken the cartilage, making the nostril less able to maintain its shape and leading to collapse.
RELATED: Should I Get Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty?
Trauma to the Nose
Physical trauma is also a common cause of nostril collapse. An injury to the nose—such as a bump or a hit—can damage the cartilage supporting the nostril. If the cartilage is not particularly strong to begin with, even minor trauma can accelerate the weakening process. Over time, the repeated stress from normal breathing combined with the initial injury can cause the nostril to collapse.
Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammatory processes within the nasal passages can adversely affect the cartilage and structural components of the nostril. Conditions that cause chronic inflammation may weaken the cartilage, reducing its ability to support the nostril’s shape. As the structural integrity diminishes, the nostril becomes more susceptible to collapsing under the pressure of normal breathing.
Will a Collapsed Nostril Heal on Its Own?
Unfortunately, a collapsed nostril will not heal itself. The structural weakness that causes the collapse does not improve without intervention. Instead, the nostril may continue to collapse further until it reaches a point where it becomes stable but remains dysfunctional. Natural healing processes are insufficient to restore the cartilage strength or structural integrity needed to reopen the nostril.
Progression Without Treatment
Without appropriate treatment, the collapsed nostril is likely to deteriorate. The ongoing pressure from normal breathing can exacerbate the weakness, causing the nostril to narrow even more. This can lead to chronic breathing difficulties, reduced airflow, and potential complications such as sinus infections due to impaired drainage.
Surgical Intervention as a Solution
Surgical intervention is typically required to correct a collapsed nostril. Rhinoplasty, specifically functional or reconstructive rhinoplasty, can restore the nostril’s structural support. During the procedure, a surgeon may use cartilage grafts to reinforce the weakened areas, effectively reopening the nasal passage and improving both function and appearance.
RELATED: Narrow Nostril Surgery for Fixing Breathing Difficulties
Benefits of Rhinoplasty for Nostril Collapse
- Improved Breathing: Restores proper airflow through the nostril.
- Structural Support: Reinforces weak cartilage to prevent future collapse.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Addresses any cosmetic concerns resulting from the collapse.
How Do You Fix a Collapsed Nose?
The procedure to fix a collapsed nose is tailored to each individual. Surgeons must consider:
- The Specific Area of Collapse: Identifying whether the nostrils, bridge, or dorsum are affected helps determine the surgical approach.
- Underlying Causes: Understanding why the collapse occurred—be it trauma, surgery, or medical conditions—guides the choice of treatment.
- Current Nasal Anatomy: Assessing the existing structure and strength of nasal cartilage is crucial for planning reconstruction.
A thorough evaluation ensures that the chosen procedure effectively addresses functional and aesthetic concerns.
Using Cartilage Grafts for Nasal Reconstruction
A common method for repairing a collapsed nose involves using cartilage grafts. Cartilage provides the necessary support to rebuild and reinforce nasal structures. Surgeons typically harvest cartilage from other parts of the patient’s body to ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of rejection.
Sources of Cartilage:
- Septal Cartilage: Harvested from the nasal septum, the wall between the nostrils. This is often the first choice as it’s close to the surgical site.
- Auricular Cartilage: Taken from the ear. Its curved shape can be advantageous for reconstructing certain nasal areas.
- Costal Cartilage: Extracted from the ribs. This source provides a larger amount of cartilage, useful for extensive reconstructions.
In some cases, the cartilage may be used with or without the overlying skin attached, depending on the requirements of the reconstruction.
The Surgical Procedure
The surgical process involves several key steps:
- Harvesting Cartilage: The surgeon removes cartilage from the chosen donor site.
- Shaping the Graft: The harvested cartilage is meticulously shaped to fit the specific area needing repair.
- Implanting the Graft: The shaped cartilage is carefully placed into the nose to reconstruct the collapsed area.
- Securing the Graft: The graft is fixed in place to ensure stability during the healing process.
- Closing Incisions: The surgical sites are closed, and the nose may be supported with splints or bandages.
The surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery times can vary, but patients can generally expect:
- Initial Swelling and Bruising: These are common and should subside within a few weeks.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups are essential to monitor healing and address any concerns.
- Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and protect the nose from injury during recovery.
Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Rhinoplasty?
Expert Rhinoplasty Surgeons and a Commitment to Excellence
At Centre for Surgery, we specialise in delivering transformative rhinoplasty procedures with a focus on precision, patient satisfaction, and natural results. Our surgeons are highly skilled in complex nasal surgeries, from correcting nasal structure to enhancing aesthetic appearance. With a focus on individualised care, we ensure every patient’s unique needs are met with expertise, empathy, and dedication. Our clinic offers advanced techniques and uses state-of-the-art technology, ensuring safety and achieving optimal results.
Our team comprises some of the UK’s top rhinoplasty specialists who bring years of expertise in both functional and cosmetic nasal surgery. They are dedicated to achieving results that harmonise with each patient’s facial features, enhancing both appearance and nasal function. With comprehensive consultations and detailed postoperative care, Centre for Surgery strives to deliver an exceptional experience for every patient, guiding you confidently through each step of your rhinoplasty journey.
Patient Testimonials
“I was nervous about getting a nose job, but from my first consultation at Centre for Surgery, I felt in safe hands. The staff were incredibly professional and reassuring. My surgeon listened to exactly what I wanted, and the results have exceeded my expectations. Breathing is easier, and I finally love how my nose looks!”
“Centre for Surgery gave me the nose I always wanted. The entire team was attentive and supportive from start to finish. My surgeon was highly experienced and explained every part of the process. The result looks so natural, and I couldn’t be happier!”
“I had a complex rhinoplasty procedure at Centre for Surgery, and the results are life-changing. The team was with me every step of the way, and my surgeon’s skill and attention to detail were evident. My confidence is higher, and the clinic provided outstanding care.”
Convenient Booking and Finance Options
For those considering rhinoplasty, we offer easy booking options for consultations to ensure our specialists understand your goals and needs. To schedule a consultation, contact us at:
- 📞 Phone: 0207 993 4849
- 📧 Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com
- 📍 Visit Us: Baker Street Clinic, 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN.
We also provide a range of flexible finance options, including 0% APR with Chrysalis Finance, to make your journey as accessible as possible. More details are available on our finance options page.
Additional Resources
To learn more about Centre for Surgery’s dedication to excellence and meet our team of specialists, please visit our About Us page and Team Members page. Our Plastic Surgery Blog is also filled with valuable insights into rhinoplasty and other cosmetic procedures, while our FAQs provide answers to common questions about the surgery process, recovery, and more.
Choose Centre for Surgery for your rhinoplasty journey, where expertise, patient care, and outstanding results come together to deliver a superior experience.
