Collapsing nose.

[lollyone]

Over the last few years I've noticed my nose has gone crooked and its sort of caved in a bit at one side. When I've asked people who've known me for years they have to admit that its really changed. An dit seems to be getting gradually worse.
Its really getting me down. I know its only an aesthetic thing and there are people with far worse to worry about but its making me miserable.
There's nothing specific that I can think of that may have caused it. Never been broken, to my knowledge, and I've never snorted any drugs.
What would be my chances of getting a nose job on the NHS? And are there any reasons why this might have happened?
Thanks.

[sqad617]

lollyone...the central part of the nasal septum is cartilage and if this becomes ulcerated and/or perforated then tis causes collapse of the nose as you have described.

The causes of this are many, but previous nasal surgery is one of the commonest caused, followed by cocaine abuse, intra-nasal steroids (Flixonase etc) and certain other uncommon medical conditions.

You will need to see your GP with a view to an ENT surgeon referral who will investigate your problem.

Yes, you will be able to get this done on the NHS, but I must warn you that the results of septal perforation repairs are not good.

Good luck.

[lollyone]

Thanks for your answer squad. I had a feeling you would know something about this.
I've never had previous nasal surgery or any of the other things you said.
I will see my G.P then and try to get a referral.
By 'not good' do you mean that it could be made worse or just not much better? Is it not just a case of kind of re-setting the cartilage?

[sqad617]

lolly.....no it is not as simple as replacing the "old" cartilage.

It is extremely unlikely that surgical repair would make your nose worse........but in my experience the results of a successful repair as "moderate."

[daffy654]

I had my septum repaired around 18 months ago lollyone,my nose now looks far worse than it ever did as after the surgery my septum collapsed. It still bleeds and scabs very badly after all this time,it is also quite painful.

[lollyone]

Thanks for your answers.
Went to see my GP this morning. He seemed to think that its from an injury at some point (wouldn't you think I'd remember?) Or do I sleep on my face??!!
Anyhoo, He looked up there, asked if I could breathe ok through each nostril. I can breathe fine. So apparently as its not causing any problems with my breathing, he can't advise surgery as it would be purely cosmetic.

So then I suppose I'll just wait til my lottery numbers come up...

[maiden13]

You should really try http://www.nose-huggies.com. It helped me. Media URL: http://www.nose-huggies.com/
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