My daughter is 16 years old and was born with no bridge to her nose.

Your questions answered by our surgeon, Lucian Ion, FRCS(Plast)

Asked on 10 February 2012

Question

My daughter is 16 years old and was born with no bridge to her nose. In fact it was so flat I had to have humiliating tests for Syphilis as apparently that is the cause of flat noses in babies.

The test was negative thankfully, but it did not stop my daughter being bullied and laughed at her nose at school. She is very unhappy and depressed about her nose and has taken to not looking in mirrors at herself.

As she is only 16 I was wondering if it would be too early to have a consultation to discuss the possibility of rhinoplasty.

I would also like to find out what can be done for the dark circles under my eyes?

Answer

I would be happy to see you and your daughter in consultation, but I'm afraid I would typically carry out the surgery after the age of 18.

It would usually involve using rib cartilage graft to create the framework for the bridge and possibly tip of the nose.

In the meantime, it is also possible to use injectable fillers to create the impression of a slightly raised nasal bridge, as a temporary measure.

Mr Lucian Ion FRCS(Plast)
129 Harley Street
London
W1G 6BA