What is a saddle nose and how is it corrected?
A saddle nose is a dip in the middle third of the nose, seen most clearly from the side. It appears when the septum — the cartilage wall that holds the bridge up — is weakened or removed. Common causes are a broken nose, a septal haematoma that was never drained, over-aggressive septoplasty, infection, filler complications and, less often, inflammatory conditions.
Because the problem is a loss of support, simply filling the dip is rarely enough. Correction rebuilds the frame first and then restores bridge height, which is why most cases are treated as structural rhinoplasty rather than a simple augmentation.
Who needs saddle nose surgery?
- A visible scoop in the bridge that was not there before an injury or operation.
- A tip that has rotated upwards or lost projection as the bridge sank.
- Blocked or collapsing airflow especially on breathing in.
- Filler or implant problems that left the bridge uneven or thin-skinned.
- Stable general health — any underlying inflammatory condition should be controlled first.
If the dip appeared after a previous nose job, the plan overlaps with revision rhinoplasty, and Dr. Lee will want your earlier operation notes if you have them.
Cartilage graft, implant or filler for a saddle nose?
| Own cartilage | Silicone implant | Filler | |
| Rebuilds septal support | Yes | No | No |
| Best for | Moderate to severe collapse | Mild dip, healthy septum | Very mild dip, trial only |
| Infection / extrusion risk | Low | Higher in scarred noses | Low, but vascular risk |
| Downtime | 7–14 days | 5–7 days | 1–2 days |
| Longevity | Long-term | Long-term if tolerated | Months |
When there is not enough septal cartilage left, rib cartilage grafts provide the strength a collapsed bridge needs.
How saddle nose correction is done
Before & after
Before
After
We share nose results privately during your consultation. Other procedures are shown in our before & after gallery.
What is recovery like after saddle nose surgery?
| Day 1–3 | Swelling, congestion and some bruising; head raised, no nose blowing. |
|---|---|
| Day 7 | Splint and stitches removed; the new bridge line is visible but puffy. |
| Week 2–3 | Most people return to desk work; avoid glasses resting on the bridge. |
| Month 3–12 | Swelling settles, the tip last; the final line is judged at about a year. |
“With a saddle nose I build the foundation before I think about height. A bridge that is propped up without support does not last.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of saddle nose correction?
Risks include bleeding, infection, graft warping or visibility, some loss of the correction as grafts settle, and pain at a rib donor site if rib is used. Scarred, previously operated noses carry a higher chance of needing a further touch-up. We explain these openly and will not promise a specific bridge height if your skin cannot safely stretch to it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a saddle nose be fixed without surgery?
Very mild dips can be disguised with filler, but filler does not restore septal support and carries a small risk of vascular complications in a scarred nose.
Will my breathing improve?
Often, yes. Rebuilding the septum and middle vault usually opens the airway as well as straightening the profile.
Which cartilage will be used?
Septal cartilage first if enough remains; otherwise ear or rib cartilage, decided after examination.
How long should I stay in Korea?
Plan on 10–14 days so the splint can come off and Dr. Lee can check healing before you fly.
Is the result permanent?
Your own cartilage generally survives long-term, though a small amount of settling over the first year is normal.
Who performs the operation?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung sees you at consultation, performs the surgery and handles your follow-up herself.