Rediscovering Hope with Autologous Rib Cartilage Reconstruction After 7 Revisions and Infections

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Rediscovering Hope with Autologous Rib Cartilage Reconstruction After 7 Revisions and Infections

Hello, I’m Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of NoseLab Clinic.

This case illustrates how a patient, after seven rhinoplasty attempts and repeated infections over five years, finally regained stability and natural form through autologous rib cartilage reconstruction.

Patient History – Multiple Revisions and Infections

Preoperative design consultation photos for autologous rib cartilage reconstruction – frontal, left oblique side, and left side views of female patient — Preoperative design consultation photos: Frontal view, left oblique side view, and left side view.

Timeline of Surgeries & Complications:

Sept 2020: Initial rhinoplasty with ear cartilage + silicone → unsatisfactory result
Apr 2021: Revision at same hospital → complications began: swelling, implant issues, nostril flare, tip elevation
Jan 2024: Reconstruction with rib cartilage + silicone at another hospital
Mar 2024: Infection treatment with irrigation and antibiotics
Feb 7, 2025: Complete removal of silicone due to persistent infection

Preoperative design consultation photos for autologous rib cartilage reconstruction – right side, right oblique side, and nostril views of female patient — Preoperative design consultation photos: Right side view, right oblique side view, and nostril view.

At First Visit to NoseLab Clinic:

Active inflammation despite implant removal
Tip collapse and severe structural distortion
Right nostril pinched upward with perforation and discharge
Septal cartilage nearly destroyed, alar cartilage heavily damaged

Stepwise Surgical Strategy with Autologous Rib Cartilage Reconstruction

Step 1: Infection Control & Stabilization

Removed infected tissue and fragments
Extensive irrigation with antibiotics
Temporary tip correction to prevent further collapse
Supportive antibiotics and stem cell therapy for healing

Step 2: Structural Reconstruction

Rebuilt missing septum and alar framework using autologous rib cartilage
Corrected nostril asymmetry and restored stability
Prioritized safe rebuilding over aggressive cosmetic change

Outcomes – Functional, Aesthetic, and Structural Recovery

Before surgery (left) and immediately after autologous rib cartilage reconstruction (right) – frontal comparison of female patient — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Aesthetic:

Tip collapse corrected
Natural nasal appearance restored
Balanced facial proportions achieved

Before surgery (left) and immediately after autologous rib cartilage reconstruction (right) – side view comparison of female patient — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Functional:

Breathing improved significantly
Pinching sensation resolved
Symmetry between nostrils enhanced

Before surgery (left) and immediately after autologous rib cartilage reconstruction (right) – nostril/base view comparison of female patient — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Structural

Long-term stability secured with rib cartilage
Strong framework resistant to external pressure

Lessons from Revision Rhinoplasty and Infection Cases

Risks of Repeated Revisions: Scar tissue, depleted cartilage, higher infection risk—especially with silicone implants.
Infection Management: Complete implant removal and thorough irrigation are essential before reconstruction.
Phased Approach: Infection must be resolved first; staged reconstruction ensures safety and long-term results.

Final Thoughts

Immediately after autologous rib cartilage reconstruction – frontal, side, and oblique side view photos of female patient — Immediately after surgery: Frontal view, side view, and oblique side view photos.

Immediately after autologous rib cartilage reconstruction – nostril/base view of female patient — Immediately after surgery: Nostril view photos.

Despite severe infection and multiple failed surgeries, this patient regained hope and stability through autologous rib cartilage reconstruction. By prioritizing safety, then function, we were able to achieve meaningful aesthetic restoration.

If you’re struggling with complications or considering revision rhinoplasty, know that recovery is possible with systematic planning and experienced surgical care.

— Dr. Cha-Young Kang, NoseLab Clinic