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Contracted Deviated Nose Revision Rhinoplasty with Rib Cartilage

  • Dr. Chayoung Kang
  • 2025년 4월 30일
  • 5분 분량

This case reviews contracted deviated nose revision rhinoplasty in a patient who had undergone four previous nasal surgeries and later developed an upturned nasal tip, nasal deviation, nostril asymmetry, and filler-related distortion. Surgery focused on residual filler removal, rib cartilage septal extension, nasal tip stabilization, nostril reshaping, dorsal realignment, and closed rhinoplasty reconstruction.


  • Author: Dr. Cha-Young Kang

  • Clinic: NoseLab Clinic

  • Published: 2025

  • Last Updated: 2026


Introduction

Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang of NoseLab Clinic.


This case involves contracted deviated nose revision rhinoplasty after four previous nasal surgeries. The patient presented with a retracted and upturned nasal tip, nasal asymmetry, deviated bridge, nostril asymmetry, and filler-related distortion along the nasal bridge.


The surgery was performed using a closed rhinoplasty / endonasal approach. The goal was to lower the upturned tip, correct nasal deviation, remove residual filler and foreign material, improve nostril symmetry, and rebuild nasal support using autologous rib cartilage.


Patient Background and Surgical History

The patient had a complex surgical history involving implant surgery, septoplasty, implant removal, dermal grafting, rib cartilage grafting, alar base reduction, additional tip revision, and filler injection.


Previous Surgical History

The surgical history included:

  • 6–7 years ago: Silicone implant and ear cartilage rhinoplasty

  • 5 years ago: Implant replacement and septoplasty

  • 4 years ago: Implant removal, autologous dermis grafting, rib cartilage grafting, and alar base reduction

  • 2 years ago: Nasal tip revision with rib cartilage

  • 1 year ago: Filler injection for a low nasal bridge


After these procedures, the nose showed contracture, deviation, asymmetry, and filler-related contour distortion. Because the patient had already undergone multiple operations, the tissue condition and scar formation had to be evaluated carefully.

Preoperative design consultation images showing frontal, left oblique, and left side views of a female patient before closed rhinoplasty.
Preoperative design consultation: frontal, left oblique, and left side views

Initial Observations Before Revision Surgery

Preoperative design consultation photos were reviewed from the frontal, side, oblique, and nostril views.


Frontal View

The frontal view showed a crooked nasal bridge, bulky dorsal contour, bulbous nasal tip, and alar base asymmetry. The left nostril appeared smaller, suggesting asymmetric contracture and lower nasal imbalance.


Side View

The side view showed a high radix, drooping and retracted nasal tip, and a small nasolabial angle. The nasal tip position appeared imbalanced in relation to the upper lip and nasal bridge.


Nasal Base View

The nasal base view showed nostril asymmetry, pinching, and contracture on the left side. These findings suggested lower nasal structural weakness and scar-related distortion.


These findings indicated that the revision plan needed to address both the nasal framework and the surrounding soft tissue condition.

Preoperative design consultation images showing right side view, right oblique view, and nostril view of a female patient before closed rhinoplasty.
Preoperative design consultation: right side, right oblique, and nostril views

Patient’s Goals

The patient’s main goals were to correct the deviated bridge, lower the upturned nasal tip, improve nasal symmetry, and restore nasal projection.


Main Surgical Goals

The main goals included:

  • Correction of the deviated nasal bridge

  • Lowering of the upturned and retracted nasal tip

  • Improvement of nostril symmetry

  • Correction of nasal base imbalance

  • Removal of residual filler and foreign material

  • Improved nasal projection

  • More balanced dorsal and tip contour


The patient also requested dorsal support using a silicone implant. In this case, implant use had to be planned carefully because previous surgeries and filler injection had altered the tissue condition.


Surgical Plan for Contracted Deviated Nose Revision Rhinoplasty

The surgical plan focused on structural correction, filler and foreign material management, nasal tip support, nostril reshaping, and dorsal contour refinement.


Septal Extension with Autologous Rib Cartilage

Autologous rib cartilage was used for septal extension to support and reposition the contracted nasal tip.


This step was important because the tip needed to be lowered and stabilized after repeated previous surgeries.


Alar Repositioning and Nostril Reshaping

Alar repositioning and nostril reshaping were performed to improve nostril asymmetry and correct the pinched, contracted lower nasal appearance.


The goal was to create better balance between the right and left nostrils while respecting the patient’s scar tissue condition.


Dorsal Realignment

The deviated nasal bridge was realigned to improve the overall nasal axis. This was planned together with nasal tip correction because deviation can involve both the upper and lower nasal structures.


Nasolabial Angle Correction

The nasolabial angle was adjusted by repositioning and stabilizing the nasal tip. This helped improve the relationship between the nasal tip and upper lip.


