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Unexpected Medpor and Foreign Material Removal – Rib Cartilage Reconstruction Case

noselab

[Nose Lab Clinic]


Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Chief Surgeon at Nose Lab Clinic.


Today, I am sharing a unique revision case where a patient, who believed they had only undergone nostril reduction surgery, unexpectedly had Medpor and other foreign materials discovered during surgery. This case underscores the importance of thorough evaluation and surgical expertise in dealing with unknown prior procedures.

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. Surgical History


  • Repeated filler injections to enhance nasal shape

  • Nostril reduction surgery (patient was unaware of any additional procedures)


2. Unexpected Findings During Surgery


  • Severe scar adhesion within the nasal structure

  • Undisclosed Medpor implant used for septal extension

  • Unabsorbed foreign material in the glabella (between the eyebrows)

  • Nylon sutures securing the nasal tip cartilage

Photos of Removed Medpor, Nylon Sutures, and Foreign Materials


3. Surgical Plan and Execution


a. Foreign Material Removal

  • Complete removal of Medpor implant

  • Extraction of non-absorbable material from the glabella

  • Removal of nylon sutures

  • Thorough cleaning of residual foreign materials


b. Structural Reconstruction

  • Rib cartilage graft for septal extension

  • Lateral osteotomy to correct widened nasal bones

  • Refinement of the nasal bridge and tip for a more natural contour


c. Overall Refinement

  • Reinforcement of structural stability

  • Harmonization of nasal proportions

  • Smooth, natural transition along the nasal bridge


4. Surgical Outcomes

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)


a. Frontal View

  • Reduced excessive nostril exposure

  • Correction of nasal width and flaring

  • Slimmer, more refined nasal bridge

  • Enhanced symmetry

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)


b. Side Profile

  • Balanced nasal projection

  • Improved nasolabial angle for a softer, natural look

  • Smoothened dorsal contour (eliminating irregularities)

  • Achieved a "natural straight-to-slight curve" profile

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)


c. Nostril & Tip Refinement

  • More natural nostril shape

  • Improved nostril symmetry

  • Balanced overall structure

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)


5. Expert Insights

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











Immediately After Surgery: Nostril View Photos


This case was particularly challenging due to the unexpected presence of Medpor and multiple foreign materials, which had contributed to scar adhesions and an unnatural nasal structure. Despite the complexity, we were able to:


  • Safely remove all foreign materials

  • Reconstruct the nose with rib cartilage for long-term stability

  • Refine the nasal shape for both aesthetic and functional improvement


This case highlights the importance of precise surgical planning when previous procedures are unknown. The patient was unaware of the Medpor implant and foreign materials, demonstrating why detailed surgical evaluation is crucial before revision rhinoplasty.


This is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Chief Surgeon at Nose Lab Clinic.

Thank you.



 
 
 

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