Understanding nose collapse after rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a procedure designed to alter the shape, size or position of the nose, often to improve its appearance, correct a deviated septum, or restore function when breathing is affected. This is achieved by reshaping the cartilage, bone and surrounding soft tissue that form the nasal structure.

Nasal collapse refers to a condition where the internal or external framework of the nose no longer offers enough support after surgery. This can affect both appearance and function, sometimes leading to breathing difficulties or noticeable changes in shape. If allergies or sinus infections develop after surgery this may cause chronic congestion. In many cases, this complication arises when the procedure is not carried out with the care and precision required to protect the structural integrity of the nose.

Several contributing factors may lead to nasal collapse following rhinoplasty:

• Weakening of nasal structures: during surgery, the cartilage, bones and soft tissue are carefully reshaped. If this is done too aggressively or without preserving key areas of support, the structures may lose strength, increasing the risk of collapse.
• Inadequate support or grafting: grafting materials such as cartilage are often needed to reinforce the nasal framework. If the surgeon fails to use appropriate grafts, or applies them poorly, the nose may not hold its intended shape during healing.
• Excessive tissue removal: in some cases, too much tissue is removed in pursuit of a particular aesthetic result. This can destabilise the nose, making it more vulnerable to collapse in the weeks, months or years following the operation.

What causes a nose to collapse after rhinoplasty and what are the types of collapse?

Nasal collapse can affect different parts of the nose depending on how the structural support was managed during or after the procedure. Some forms of collapse may affect breathing, while others impact appearance - or both. Below are the most common types of nasal collapse that can develop following rhinoplasty, along with how and why they may occur:

• External nasal valve collapse: this occurs when the outer walls of the nasal cavity lose structural support, causing them to collapse inward. This may result in visible distortion and difficulty breathing, particularly during inhalation. It can happen if the surgeon has weakened the sidewalls during surgery or failed to reinforce them properly.
• Internal nasal valve collapse: the internal nasal valve helps to regulate airflow through the nose. An internal nasal valve collapse after rhinoplasty means the area becomes narrowed or obstructed, the patient may struggle with nasal obstruction or restricted breathing through the nasal passage. This can happen if the surgeon removes too much tissue or cartilage in the wrong area.
• Dorsal nasal collapse or nasal bridge collapse: a nasal bridge collapse after rhinoplasty affects the bridge of the nose. It may appear flattened or sunken and is sometimes referred to as a 'saddle nose'. It often results from excessive removal of bone or cartilage, particularly if the surgeon fails to reinforce the area with grafts.
• Nose tip collapse: the nasal tip may droop or become asymmetrical if it is not adequately supported during surgery. Poor reshaping techniques or the removal of too much cartilage in the tip can lead to structural weakness and visible imbalance.

Preventing a collapsed nose after rhinoplasty

Preventing nasal collapse begins with a thorough pre-operative assessment and careful planning. A responsible rhinoplasty surgeon should carry out a detailed evaluation of the nose’s internal and external structure, alongside the patient's expectations for both appearance and function. It is part of their duty of care to maintain clear and accurate communication before, during and after the procedure. This includes outlining what outcomes are realistic and how structural stability will be maintained.

During the operation, the surgeon can use several techniques to help protect against future collapse:

• Structural grafting for reinforcement: cartilage or bone grafts may be used to strengthen weaker areas of the nose. These grafts act as internal supports, helping to preserve shape and function.
• Preservation of supporting structures: the nasal septum and sidewalls play a central role in supporting the nose. Where possible, these should be preserved or reinforced to uphold the nasal framework.
• Appropriate tissue removal and reshaping: excess tissue should only be removed where needed, and reshaping should be done in a way that maintains balance. Over-reduction or poor reshaping can increase the risk of post-surgical collapse.

Post-operative care and management for rhinoplasty patients

Post-operative care plays an essential role in identifying and managing potential complications, including nasal collapse. A responsible surgeon should arrange regular follow-up appointments to examine how the nose is healing and to identify any early warning signs of structural issues. These appointments are an important part of the recovery process and offer the chance to respond quickly if anything goes wrong. Patients should be encouraged to attend all scheduled reviews to support proper healing and to raise any concerns as they arise.

