The nose is an extension in the center of the face that serves as the organ of smell. It also serves as the entrance to the nasal cavities that warms, moistens and filters air as it passes through to the respiratory tract. The nose is made up of bone and cartilage, covered with skin, and has a mucous membrane lining. Loss of a part of the nose may cause a disruption in its function, and an obvious facial deformity.

Trauma such as gunshot wounds and facial burns, infection, and removal of a lesion could cause loss of part of the nose, or scar formation.

Characteristically, this condition may include: facial deformities, difficulty in breathing through the nasal passages, repeated infections introduced through the nostrils, reduced sense of smell, continuous drainage from the sinuses, and nasal bleeding.

Visual inspection, x-ray of the head and facial areas, culture of open, draining wounds, and enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan will be utilized.

Following treatment for the conditions causing the loss, additional therapy is directed toward reconstruction and rehabilitation. Reconstructive surgery to restore bone and soft tissues may be involved.

Facial deformity and body image disturbances will require counseling. Recurrent nasal or respiratory infections may require antibiotic therapy.

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