Living With a Collapsed Nose: Symptoms and Surgical Options
Living With a Collapsed Nose: Symptoms and Surgical Options
Fix the Collapse, Breathe Better!
Struggling with a collapsed nose can feel overwhelming, bringing not only physical discomfort and breathing difficulties but also a significant impact on self-confidence.
Symptoms like breathing difficulties, nasal obstruction, frequent nasal infection, and visible changes in nasal shape can make everyday life more difficult than it needs to be.
If you’re facing these challenges, you’re not alone, and there is a path forward.
Fortunately, today’s advanced surgical options can restore both the function and appearance of the nose.
Dr. Levente Deak, a highly skilled ENT and facial plastic surgeon, offers specialized care for collapsed nose conditions. With expertise in both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, he helps patients breathe more easily and regain confidence—inside and out.
When the nose no longer supports you: What is a collapsed nose?
A collapsed nose typically refers to weakened or compromised cartilage or nasal structures that cause retracted visible large nostrils or / and pinched nose, asymmetrical, or sunken. Most importantly, it leads to nasal airway obstruction, making it difficult to breathe, especially through one or both nostrils.
Collapsed noses often occur due to:
- Previous Over-aggressive rhinoplasty (cosmetic or functional)
- Nasal trauma or injury
- Repeated nasal infections or inflammation
- Cartilage weakness due to aging or genetics
Nasal valve collapse is one of the most common forms, and it can involve the internal or external nasal valves, which are the narrowest parts of our airways.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore: Symptoms of a Collapsed Nose
Living with a collapsed nose can cause a range of symptoms.
Being aware of these signs can help you seek treatment sooner:
Some of the common symptoms are:
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Feeling like your nostrils “shrink” or collapse inward while inhaling
- Frequent nasal congestion without a cold
- Trouble sleeping due to restricted airflow
- Snoring or sleep apnea-like symptoms
- Visibly asymmetrical or “pinched” appearance of the nose
- Crusting or chronic dryness in the affected nostril
Collapsed Nose Cartilage Symptoms
When cartilage collapses, you may notice a “saddle-nose” appearance, where the bridge appears sunken, or nostrils that pull inward when you breathe. The nose may feel soft, unstable, or visibly distorted.
What does a collapsed nose look like?
A collapsed nose can present in different ways depending on the severity and location of the collapse. Some visible signs include:
- A sunken or scooped-out nasal bridge (common in cartilage collapse)
- Pinched nostrils or inward collapsing on inhalation
- A crooked, asymmetrical nose shape
- Narrow or slit-like nasal openings
- A previously straight nose that now appears distorted after trauma or surgery
These changes can affect both the nose’s appearance and airflow, which is why treatment often addresses both form and function.
DIY or Doctor? Can you fix a Collapsed Nostril at home?
Many people wonder, “How to fix a collapsed nostril at home?” While there are short-term workarounds, such as using breathing strips or external nasal dilators, these are not permanent solutions. They may help temporarily at night or during exercise, but do not address the underlying structural issue.
Trying to “fix” a collapsed nose at home through force, manipulation, or over-the-counter devices is not only ineffective but potentially harmful. True correction requires professional evaluation — especially from a specialist like Dr Levente Deak, who understands both the aesthetics and inner workings of nasal anatomy.
Is it really a collapse? Try the Nasal Valve Collapse Test
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing nasal valve collapse, there’s a simple test known as the Cottle Maneuver:
- Place two fingers on your cheeks, next to your nostrils.
- Gently pull outward to open the nasal valves.
- Inhale deeply through your nose.
If your breathing significantly improves when pulling outward, it may indicate internal or external nasal valve collapse, a key cause of nasal obstruction.
Getting Your Life Back: Simple surgical option with Dr Levente
Once a collapsed nose is diagnosed, surgical intervention is often the most effective and lasting solution. As a dual-trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr Levente Deak offers highly personalised nasal valve collapse surgical options to address nasal valve collapse and restore both aesthetics and function.
