Contracted Nose Correction with Rib Cartilage: 15-Year Post-Rhinoplasty Reconstruction

noselab
2024년 11월 18일
2분 분량

최종 수정일: 9월 26일

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

Today, I’d like to share a successful case of contracted nose correction with rib cartilage performed 15 years after the patient’s initial rhinoplasty. Severe nasal contraction is one of the most advanced and challenging conditions, requiring a comprehensive reconstructive approach for full restoration.

efore contracted nose correction with rib cartilage – frontal, left side, and oblique side views showing severe nostril asymmetry, upturned nasal tip, and collapsed bridge after long-term contraction. — Before Surgery: Frontal, Left Side, and Oblique Side Views

1. Patient Background and Symptoms

The patient first underwent rhinoplasty with silicone and septal cartilage in 2008, followed by revision surgery the next year due to contraction. Recently, they developed significant nasal obstruction and rhinitis symptoms.

Before contracted nose correction with rib cartilage – oblique side, side, and nostril views showing deviated columella, asymmetrical nostrils, and pinched alar cartilage due to long-term contraction. — Before Surgery: Oblique Side View, Side View, and Nostril View

Preoperative Findings:

Frontal View: Excessive nostril show and pinched nasal skin
Side View: Severely upturned tip, exaggerated nasolabial angle
Nasal Base View: Asymmetrical nostrils and columella deviation to the right

2. Surgical Plan for Contracted Nose Correction with Rib Cartilage

The key to successful contracted nose correction is the complete restoration of the depleted cartilage framework. Our multi-step approach included:

Pre-Surgical Preparation: Stem cell injections to improve skin elasticity and prepare the nasal tissue
Scar Tissue Removal: Excision of all contracted tissues and capsule around the previous implant
Structural Reconstruction: Harvested autologous rib cartilage to rebuild the septum and reinforce alar cartilage
Columellar and Nasal Bridge Restoration: Rib cartilage grafts to elevate the collapsed bridge and restore nasal projection

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Before (left) and immediately after (right) contracted nose correction with rib cartilage – oblique view showing restoration of nasal bridge height, correction of pinched skin, and improved nasal tip projection. — Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Before (left) and immediately after (right) contracted nose correction with rib cartilage – oblique view showing restored nasal bridge, corrected columella deviation, and improved nostril symmetry. — Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

3. Surgical Approach

Complete Removal of Contracted TissueAll scarred tissue and implant capsules were meticulously removed.
Rebuilding with Rib CartilageBecause the septal cartilage was depleted, autologous rib cartilage was harvested and used to reconstruct the nasal structure.
Alar Cartilage and Framework SupportDamaged alar cartilages were reinforced, improving nostril stability and symmetry.

4. Surgical Outcome

Postoperative Findings:

Stable and natural nasal contour restored
Symmetry and balance corrected after contraction and distortion
Improved airway and functional comfort

Photographs immediately after surgery show marked improvement in nostril symmetry, nasal projection, and overall harmony.

Before (left) and immediately after (right) contracted nose correction with rib cartilage – frontal nostril view showing corrected nostril asymmetry, improved columella alignment, and natural alar contour. — Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Before (left) and immediately after (right) contracted nose correction with rib cartilage – oblique view showing restored nasal bridge height, corrected tip projection, and improved overall nasal symmetry. — Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Before (left) and immediately after (right) contracted nose correction with rib cartilage – nostril base view showing corrected asymmetry, improved columella alignment, and expanded nostril openings. — Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

5. Conclusion

Immediately after contracted nose correction with rib cartilage – frontal, left side, and oblique views showing restored nasal bridge height, improved tip projection, and enhanced nostril symmetry. — Immediately After Surgery: Frontal, Left Side, and Oblique Side Views

Immediately after contracted nose correction with rib cartilage – nostril, right side, and oblique views showing corrected nostril asymmetry, restored bridge height, and improved tip projection. — Immediately After Surgery: Nostril View, Right Side View, and Oblique Side View

Correcting a severe contracted nose is among the most demanding procedures in plastic surgery. It requires meticulous removal of scar tissue, careful expansion of contracted skin, and structural reconstruction using rib cartilage grafts.

At Nose Lab Clinic, we have successfully helped many patients suffering from contracted nose complications regain both confidence and function. We are committed to continuous research and surgical refinement for the best patient outcomes.

Thank you for reading.

This is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.

Nose Lab performs all surgeries using a closed (endonasal) approach.