Illegal Nasal Injection Removal – Corrective Rhinoplasty Case Review

[Nose Lab Clinic]

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

Today, I’m sharing a special case of a patient who suffered severe complications from an illegal “backroom injection,” commonly referred to as a "Yamae injection" in Korea. This patient underwent a legitimate silicone implant surgery 20 years ago but received an unlicensed nasal filler injection in a public bathhouse three years later—leading to years of pain, infection, and nasal deformity.

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

📍 Surgical History

• 20 years ago: L-shaped silicone implant

• 17 years ago: Illegal nasal injection (Yamae) administered in a bathhouse

🔎 Initial Presentation

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

1. Frontal View

• Flattened and twisted nasal tip

• Severely upturned nose

• Shortened nasal length

• Nostril asymmetry

2. Side Profile

• Excessively high radix (start point)

• Unnatural nasal contour

• Upturned nasal tip

• Protruding upper lip appearance

3. Nostrils

• Marked asymmetry

• Collapsed upper columella

✨ Patient’s Goals

• Correct the upturned nasal tip

• Raise and stabilize the nasal tip

• Achieve balanced nostrils and a more natural look

💉 Surgical Procedure

1. Foreign Substance Removal

• During dissection, purulent foreign material was discovered

Purulent Foreign Material Observed at the Nasal Tip

• Bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing were performed

• Complete removal of illegal filler and surrounding inflamed tissue

Foreign Material Removal Video

These are photos of the removed foreign material.

2. Structural Reconstruction

• Scar-contracted skin and tissue were gently expanded

• Autologous rib cartilage was used to reconstruct and support the nasal tip

• Secure and symmetrical correction of the upturned tip

This is a photo of the nasal bridge depression after the removal of the foreign material.

3. Aesthetic Refinement

• Silicone implant used for dorsal line shaping

• Re-established a harmonious dorsal profile

• Tip height was adjusted to achieve balance

• Corrected nostril asymmetry

• Columella depression filled and lifted

✅ Surgical Outcome

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

1. Frontal View

• Corrected nasal tip shape

• Improved nostril symmetry

• Stable, natural nasal contour

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

2. Side Profile

• Harmonized radix height

• Stabilized nasal tip position

• Improved nasolabial angle and softened protruding lip appearance

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

3. Nostrils

• Balanced nostril shape and size

• Repaired columellar depression

• Achieved a more refined and cohesive look

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

👨‍⚕️ Expert Commentary

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

Immediately After Surgery: Nostril View Photos

This case highlights the dangers of unlicensed, non-medical procedures. The patient experienced chronic infection and foreign body reaction due to a “Yamae” injection, an illegal filler administered without medical oversight. During surgery, unexpected purulent material was found in the nasal tip, which required immediate removal and lab analysis.

Extensive fibrosis and skin contraction made the procedure especially complex. We gently released the contracted tissues and used autologous rib cartilage to reconstruct the nasal tip, providing both structural support and aesthetic refinement. A silicone implant was used in the dorsum to create a soft yet defined nasal bridge.

This case is a reminder of the long-term consequences that unregulated procedures can cause. Always seek medical care from qualified professionals in certified clinics. If you have questions about your nose or past treatments, feel free to reach out to us at Nose Lab Clinic.

This has been Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.

Thank you.