Fixing nasal bridge collapse
Rhinoplasty: Restoring Both Form and Function
Rhinoplasty is often thought of as a cosmetic procedure, but in many cases it is just as much about restoring function as it is about improving appearance.
This gentleman presented with long-standing nasal issues following an injury sustained years earlier while participating in mixed martial arts. Over time, the trauma led to a collapse of the nasal bridge, resulting not only in a visibly sunken profile appearance of the nose but also in significant nasal breathing difficulties.
Restoring both form and function is fundamental to modern rhinoplasty. In this case, the goal was twofold:
Rebuild structural support of the nose
Improve airflow and breathing
To accomplish this, we performed an external (open) rhinoplasty, which allows for precise visualization and reconstruction of the nasal framework. Auricular (ear) cartilage was used as a natural and reliable grafting material—providing essential “building blocks” to rebuild and augment the nasal dorsum. This cartilage allowed us to restore the bridge to an appropriate, natural-looking height while reinforcing the internal nasal structures needed for proper airflow.
The result is a nose that no longer appears collapsed or sunken and, just as importantly, one that functions properly—allowing the patient to breathe comfortably again.
Functional rhinoplasty highlights the true artistry and purpose of nasal surgery: creating results that look natural while restoring the vital functions of the nose