When signs of nasal collapse are detected, non-surgical interventions may be used to manage the condition:

• Nasal splints and external supports: internal splints can help preserve alignment and shape from within, while external supports such as adhesive strips or tape offer added stability during recovery. These methods help maintain the nose’s structure while the tissues heal.
• Nasal taping techniques: when applied correctly, medical tape can reinforce areas of weakness. Strategic taping supports the nose externally and can reduce the risk of worsening collapse while recovery continues.

If these approaches do not correct the issue, revision surgery to fix nasal valve collapse may be required. The decision to proceed with further surgery should follow a detailed discussion between the patient and surgeon, taking into account the individual’s healing progress, appearance goals and concerns. Honest, ongoing communication is essential at this stage to help guide treatment decisions and set appropriate expectations.

If your surgeon failed to properly monitor your recovery or respond to complications like nasal collapse, and you’ve suffered as a result, you may be eligible to claim compensation.

Further expert advice and tips on nose collapse after rhinoplasty

To minimise the risk of nasal collapse and achieve satisfactory results after rhinoplasty, consider the following expert advice and tips:

• Choose a skilled and experienced surgeon: when considering rhinoplasty, it is crucial to research the qualifications and experience of potential surgeons. Look for board-certified plastic surgeons with a proven track record of successful rhinoplasty procedures. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from trusted sources can also help you make an informed decision.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle during recovery: follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon diligently. This includes taking any prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and adhering to activity restrictions. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding habits such as smoking, as they can impede the healing process.
• Communicate openly with the surgeon: throughout the recovery period, maintain open lines of communication with your surgeon. If you notice any concerning changes or have any questions or doubts, don't hesitate to reach out to your surgeon for guidance. They are there to support you and address any issues that may arise.

When is nose collapse following rhinoplasty caused by cosmetic surgery negligence?

Cosmetic surgery negligence refers to situations where a patient experiences harm or adverse outcomes as a result of the negligence or misconduct of a surgeon or medical professional performing a cosmetic procedure. In the context of nose collapse after rhinoplasty, cosmetic surgery negligence may occur if the surgeon fails to meet the expected standard of care, resulting in the collapse of the nasal structures.

Negligence can manifest in various ways during rhinoplasty, leading to nose collapse:

• Inadequate surgical planning: a negligent surgeon may fail to conduct a thorough pre-operative assessment or communicate effectively with the patient about their desired outcomes. This lack of attention to detail can result in inadequate planning and an increased risk of nose collapse.
• Errors during surgery: during the procedure, negligence can occur if the surgeon mishandles or removes excessive amounts of tissue, weakening the nasal framework. This can contribute to the collapse of the nose.
• Insufficient support or grafting: negligence may arise if the surgeon fails to provide adequate support or use appropriate grafting techniques during rhinoplasty. This lack of support can compromise the stability of the nasal structures, leading to collapse.
• Failure to monitor and address complications: negligence can occur if the surgeon fails to provide appropriate post-operative care and monitoring. Timely identification and management of complications, including early signs of nose collapse, are essential to prevent further damage.

When cosmetic surgery negligence results in nose collapse, it can have significant physical, emotional and psychological consequences for the patient. The collapse may not only impact the aesthetic outcome but also impair nasal function and breathing.

Patients who believe they have experienced cosmetic surgery negligence resulting in nose collapse should seek legal advice from professionals experienced in medical negligence claims. These experts can assess the case and determine if there has been a breach of the duty of care by the surgeon or medical professional.

It is important to note that not all complications or unfavourable outcomes are due to negligence. Rhinoplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks, and the body's response to surgery can vary from person to person. However, if there are clear indications of negligence, such as a surgeon's failure to follow proper surgical techniques or provide adequate post-operative care, legal recourse may be pursued to seek compensation for damages and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors often assists rhinoplasty patients who wish to seek compensation following negligent treatment. If you believe you have suffered due to the negligence of your surgeon, do not hesitate to call us as you could be eligible to claim a considerable amount of compensation in order to cover your physical and mental suffering, and financial losses.