[Nose Lab Clinic]
Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang from Nose Lab Clinic.
Today, I’d like to share the case of a patient who underwent removal of a previous cat implant while achieving a natural yet refined nasal line. The goal was to correct nasal asymmetry, smooth out irregularities, and create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing nose shape.
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’s Surgical History
13 years ago: Nose filler injections
10 years ago: Silicone + Ear cartilage graft
Shortly after: Revision surgery due to bridge-tip imbalance
2024: One session of fat reduction injection for the nose
3–4 years ago: Forehead filler treatment
2. Initial Observations
a. Frontal View
Severe nasal deviation
Overly high starting point of the nasal bridge, creating a strong, harsh appearance
Thin nasal skin causing uneven surface texture
Unharmonious and unnatural facial balance
b. Side Profile
Excessively high nasal bridge start
Elongated nose appearance
Irregular nasal surface due to prior implant & cartilage graft
c. Nostril & Columella
Nostril asymmetry
Noticeable leftward deviation of the columella
Overall imbalance of nasal structures
3. Patient’s Requests
A natural yet elegant nasal line
A soft, slightly upturned tip for a youthful, delicate look
Correction of surface irregularities
Straightening of the crooked nose
4. Surgical Approach
a. Implant & Foreign Material Removal
Complete removal of foreign materials in the glabella area
Lowering the excessively high nasal bridge start for a softer appearance
Safe removal of the previous cat implant
Extraction of excessive ear cartilage graft from the right nasal bridge, which caused uneven skin thickness
Dermal grafting to even out the skin thickness
Photos of Removed Cat Implant and Silicone Implant
b. Structural Reconstruction
Lateral osteotomy to straighten the deviated nasal bridge
Septal extension using autologous rib cartilage for a more stable nasal structure
Alar cartilage repositioning to refine the nasal tip
Cartilage suturing to enhance tip definition and balance
c. Functional Improvement
Nasal Endoscopy Photos
Septoplasty for deviated septum correction
Radiofrequency turbinate reduction to relieve nasal congestion
Overall enhancement of breathing function and nasal airflow
5. Surgical Outcomes
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
a. Frontal View
Straightened nasal alignment
Lowered nasal bridge start for a softer facial expression
Smoother skin surface, eliminating previous bumpiness
Harmonious facial proportions
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
b. Side Profile
Optimized nasal tip height for better projection
Balanced nasal bridge start, reducing the strong, harsh look
Improved nasal proportion, making the nose appear less elongated
A refined and feminine nasal contour with a subtle curve
Restored nasolabial angle for better facial harmony
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
c. Nostril & Columella
Improved nostril symmetry
Correction of columella deviation
Well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing nasal tip shape
Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)
6. Expert Insights
Immediately After Surgery: Frontal, Side, and Oblique Side View Photos
Immediately After Surgery: Nostril View Photos
This case involved multiple complexities, including the presence of unexpected foreign materials from previous surgeries. The ear cartilage graft on the right nasal bridge was irregularly distributed, leading to uneven skin thickness and surface irregularities.
To address this, we removed all excessive cartilage and replaced it with dermal grafts for a more even and natural appearance. Additionally, septal extension with autologous rib cartilage helped stabilize the nasal structure, while alar cartilage repositioning enhanced the tip’s projection and shape.
Patients undergoing cat implant removal often worry about changes in their facial appearance. In this case, we ensured that lowering the nasal bridge start and refining the tip shape created a balanced, natural yet refined outcome.
Post-surgery, temporary swelling or slight irregularities may occur, but as healing progresses, the dermal graft will integrate smoothly, leading to a naturally enhanced nasal appearance.
This is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Chief Surgeon at Nose Lab Clinic.
Thank you.
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