Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.
Today, I’d like to discuss the case of a patient who came to us with complications caused by foreign materials (threads and filler) in the nose, resulting in asymmetry and an unnatural appearance. This case illustrates the importance of safe and customized rhinoplasty.
Design Consultation: Frontal View, Left Side View, and Oblique Side View Photos
Design Consultation: Right Side View, Oblique Side View, and Nostril View Photos
1. Patient Goals and Surgical History
Patient Goals:
Smooth out any unnatural height on the nose bridge
Create a straight, balanced nasal line
Correct cartilage protrusion on the left side of the nasal septum
Improve overall nasal symmetry
Surgical History:
15 years ago: Ear cartilage graft, silicone implant, and nostril reduction
1 year ago, and again 1 month ago: Filler injected in the columella and threads in the nasal bridge
2. Pre-Surgical Analysis
Front View:
Noticeable nasal bridge deviation
Bulbous nasal tip with asymmetry
Side View:
High bridge starting point at the glabella
Drooping nasal tip with irregularities along the bridge
Nostril View:
Asymmetrical nostrils
Columella tilted to the left
Protruding cartilage within the left nostril
3. Surgical Plan
To address both aesthetic and structural issues, we devised the following approach:
Complete Removal of Foreign Materials: Clearing all threads and filler from the nasal interior.
Septal Extension with Donor Rib Cartilage: Rebuilding the septum using septal cartilage and donor rib cartilage.
Alar Cartilage Repositioning and Suturing: Adjusting the alar cartilage to support the tip and correct any asymmetry.
Left Nostril Reconstruction: Repairing anticipated damage to the left nostril and alar cartilage.
Implant Replacement: After removing residual material, we replaced it with a new, smaller silicone implant positioned to lower the starting point and smooth out the bridge.
Removal of Sutures in the Alar (Nasal Wing)
Removal of Sutures in the Columella
4. Post-Surgical Results
The results were successful in achieving the patient’s desired outcome:
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
Front View: Improved symmetry, with a straighter bridge and reduced bulbous tip.
Side View: Lowered bridge starting point, refined dorsal contour, and an elevated tip for a balanced look.
Nostril View: Reduced asymmetry with aligned columella and correction of the protruding cartilage within the left nostril.
Immediately After Surgery: Frontal, Oblique Side, and Side Views
Immediately After Surgery: Nostril View Photos
5.Final Thoughts
Overuse of foreign materials in the nose, particularly for augmentative purposes, can lead to complications such as:
Increased risk of infection
Greater chance of capsular contracture
Potential for cartilage damage during thread insertion
Altered nasal shape due to chronic inflammation
While fillers and threads can offer short-term solutions, repeated use may lead to significant issues. Customized rhinoplasty tailored to the individual’s unique nasal structure is ultimately the safest and most effective way to achieve lasting results.
At Nose Lab Clinic, patient safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. If you’re considering rhinoplasty, we encourage you to consult with a specialist to find the safest approach tailored to your needs.
Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions. We’re here to provide answers and support.
Thank you,
Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic
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