Failed Rhinoplasty - The Inverted V Nose

An inverted V-shaped nose is the most common result of a botched rhinoplasty. The cartilaginous part of the nose (at the front) collapses while the bony part (at the back) remains in its position. This results in a pinched nose, creating an inverted V-shape in the middle of the nose. This is one of the most common ways to tell if someone has had rhinoplasty. 

SEE THE ANATOMY OF THE NOSE

When is an inverted nose at risk?

An inverted nose usually appears after nose surgery to remove a bump on the nose . During this operation, the surgeon will fracture the bones and cartilage of the nose to move and reshape them. Sometimes, after the operation, the cartilaginous structure of the nose detaches from the bony structure of the nose. Thus, the dorsum of the nose (ridge of the nose) will have a break. We say that the tip of the nose is pinched. An inverted V-shaped nose usually appears 6 to 12 months after the first rhinoplasty.

Inverted V-shaped nose and difficulty breathing

In addition to the aesthetic damage, pinching the nose will cause difficulty breathing through the nose and therefore functional disorders.

Is it systematic?

The surgeon can avoid this by performing preservation surgery that takes care not to damage the essential structures of the nose.

How does secondary rhinoplasty correct an inverted V-shaped nose?

In order to repair the nose, a new rhinoplasty, called secondary rhinoplasty , will be required . The surgeon will reconstruct the nasal ridge using cartilage grafts. The pieces of cartilage, taken from the nose, ears or a rib, will serve as a “beam” for the nose. The surgeon will restore the linearity between the bones and cartilage of the nose. This technique is called “spreader grafting” of the nose. By reshaping the cartilaginous part of the nose, the surgeon can free the airways of the nose, and the patient can breathe normally again.

The surgeon may also reline the nasal ridge with cartilage to refine the aesthetics of the nose.