Nasal Valve Repair/Nasal Valve Collapse Correction (Using cartilage grafts)
Commonly called ‘Coffeetime Surgery’, this surgery helps nostril shape intact during inhalation without changing the shape pf nose.
Here are some details about the same:
- Cartilage grafting (from septum or ear): Used to reinforce and support weakened nostrils/nasal valves.
- Purpose: Strengthens the nostrils so they don’t collapse during inhalation, without altering overall nose shape.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with a short outpatient procedure (around 30 minutes). - Recovery: Quick recovery, minimal swelling (3 days), and discharge after a couple of hours, typical of nasal valve surgery.
Most of the time, cartilage can be taken from the septum or ear and added to teh nostrils without significantly making them bigger. Therefore, it will have the strength to keep the nostrils’ shape during inhalation without changing teh shape.
The surgery takes place 30min under local anesthesia, and the patient can leave the hospital after 2 hours. There could be 3 days of slight swelling.
Functional Rhinoplasty
This surgery focuses on rebuilding the internal nasal structures using grafts (often taken from the patient’s own cartilage).
It can:
- Reopen collapsed nasal valves
- Reinforce weakened cartilage
- Improve airflow and breathing
- Correct previous surgical issues
Revision Rhinoplasty
If the collapse is a result of a previous surgery, revision rhinoplasty may be recommended. Dr. Deak specializes in correcting over-resected cartilage or poorly healed incisions while preserving or enhancing natural appearance.
Nasal Valve Reconstruction
For severe cases of nasal valve collapse, Dr. Deak may use spreader grafts, alar batten grafts, or lateral crural strut grafts to restore strength and structure to the affected area. These techniques widen the airway without compromising the nose’s outer appearance.
Septoplasty (if needed)
Often combined with rhinoplasty, septoplasty corrects a deviated septum, another contributor to breathing difficulties. When paired with nasal reconstruction, it ensures full functional restoration.
Expectations Regarding Recovery and Results
Dr Levente Deak believes in transparency, comfort, and clarity during every step of the treatment process.
After surgery, you can expect:
- A short recovery period with some swelling and bruising
- Gradual improvement in breathing within the first few weeks
- Long-term stability of nasal structure and appearance
- Renewed confidence in both health and how you look
Most patients report dramatic improvement in sleep, breathing, and daily comfort, something that seemed impossible before treatment.
Why choose D Levente Deak?
What sets Dr Levente Deak apart is his combined expertise in facial plastic surgery and functional nasal reconstruction.
His approach is always:
- Patient-centric: He listens to your story, concerns, and goals
- Precision-driven: Each surgical plan is tailored to your unique anatomy
- Aesthetic-minded: Enhancing function without compromising your appearance
Whether you’ve suffered from years of breathing problems or are seeking revision after a previous rhinoplasty, Dr Levenete offers compassionate care backed by surgical excellence.
You Don’t Have to Live with a Collapsed Nose!
Trust the Expert in the Field – Dr Levente Deak
Living with a collapsed nose can feel isolating and exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right diagnosis and expert care, you can restore your ability to breathe, sleep, and feel like yourself again.
If you’re ready to explore your treatment options, Dr Levente Deak is here to help. With a thoughtful and highly personalized approach, he can guide you toward a solution that brings relief, both physically and emotionally.
Breathe Freely Again
Book a consultation with Dr Levente today and take the first step toward reclaiming your comfort,confidence, and quality of life.
Some Quick FAQs
Yes, surgery is the most effective way to treat a collapsed nose. Procedures like functional rhinoplasty or nasal valve reconstruction can restore structure and improve breathing.
While it’s possible, it can significantly affect your breathing, sleep, and quality of life. Medical or surgical treatment is recommended for long-term relief.
Consult a qualified facial plastic surgeon. Avoid self-treatment and get a proper evaluation to explore your options for functional and aesthetic correction.
Initial recovery takes about 1 week, with full healing over a few months. Breathing improvements are usually noticed within the first few weeks.
Nose surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. As with any surgery, there are risks, but complications are rare and outcomes are often life-enhancing.