NASAL DEFORMITIES
The nose is a central and prominent structure of the face. A deformity (abnormality in the appearance) of the nose can significantly change ones facial appearance or result in nasal complaints. Nasal deformity can be categorized as “cosmetic” or “functional.” Cosmetic deformity of the nose results in a less desirable appearance of the nose. A functional deformity of the nose may result in frustrating nasal blockage, noisy breathing or snoring, decreased smell or taste, nose bleeds and/or recurrent sinusitis.
A cosmetic or functional nasal deformity may occur secondary to a crooked septum (the wall in the middle of the nose, that is composed of both cartilage and bone, and divides it between left and right sides), an asymmetric nasal bone, scar tissue, collapse or weakening of nasal structures, or a specific portion of the nose being disproportionate to the remainder of the nose and face. So what causes cosmetic or functional nasal deformity? There are multiple reasons, and often, many of the causes result in both cosmetic and functional problems. The most common causes are listed below.
Congenital (present at birth) deformity – a baby born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, nasal mass or other anomaly (problem) may have structural weakness or asymmetry of the nose. Congenital nasal deformities may require multiple staged surgeries to achieve the final desired result.
Nasal tMedical conditions – Certain nasal and systemic (affecting the entire body) medical conditions may cause structural changes of the nose. Common conditions affecting nasal appearance and function include: Sarcoidosis, Wegner’s Disease, Relapsing Polychondritis and other connective tissue disorders. Allergic Fungal Sinusitis can also affect nasal appearance.