Residual Filler and Foreign Material Removal

Residual filler and foreign material were carefully removed to create a cleaner foundation for reconstruction.


This step was necessary because filler-related distortion can interfere with dorsal contour and make revision rhinoplasty less predictable.


Controlled Silicone Dorsal Implant Placement

A silicone dorsal implant was used to improve dorsal height and contour. The implant was planned only after filler removal and tissue assessment.


The implant had to be positioned and shaped carefully to avoid unnecessary pressure on the nasal tip and surrounding soft tissue.


Surgical Results


Frontal View

From the frontal view, the nasal line appeared straighter and more balanced after correction. Alar asymmetry improved, and the lower nasal structure appeared more even.

Frontal view comparison before and immediately after closed revision rhinoplasty. Left: preoperative appearance; Right: post-surgical results showing corrected nasal tip and improved symmetry.
Frontal view before surgery (left) and immediately after surgery (right)

Side View

From the side view, the nasal tip appeared more naturally projected after rib cartilage support and tip repositioning.

Side view comparison before and immediately after closed revision rhinoplasty. Left: pre-surgery profile with upturned tip and drooping columella. Right: improved nasal projection, refined tip, and better nasolabial angle.
Side view before surgery (left) and immediately after surgery (right)

Nasal Base View

From the nasal base view, nostril symmetry improved after alar repositioning and nostril reshaping. The pinched and contracted appearance was reduced.

Nostril base view before and immediately after closed revision rhinoplasty. Left: narrow, asymmetrical nostrils with alar pinching. Right: widened left nostril and improved symmetry through alar base reconstruction.
Nostril view before surgery (left) and immediately after surgery (right)

Structural Outcome

The nasal tip was stabilized with autologous rib cartilage support. Residual filler was removed, and the dorsal contour was reconstructed with controlled silicone implant placement.


Because this was a multiple revision case, the outcome was planned within the limits of scar tissue, previous surgical changes, and available soft tissue.

Oblique side view comparison before and immediately after closed revision rhinoplasty. Left: asymmetrical tip and wide alar base. Right: improved nasal balance, refined tip line, and smoother dorsal contour.
45-degree angle view before surgery (left) after surgery (right)

Surgeon’s Commentary

Revision rhinoplasty for a contracted and deviated nose after multiple previous surgeries requires careful planning. In this case, the difficulty was increased by prior implant surgery, septoplasty, dermal grafting, rib cartilage grafting, alar base reduction, tip revision, and filler injection.


The most important part of the surgery was to stabilize the lowered nasal tip using autologous rib cartilage. In contracted nose revision, the nasal tip often tends to return upward if the internal framework is not sufficiently supported.


Residual filler and foreign material were carefully removed to create a cleaner surgical foundation. This was important because filler-related distortion can affect both the contour and the accuracy of dorsal reconstruction.


Nostril asymmetry and pinching were addressed through alar repositioning and nostril reshaping. The deviated bridge was also corrected to improve the overall nasal axis.


This case shows that contracted deviated nose revision rhinoplasty should not be planned as a simple tip-lowering procedure. The nasal bridge, septal support, nostril shape, filler residue, scar tissue, and previous surgical changes all need to be considered together.


FAQ


Why can the nasal tip become upturned after multiple rhinoplasty surgeries?

The nasal tip can become upturned when scar contracture, tissue tightening, weak septal support, or previous cartilage changes pull the tip upward. Repeated surgery can increase the complexity of this problem.


Can a contracted and deviated nose be corrected together?

Yes, both problems can be addressed together when the surgical plan includes septal support, nasal tip repositioning, dorsal realignment, and nostril correction. The exact plan depends on scar tissue, previous surgical history, and tissue condition.


Why is rib cartilage used in contracted nose revision rhinoplasty?

Rib cartilage may be used when stronger support is needed to lower and stabilize the nasal tip. It can also help reconstruct the septal framework in complex revision cases.


Should filler be removed before revision rhinoplasty?

Residual filler may need to be removed when it causes contour distortion or interferes with surgical planning. Removal allows the surgeon to evaluate the true nasal structure more accurately.


Can nostril asymmetry improve after contracted nose revision?

Nostril asymmetry can improve when alar position, nasal tip support, and nasal base balance are corrected together. The degree of improvement depends on scar tissue and previous surgical changes.


International Consultation

For international patients, a photo-based consultation may help clarify whether contracted deviated nose revision rhinoplasty, rib cartilage reconstruction, filler removal, nostril reshaping, or dorsal implant correction may be needed.


Postoperative precautions and possible complications after rhinoplasty – includes information on infection, bleeding, asymmetry, allergic reactions, and scarring.

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Email : noselab@naver.com

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