Nose Reconstruction

The necrotic tip of my nose was bitten of in 2010 by a drug addict. I was advice by my surgeon in my country told me that I will need a reconstructive surgery overseas. Can you help me out?

April 7th, 2016
  • Answer
    Dr. Raymond Goh

    Raymond Goh

    123 answers

    Plastic Surgeon
    Queensland, Australia

    Hi Jerry.
    It appears from the photos that they tried to put the detached nose segment back, and it seems like the segment has failed to survive, leaving you with a significant nasal defect. You are missing all three components of the nose (inner lining, cartilage framework, and outer skin). Reconstruction of the nose will involve replacing and fabricating all three missing parts. Cartilage grafts will be required to reconstruct the framework of the nose, and skin coverage often takes the form of a forehead flap. Surgery of this nature will often require more than one session to achieve the optimal final outcome.
    Reconstructive surgery of this nature can often involve many stages over a protracted period of time and, given you are living overseas, my advice would be to first consult with a local plastic surgeon who is familiar with nasal surgery.
    All the very best.
    Kind regards,
    Dr Ray Goh