Closed Rhinoplasty Korea | Septal Cartilage Overharvest Correction

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

Today, I’m sharing a case of closed rhinoplasty in Korea involving the structural reconstruction of a nose with severe instability caused by septal cartilage overharvest. This patient underwent three previous rhinoplasty procedures over an 18-year span, ultimately leading to nasal collapse and aesthetic asymmetry. Through closed rhinoplasty Korea septal cartilage overharvest correction, we aimed to restore both structural stability and nasal aesthetics.

##Closed Rhinoplasty Korea | Septal Cartilage Overharvest Correction

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

📍 Surgical History

• 2012: Right zygomatic fracture surgery

• 18 years ago: First rhinoplasty with ear cartilage + silicone → resulted in deviation to one side

• 10 years ago: Ear cartilage + silicone + septal cartilage → opposite deviation and cartilage show-through

• 2 years ago: Rib cartilage + silicone + ear cartilage revision

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

🔎 Initial Assessment

Functional Concerns

• Chronic rhinitis symptoms

Aesthetic and Structural Issues

• Shortened nasal tip

• Nostril asymmetry

• Deviated nasal bridge

• Drooping columella and unfavorable nasolabial angle

Intraoperative Findings

• Excessive harvesting of septal cartilage, including bony support

• Resulting severe structural compromise of septal stability

• Tip shortening and nostril asymmetry as secondary complications

✨ Patient Goals

• Correct shortened nasal tip

• Treat rhinitis symptoms

• Improve nostril asymmetry

• Refine columella and nasolabial angle

💉 Surgical Approach

Septal Reconstruction

• Addressed severe septal cartilage deficit using autologous rib cartilage

• Rebuilt a strong, stable septal support structure

Structural Restoration

• Performed septal extension with rib cartilage

• Lengthened shortened nasal tip

• Corrected nasal deviation using lateral osteotomies

• Improved nostril symmetry

Aesthetic Refinement

• Lowered and aligned the columella

• Refined the nasolabial angle for a more elegant profile

Functional Enhancement

• Septoplasty combined with submucosal resection of inferior turbinates using radiofrequency

• Improved nasal airflow and reduced rhinitis symptoms

✅ Surgical Outcomes

Functional

• Marked relief of nasal congestion

• Improved overall breathing

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

Frontal View

• Realigned nasal bridge

• Corrected nostril asymmetry

• Stabilized nasal structure

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

Profile View

• Recovered nasal tip projection and length

• Naturally lowered columella

• Refined nasolabial angle

• Harmonized side profile

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

Structural Stability

• Secure reconstruction of the septum

• Improved long-term integrity and aesthetics of nasal framework

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 exemplifies the risks of aggressive septal cartilage harvesting. The septum is the central pillar supporting the nasal structure; when overharvested, especially into the bony septum, long-term collapse and deformity can occur. In this patient’s case, excessive removal led to compromised support, tip retraction, and worsening asymmetry.

By reinforcing the nasal septum using robust autologous rib cartilage, we were able to restore both support and alignment. The nasal tip was lengthened and stabilized, the nostrils were rebalanced, and the columella was elegantly reshaped to enhance the nasolabial transition.

Additionally, lateral osteotomies corrected the deviated nasal bones, and functional breathing issues were addressed via septoplasty and turbinate reduction. The comprehensive approach not only restored a more refined nasal form but also delivered sustainable functional improvements.

This case highlights the importance of preserving critical nasal support structures during surgery, and how thoughtful reconstruction using autologous grafts can yield stable, long-lasting, and aesthetically satisfying results—even after multiple prior surgeries.

Thank you,

Dr. Cha-Young Kang

Director, Nose Lab Clinic

Messenger(WhatsApp) : +82 1057360302

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