Rhinoplasty: Saddle Nose DeformitySaddle nose deformity is due to loss of nasal dorsal height and support, leading to a collapsed and short nose. Dr. Vartanian has used a number of techniques to repair such nasal deformities. Here is Dr. Vartanian's classification system for saddle noses: Classification Regardless of the etiology, categorizing the severity of the saddle nose is helpful. Dr. Vartanian uses a simplified system that classifies saddle-nose deformities on the basis of the anatomic deficits as follows:
Most patients with a type 2, 3, or 4 saddle-nose deformity have functional nasal airway obstruction. A practical classification method described by Tardy divides saddle-nose deformities into 3 categories, as follows:
Dr. John Vartanian prefers the use autogenous cartilage grafts from the septum, ear, and if need be, costal (rib) cartilage for reconstructing saddled noses. Usually an external rhinoplasty approach is chosen. For more details please refer to the author's website: / |