Case Study: Bulbous Nose Correction and Wide Nasal Bridge – Functional and Aesthetic Rhinoplasty in Korea

Bulbous nose correction is a rhinoplasty procedure that refines a wide, rounded nasal tip by reshaping cartilage and soft tissue, often combined with functional surgery to improve breathing.

This case study from Nose Lab Clinic in Korea shows how closed rhinoplasty corrected a bulbous nose and wide nasal bridge while resolving septal deviation and nasal obstruction.

Author: Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director, Nose Lab Clinic

Published: November 23, 2024

Last Updated: September 26, 2025

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

In this case study, I will share a rhinoplasty case involving a patient who was concerned about a wide, bulbous nose and functional breathing problems.

The treatment goal was to achieve natural aesthetic refinement while simultaneously improving nasal function through a comprehensive surgical plan.

Key Concerns Before Bulbous Nose Correction

Before surgery, the patient presented with a wide, bulbous nasal tip, nasal obstruction, and a protruding upper lip contributing to a convex facial profile.

• Wide, bulbous nasal tip

• Nasal obstruction

• Protruding upper lip (convex profile)

Design consultation photos – frontal, right oblique, and side views BEFORE surgery

Preoperative Analysis

Front View

The frontal view revealed a wide nasal tip with poor definition between the tip and alar cartilage, along with mild nasal deviation.

• Wide nasal tip

• Undefined tip–alar boundary

• Slight deviation

Preoperative frontal view image

Side View

The side profile showed a low nasal bridge, a subtle dorsal hump, and a protruding upper lip affecting overall facial balance.

• Low nasal bridge

• Subtle dorsal hump

• Convex profile

Preoperative side view image

Nasal Base View

The nasal base view demonstrated asymmetrical nostrils, flattened columella, and a widely spread nasal tip.

• Nostril asymmetry

• Flattened columella

• Wide nasal base

Preoperative nasal base view image

Functional Assessment

Functional evaluation confirmed left-sided septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy, explaining the patient’s chronic nasal obstruction.

• Septal deviation (left side)

• Inferior turbinate hypertrophy

• Reduced nasal airflow

Preoperative endoscopic view images

Surgical Plan for Bulbous Nose Correction

This surgical plan focused on reducing nasal tip bulk, narrowing the nasal bridge, and correcting airway obstruction using a closed rhinoplasty approach.

Functional Corrections

• Septoplasty to correct septal deviation

• Radiofrequency turbinate reduction to improve airflow

Structural Realignment

• Lateral osteotomy to narrow the nasal bridge

• Silicone implant augmentation for smooth dorsal height

• Septal extension using autologous rib cartilage for stability and length

Tip Refinement for Bulbous Nose Correction

Bulbous nose correction was achieved by reducing excess soft tissue and reshaping alar cartilage to create a slimmer, more defined nasal tip.

• Partial removal of excess soft tissue

• Repositioning and suturing of alar cartilage

• Columella augmentation using rib cartilage grafts

Results After Bulbous Nose Correction

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right) – Frontal view

Front View Results

After surgery, the nasal tip appeared narrower and more defined, with improved symmetry and a straighter nasal bridge.

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right) – Side view

Side View Results

The side profile showed enhanced dorsal height, smoother contours, and a more balanced nasolabial angle.

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right) – Side view

Nasal Base View Results

The nasal base view demonstrated balanced nostrils, subtle columella projection, and stable tip support.

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right) – Nasal base view

Overall Outcomes

This case achieved both aesthetic refinement and functional improvement, resulting in improved breathing and enhanced facial harmony.

• Improved nasal airflow

• Balanced facial proportions

• Increased patient confidence

Final Thoughts on Bulbous Nose Correction

Immediately After Surgery: Frontal, Oblique Side, and Side Views

Immediately After Surgery: Nostril Photos

Rhinoplasty is not only about reshaping the nose, but about restoring harmony between nasal function and overall facial aesthetics.

This case demonstrates how combining functional correction with bulbous nose correction and bridge refinement can produce natural, patient-specific results.

Key Takeaways

• Functional correction is as important as cosmetic improvement

• Tip refinement and bridge sculpting significantly affect facial balance

• A customized surgical plan ensures natural outcomes

All surgeries at Nose Lab Clinic are performed using the closed rhinoplasty technique.

Q. What is bulbous nose correction?

A. Bulbous nose correction is a rhinoplasty technique that reshapes thick nasal tip cartilage and soft tissue to create a slimmer, more defined nasal tip.

Q. Can bulbous nose correction improve breathing?

A. Yes. When combined with septoplasty or turbinate reduction, bulbous nose correction can significantly improve nasal airflow.

Q. Is closed rhinoplasty effective for bulbous noses?

A. Yes. Closed rhinoplasty allows precise cartilage reshaping without external scars and is effective for many bulbous nose cases.

Additional Information

🎥 This patient’s real story is available on our YouTube channel (2 parts):

• Part 1: Preoperative analysis and surgical planning

• Part 2: Surgery process and postoperative results

Contact

Messenger(WhatsApp) : +82 1057360302

Home page : www.noselab.co.kr

Instagram : noselab_global

YouTube : Noselab

Email : noselab@naver.com