Correcting a Prominent Dorsal Hump with Autologous Rib Cartilage – Functional & Aesthetic Improvement

[Nose Lab Clinic]

Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.

Today, I’d like to share a case where autologous rib cartilage was used exclusively to correct a prominent dorsal hump and nasal obstruction. This patient sought a natural-looking outcome without synthetic implants, prioritizing both function and aesthetics.

Design Consultation: Frontal View, Left Side View, and Oblique Side View Photos

1. Initial Diagnosis & Patient Concerns

Design Consultation: Right Side View, Oblique Side View, and Nostril View Photos

a. Preoperative Findings

✔ Large nose with a prominent dorsal hump

✔ Overly long, drooping nasal tip

✔ Small nasolabial angle causing tip ptosis

✔ Right-sided septal deviation

✔ Inferior turbinate hypertrophy (causing nasal congestion)

Right Nasal Cavity, Left Nasal Cavity

b. Patient’s Surgical Goals

🔹 Achieve a natural-looking result using only autologous tissue

🔹 Correct the dorsal hump for a softer profile

🔹 Improve nasal breathing by addressing septal deviation

🔹 Refine nasal proportions while maintaining a balanced appearance

2. Surgical Plan & Procedure

a. Functional Improvements

✔ Septal reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage

✔ Correction of the deviated septum

✔ Submucosal resection of hypertrophic inferior turbinates using radiofrequency

b. Structural Adjustments

✔ Dorsal hump reduction – carefully sculpted to achieve a smooth contour

✔ Lateral osteotomy – narrowing and aligning the nasal bones for symmetry

✔ Nasal bridge augmentation using rib cartilage – to refine the nasal dorsum without synthetic implants

c. Aesthetic Refinement

✔ Nasolabial angle correction – elevating the nasal tip for a balanced profile

✔ Proportionate reduction of nasal length

✔ Harmonizing the overall nasal structure with the patient’s facial features

3. Postoperative Results

a. Functional Improvements

✔ Significant relief from nasal obstruction

✔ Restored structural stability with septal reconstruction

✔ Improved airflow due to increased nasal passage space

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

b. Aesthetic Enhancements

✔ Smoother, more refined nasal bridge

✔ Well-balanced nasal proportions

✔ Improved tip projection and natural-looking refinement

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

4. Expert Insights – Challenges & Considerations

🔸 Key Surgical Challenges

1️⃣ Severe septal deviation required extensive correction using rib cartilage for structural support.

2️⃣ Maintaining a natural dorsal profile – Dorsal hump reduction was carefully executed to avoid an over-reduced or scooped appearance.

3️⃣ Avoiding nasal lengthening – By adjusting the nasolabial angle and preserving nasal support, we prevented the nose from looking excessively long.

🔹 Key Takeaways

✅ Autologous rib cartilage provides stable, long-term results for structural and aesthetic enhancements.

✅ Balancing functional correction and aesthetics is essential to achieving a natural-looking yet well-supported nose.

✅ Harmonizing the nasal tip and bridge ensures a proportionate, elegant result.

5. Conclusion – A Balanced & Functional Outcome

Immediately After Surgery: Frontal, Side, and Oblique Side View Photos

Immediately After Surgery: Nostril View Photos

Through precise structural reinforcement and artistic refinement, this patient achieved:

🔹 A naturally straight and proportional nose

🔹 A smooth dorsal bridge without excessive height

🔹 Significantly improved breathing function

At Nose Lab Clinic, we specialize in tailored, patient-specific rhinoplasty techniques, ensuring that both function and beauty are optimized.

Dr. Cha-Young Kang

Director, Nose Lab Clinic

Thank you.

https://blog.naver.com/cykang/223761361451