[Nose Lab Clinic]
Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.
As the end of the year approaches, many patients visit us for consultations and surgeries. Amid the busy season, I strive to document and share meaningful surgical cases that could guide others. Today, I’ll discuss a case involving a patient who underwent fat grafting and thread lifting but was dissatisfied with the results. This story highlights the limitations of thread lifting and effective solutions.
1. Surgical and Procedural History
December 2022: Fat grafting and thread lifting (both dissolvable and non-dissolvable threads).
Design Consultation: Frontal View, Left Oblique Side View, and Side View Photos
2. Patient Goals
Achieving a larger and higher nose.
Narrowing the intercanthal distance for enhanced facial harmony.
Smooth and clean straight nasal line.
A naturally elevated nose without a "lifted" appearance.
Subtle, natural results that do not look artificial.
Design Consultation: Right Side View, Oblique Side View, and Nostril View Photos
3. Medical Assessment
Endoscopic Findings
Left septal deviation.
Bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy.
Septal deviation with obstruction.
Hypertrophic rhinitis causing chronic nasal symptoms.
Nasal Endoscopy Photos 1.Right Side 2.Left Side
4. Surgical Plan
a. Functional Improvements
Septoplasty: Correcting septal deviation to improve airflow.
Radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction: Reducing turbinate size to alleviate obstruction.
b. Removal of Foreign Material
Complete removal of residual non-dissolvable threads.
Removal of excess grafted fat on the nasal dorsum.
Photos of Removed Non-Absorbable Sutures
c. Structural and Aesthetic Refinements
Using autologous rib cartilage for stable structural support.
Precise adjustments to create a clean and natural straight nasal line.
Proportionate augmentation to achieve the desired height and size.
5. Surgical Results
a. Frontal View
The previously wide and deviated nose now appears balanced and symmetrical.
Natural nasal height that integrates seamlessly with the patient’s facial proportions.
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
b. Oblique View
Improved nasal length adds harmony to the overall facial profile.
A smooth, even nasal dorsum eliminates previous irregularities.
A naturally elevated nasal starting point enhances facial contours.
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
c. Side View
A refined straight nasal line from the radix to the tip.
Corrected nasolabial angle with the repositioned columella.
Enhanced nasal projection with a natural, non-lifted appearance.
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
d. Nostril View
Asymmetrical nostrils now appear even and proportionate.
A straighter columella improves symmetry and balance.
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
e. Functional Improvements
Resolved nasal obstruction and improved breathing.
Reduced rhinitis symptoms.
f. Holistic Changes
Narrower and more harmonious intercanthal distance.
An elegant yet natural appearance without an overtly "surgical" look.
Stabilized nasal tip that blends naturally with the overall facial structure.
6. Expert Insights
Immediately After Surgery: Frontal, Oblique Side, and Side View Photos
Immediately After Surgery: Nostril View Photos
This case exemplifies how a carefully tailored surgical approach can address both aesthetic dissatisfaction and functional concerns. Removing foreign materials, such as non-dissolvable threads, and reconstructing the nose using autologous cartilage ensures long-term stability and natural results.
Key Highlights from the Case:
Seamless Integration: The refined nasal line aligns harmoniously with the patient’s facial proportions.
Functional Restoration: Addressing septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy provided significant relief from nasal obstruction and rhinitis.
Natural Aesthetics: The patient achieved the desired enhancements without appearing "overdone," meeting their expectations for subtle elegance.
At Nose Lab Clinic, we emphasize the importance of individualized solutions that cater to each patient’s unique needs and aspirations. We remain committed to delivering safe and satisfying outcomes for all our patients.
Thank you for reading!
This has been Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.
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