[Nose Lab Clinic]
Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.
Today, I will introduce a case where a patient underwent rib cartilage reconstruction to correct a bulbous nose and wide nasal tip. This patient had previous surgeries, which had weakened their nasal structure, requiring a meticulous approach to both aesthetic refinement and structural stability.
Design Consultation: Frontal View, Left Side View, and Oblique Side View Photos
1. Patient History & Initial Examination
a. Past Surgical History
✔ 4 years ago: Septal cartilage + ear cartilage + silicone + alar base reduction
b. Preoperative Observations
Frontal View
✔ Wide nasal bridge & nasal tip
✔ Asymmetrical nostrils
✔ Bulbous nasal tip
✔ Mild nasal deviation
Side View
✔ Drooping nasal tip
✔ Blunt nasal tip contour
✔ Prominent mouth projection (mild maxillary protrusion)
Nostril Analysis
✔ Nostril asymmetry
✔ Overly wide nasal tip shape
Design Consultation: Right Side View, Oblique Side View, and Nostril View Photos
2. Surgical Plan – Combining Aesthetic & Structural Reconstruction
✅ Step 1: Structural Reinforcement
🔹 Reinsertion of previously harvested septal cartilage to restore lost nasal support
🔹 Rib cartilage (autologous costal cartilage) graft for septal extension
🔹 Lateral osteotomy to refine the wide nasal bridge
✅ Step 2: Aesthetic Refinement
🔹 Reduction of bulbous nasal tip using precise cartilage reshaping
🔹 Nasal tip projection and rotation adjustments
🔹 Alar base refinement to balance nostril asymmetry
✅ Step 3: Functional Corrections
🔹 Columella and nasolabial angle adjustment to soften mouth projection
🔹 Straightening of nasal deviation
3. Surgical Execution & Key Adjustments
a. Restoring Nasal Structure
✔ Repositioned the patient’s original septal cartilage (from previous surgeries) to its natural location
✔ Reconstructed the weakened nasal septum using rib cartilage for long-term stability
b. Refining Nasal Shape
✔ Nasal tip reshaping with precise cartilage suturing
✔ Balancing nasal tip height and projection for a natural, refined look
c. Enhancing Proportions
✔ Alar base asymmetry correction for better nostril balance
✔ Reducing the width of the nasal bridge through lateral osteotomy
4. Post-Surgical Results
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
a. Frontal View
✔ Slimmer, well-defined nasal bridge
✔ Balanced nostrils with improved symmetry
✔ Eliminated bulbous nasal tip appearance
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
b. Side View
✔ Lifted nasal tip, eliminating droopiness
✔ Harmonized nasolabial angle for a balanced profile
✔ Softened mouth projection, improving facial proportion
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
c. Three-Quarter View
✔ Smoother nasal contour with enhanced tip projection
✔ More defined nasal tip without being overly sharp
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
5. Expert Insights – Why This Case Required Precision
🔸 Challenges & Considerations
1️⃣ Previous nasal surgeries had weakened the nasal structure, requiring reconstruction rather than simple cosmetic adjustments.
2️⃣ Using only autologous materials (rib cartilage & repositioned septal cartilage) ensures long-term stability and prevents future complications.
3️⃣ Balancing function and aesthetics – The procedure had to refine the nose’s shape without compromising breathing ability.
🔹 Key Takeaways
✅ Restoring nasal structure is just as important as refining aesthetics.
✅ A bulbous nasal tip can be corrected naturally with precise cartilage reshaping.
✅ Using rib cartilage provides stability and longevity, particularly in revision cases.
6. Final Thoughts – A Natural & Lasting Correction
Immediately After Surgery: Frontal, Side, and Oblique Side View Photos
Immediately After Surgery: Nostril View Photos
This case highlights how proper structural support and refined contouring can create a natural yet elegant nasal shape. The patient achieved:
🔹 A slimmer, more balanced nasal bridge and tip
🔹 Improved nostril symmetry and a well-proportioned columella
🔹 A structurally stable, long-term result
At Nose Lab Clinic, we specialize in personalized surgical approaches, ensuring that each patient achieves both functional improvement and aesthetic enhancement.
Dr. Cha-Young Kang
Director, Nose Lab Clinic
Thank you.
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