A saddle nose is one in which a weakening or loss of septal cartilage creates a saddle-shaped depression within the midsection of the nose when viewed on profile. Saddle noses result from any condition the weakens or perforates the nasal septum including prior septoplasty, recreational drug use, medical conditions such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis), and trauma.
Mild saddle noses are only noticeable when looking at the patient’s profile. The tip may start to droop in more severe cases. In the most difficult cases, the tip of the nose turns upwards, the nose shortens, and nasal breathing is pinched off.
Since saddle noses are caused by a lack of septal cartilage, Dr. Losquadro frequently uses rib cartilage grafting to repair these deformities.
