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A collapsed nose after rhinoplasty – also known as nasal collapse or saddle nose – is a rare but serious complication that can affect breathing and facial appearance. It may occur shortly after surgery or years later, and often involves structural weakening of the nasal bridge, nostrils, or internal valves.
In this article, we’ll cover the most common causes of nasal collapse after surgery, the symptoms to watch for, and your options for both surgical and non-surgical correction.
Nasal collapse after rhinoplasty is a rare but serious complication that can affect the bridge, nostrils, or nasal valves.
Common causes include excessive cartilage removal, failed grafts, implants, or trauma during recovery.
Symptoms may include a flat or sunken nasal bridge, pinched nostrils, asymmetry, and difficulty breathing.
Revision rhinoplasty with cartilage grafting is the most effective long-term treatment, especially for structural issues.
In mild cases, dermal fillers may provide a temporary aesthetic fix, but they do not restore internal support.
Early signs of collapse should be evaluated by a qualified surgeon to prevent further deterioration.
A nose collapse after rhinoplasty refers to the loss of structural support in the nasal framework, causing part of the nose to appear sunken, flattened, or distorted. The most common area affected is the nasal bridge, but collapse can also occur in the nostrils or internal nasal valves.
This condition may be purely cosmetic – altering the appearance of the nose – or it can lead to serious functional issues, such as breathing difficulties. In most cases, the collapse occurs when too much cartilage is removed, grafts fail to integrate, or trauma occurs during healing.
There are several forms of nasal collapse that can develop after rhinoplasty, depending on which part of the nose is affected:
Collapsed Nasal Bridge (Saddle Nose): The bridge between the eyes sinks inward, leading to a scooped or concave profile. This is the most recognisable form and often results from inadequate cartilage support.
Nostril Collapse (Alar Collapse): One or both nostrils appear pinched or caved-in, especially when inhaling. This can be caused by weak or over-resected lower lateral cartilage.
Nasal Valve Collapse: The internal nasal valves collapse during breathing, leading to restricted airflow. This may not always be visible externally but can cause severe functional issues.
Each type of collapse requires a different surgical approach for correction, often involving cartilage grafts to restore support and reshape the affected area.
Nose collapse after rhinoplasty can result from structural weakness, poor healing, or complications with surgical materials. (1) The most common causes include:
Excessive cartilage removal: Removing too much cartilage during rhinoplasty can weaken the nose’s support system, especially in the bridge or nostrils.
Failed grafts or implants: Grafts that don’t integrate properly or silicone implants that lack blood supply may contribute to collapse over time.
Injury after surgery: Trauma to the healing nose—even minor bumps—can destabilise the nasal structure.
Infection or poor wound healing: In rare cases, infection or compromised healing can lead to tissue breakdown and loss of support.
These issues may show up shortly after surgery or even years later, especially if the nose was left structurally weak.
A collapsing nose can be both visible and functional. Here are the signs to look out for:
Flat or sunken bridge: A dorsal collapse can create a scooped or “saddle nose” appearance between the eyes.
Pinched nostrils: Alar collapse can cause one or both nostrils to appear caved in, especially when breathing in.
Difficulty breathing: A blocked or narrowed nasal passage is a key symptom of nasal valve collapse.
Tip distortion or asymmetry: The nasal tip may droop, twist, or lose projection if support has been compromised.
If you notice any of these changes—especially after rhinoplasty—schedule a consultation with your surgeon promptly. Early intervention may help prevent further collapse.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the collapse. The most common options include:
Cartilage grafts: secondary or revision surgery using cartilage from your septum, ear, or rib is the most reliable way to rebuild nasal support. This is often needed for collapsed bridges or nostrils.
Spreader grafts: These grafts help open the internal nasal valves and restore breathing function.
Removing implants: If silicone implants caused collapse, they may need to be removed or replaced with natural grafts.
Dermal fillers (temporary): In very mild cases, non-surgical rhinoplasty using fillers may restore shape temporarily, but it won’t resolve breathing issues or structural collapse.
An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon can determine whether non-surgical options or revision surgery is the right path based on your nasal anatomy and the extent of the damage.
Nasal collapse is a structural issue that occurs when part of the nose loses its support following rhinoplasty. It may affect the bridge, nostrils, or internal nasal valves, leading to aesthetic deformities and breathing difficulties.
Nasal collapse after rhinoplasty can be a serious complication and should be addressed right away. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help!
Common signs include a flattened nasal bridge, pinched or collapsed nostrils, asymmetry, difficulty breathing, and persistent swelling or indentation at the nasal tip or sides. These symptoms usually appear gradually and should be assessed by your surgeon.
Yes, although uncommon, a nasal collapse can happen months or even years after surgery—especially if the original structure was weakened or impacted by injury, infection, or excessive cartilage removal.
Swelling is a normal and temporary part of recovery. A collapsed nose presents as visible deformity or functional obstruction that does not improve with time. If the nasal bridge appears sunken or the nostrils cave inward, it may indicate collapse.
Mild cases may be temporarily masked using dermal fillers to improve appearance, but fillers do not restore structural support. Most cases require revision rhinoplasty with cartilage grafts to rebuild nasal framework and function.
Yes, revision rhinoplasty is more complex than primary surgery because it often involves scar tissue, weakened support, and the need for cartilage grafts from the septum, ear, or rib. It requires a highly experienced rhinoplasty specialist.
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