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Hello, this is Dr. Cha‑Young Kang, Director of NOSELAB Clinic.


Today, I’d like to introduce a revision rhinoplasty case focused on collapsed columella correction and refinement of a bulbous nasal tip, using autologous rib cartilage for structural support.


🟦 Surgical History & Preoperative Analysis

Preoperative consultation photos showing collapsed columella and bulbous nasal tip – frontal, oblique, and side views.
Preoperative design consultation photos: Frontal view, left oblique side view, and left side view.
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Preoperative photos showing collapsed columella and bulbous nasal tip – right side view, right oblique side view, and nostril view
Preoperative design consultation photos: Right side view, right oblique side view, and nostril view.
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📍 Surgical History

  • 14 years ago: Hump reduction and tip cartilage suturing

  • 12 years ago: Osteotomy, septal cartilage harvest, and alar base reduction


🔎 Initial Assessment

Frontal View

  • Deviated nasal dorsum

  • Bulbous nasal tip

  • Collapsed columella

  • Asymmetric nostrils and alar base

Side View

  • Drooping nasal tip

  • Protruding upper lip

  • Sunken columella

Nostril View

  • Nostrils asymmetrical due to previous alar base reduction

  • Visible scarring on the columella


🟦 Patient's Goals for Collapsed Columella Correction

✨ Patient's Objectives

  • Restore collapsed columella structure

  • Refine overly bulbous tip

  • Achieve a natural, harmonious nose


🟦 Surgical Approach Using Rib Cartilage

💉 Structural Reconstruction

  • Septal extension graft with autologous rib cartilage

  • Columella reconstruction to restore projection

  • Tip reshaping using grafting and repositioning

  • Osteotomy to correct dorsal deviation

Aesthetic Refinement

  • Improved columella projection

  • Refined tip shape

  • Enhanced nasolabial angle

  • Straighter nasal profile


✅ Surgical Outcome – Collapsed Columella Correction Results

Frontal comparison before surgery and immediately after autologous rib cartilage reconstruction – collapsed columella and bulbous nasal tip corrected
Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)
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Frontal View

  • Natural nasal refinement

  • Symmetry restoration of nostrils

  • Straighter nasal dorsum

Side view comparison before and immediately after autologous rib cartilage reconstruction – improved columella projection and refined nasal tip
Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)
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Side View

  • Better columella support and projection

  • Balanced lip-to-nose ratio

  • Lifted and defined tip

Oblique side view before and immediately after autologous rib cartilage reconstruction – enhanced nasal definition and columella support.
Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)
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Nostril View

  • Alar symmetry improved

  • Previous scars minimized and blended

Nostril view before and immediately after surgery – correction of asymmetry and reconstruction of collapsed columella using autologous rib cartilage.
Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)
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👨‍⚕️ Expert Commentary on Complex Collapsed Columella Correction

mmediately after surgery – frontal, side, and oblique side view showing refined nasal tip, corrected columella collapse, and improved nasal profile after autologous rib cartilage reconstruction.
Immediately after surgery: Frontal view, side view, and oblique side view photos.
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Immediately after surgery – nostril view showing corrected asymmetry and reconstructed columella using autologous rib cartilage.
Immediately after surgery: Nostril view photos.
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This case required the correction of a collapsed columella and a bulbous tip that were worsened by two previous surgeries.


Our strategy focused on:

  • Rebuilding the internal nasal structure using autologous rib cartilage

  • Creating a defined but natural tip

  • Stabilizing the columella and enhancing nasal aesthetics


Through this approach, we achieved both functional improvement and aesthetically pleasing results.


Thank you for reading.This has been Dr. Cha‑Young Kang from NOSELAB Clinic.

Postoperative precautions and possible complications – information includes risks such as infection, bleeding, asymmetry, and allergic reactions after rhinoplasty.
Postoperative precautions and possible complications
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