Correction of Nasal Obstruction After Augmentation | Closed Rhinoplasty Korea

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

Today, I’d like to share a complex reconstructive case involving a patient who experienced severe nasal obstruction due to a protruding alloplastic implant following an earlier augmentation rhinoplasty ("gwjok" surgery). This condition significantly affected both breathing and aesthetics.

At Nose Lab Clinic, we specialize in closed rhinoplasty in Korea to correct complex nasal issues, including nasal obstruction correction caused by alloplastic implant protrusion. Unlike open rhinoplasty, the closed rhinoplasty technique offers the benefit of no external scarring, faster recovery, and stable functional and aesthetic outcomes.

## Correction of Nasal Obstruction | Closed Rhinoplasty Korea

📍 Surgical History

Preoperative design consultation photos: Frontal view, left oblique side view, and left side view.

• 2010: Primary rhinoplasty including nasal base reduction and augmentation rhinoplasty

• 2012: Septal reconstruction + silicone implant + donor rib cartilage (DR)

• 2013: Nasal valve repair + triple functional procedures

Preoperative design consultation photos: Right side view, right oblique side view, and nostril view.

🔎 Initial Assessment

Nasal Endoscopy Photos

Severe Functional Issues

• Right-sided nasal implant had migrated into the nasal cavity, blocking approximately two-thirds of the airway

• Complete obstruction of the right nasal passage

• Ongoing allergic rhinitis symptoms

Structural Damage

• Severely compromised septum

• Columella collapse

• Significant bilateral alar cartilage damage

• Pinched nasal alae appearance

Aesthetic Concerns

• Deviated nasal axis

• Drooping nasal tip

✨ Patient Goals

• Correct deviated nose

• Elevate drooping nasal tip

• Resolve intranasal obstruction and improve breathing

💉 Surgical Strategy

Functional Restoration

• Removed the obstructive implant from the nasal cavity

• Removed remaining augmentation (gwijok) implants to prevent future issues

Structural Reconstruction

• Rebuilt the septum using autologous rib cartilage

• Reconstructed both alar cartilages with rib cartilage to correct the pinched appearance

• Restored collapsed columella

Aesthetic Refinement

• Straightened the deviated nasal bridge

• Elevated the nasal tip

• Corrected the nasolabial angle

• Improved alar shape for a natural contour

Functional Enhancement

• Septoplasty and submucosal resection of inferior turbinates using radiofrequency to improve nasal airflow and relieve rhinitis symptoms

✅ Surgical Outcomes

Preoperative Video / Immediate Postoperative Video

Functional Recovery

• Obstruction in right nasal passage resolved

• Bilateral nasal breathing normalized

• Rhinitis symptoms significantly reduced

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Frontal View

• Straightened nasal axis

• Naturally restored alar shape

• Corrected pinched appearance

• Balanced nasal contour

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Profile View

• Enhanced nasal tip projection

• Restored columella support

• Corrected nasolabial angle

• Harmonious side profile

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Structural Stability

• Strongly reconstructed septum

• Durable alar support with autologous grafts

• Long-term stability ensured

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

👨‍⚕️ Specialist Commentary

Immediately after surgery: Frontal view, side view, and oblique side view photos.

Immediately after surgery: Nostril view photos.

This case was particularly challenging due to a rare complication: migration of a prior augmentation rhinoplasty implant into the nasal cavity. This resulted in almost complete obstruction of the right nasal airway, causing significant discomfort and respiratory distress.

Over time, changes in soft tissue and weakened implant fixation likely contributed to the migration. Simultaneously, multiple prior surgeries had caused severe structural damage, including a weakened septum, damaged alar cartilages, and columella collapse.

The first priority was functional restoration. We carefully removed the dislocated implant and additional augmentation implants to prevent future displacement. Structural reconstruction was then performed using autologous rib cartilage to rebuild the septum and both alar cartilages, restoring support and symmetry.

The drooping tip was lifted, the deviated bridge realigned, and the collapsed columella reconstructed. These corrections were carried out in conjunction with functional nasal surgeries to enhance breathing and reduce rhinitis symptoms.

By combining detailed structural repair with functional and aesthetic refinement, this case demonstrates how complex complications from prior surgeries can be effectively corrected using autologous grafts. The outcome is not only a more harmonious nasal appearance but also restored breathing and long-term anatomical stability.

Thank you,

Dr. Cha-Young Kang

Director, Nose Lab Clinic