Correction of Droopy Nasal Tip and Short Midface with Autologous Rib Cartilage

Dr. Chayoung Kang
2025년 8월 27일
2분 분량

최종 수정일: 2025년 9월 24일

Droopy Nasal Tip Correction with Rib Cartilage | NoseLab Clinic

🩺 Initial Assessment and Patient Goals

Frontal, oblique, and side view of a female patient during preoperative rhinoplasty consultation at NoseLab Clinic. — Preoperative design consultation photos: Frontal view, left oblique side view, and left side view.

This patient presented with both functional and aesthetic concerns. She had a droopy nasal tip and a visually short midface, which gave her a heavy facial appearance. Additionally, she experienced chronic rhinitis and nasal congestion, especially during seasonal changes.

Key Goals:

Elevate the droopy nasal tip
Make the midface appear longer and more proportionate
Maintain a natural, unexaggerated result
Improve nasal airflow and reduce rhinitis symptoms

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

🛠️ Surgical Plan and Techniques Used

Main Procedure: Rib Cartilage Septal Extension

Septal extension using autologous rib cartilage
Lifted the drooping tip while preserving a soft, natural contour
Adjusted the nasal tip projection without making it look long or artificial

Bridge Refinement:

Performed lateral osteotomy to narrow the wide bridge
Maintained facial harmony and avoided overly sharp angles

Structural and Functional Support:

Reinforced nasal support with rib cartilage to ensure long-term stability
Performed septoplasty and turbinoplasty to improve breathing

🌟 Surgical Outcomes

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/256f0f_eeeb81bb2c58433585e29c38e7cc4c09/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Preoperative Video / Immediate Postoperative Video

Frontal View:

Balanced and refined nasal bridge
Reduced visual bulkiness and improved midface ratio

Side View:

Tip elevated without over-projection
Better nasolabial angle and profile harmony

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

Nostril View:

Internal valve reopened
Structural correction visible in nostril shape

Oblique side view photos of a female patient before (left) and immediately after (right) surgery, showing refined nasal tip and improved facial contour at NoseLab Clinic. — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Functional Results:

Significant improvement in nasal airflow
Rhinitis symptoms reduced
Breathing comfort restored

👨‍⚕️ Expert Commentary – Dr. Cha-Young Kang

Immediately after surgery photos showing the patient’s frontal, oblique, and side views, highlighting the improved nasal tip projection and natural midface contour at NoseLab Clinic. — Immediately after surgery: Frontal view, side view, and oblique side view photos.

This case demonstrates how droopy nasal tip correction with rib cartilage can achieve natural-looking results while addressing both structure and function.

Droopiness of the nasal tip often compresses the midface and affects facial balance. Using rib cartilage septal extension, we elevated the tip and elongated the profile. The conservative lateral osteotomy allowed us to narrow the bridge without compromising natural aesthetics.

Importantly, by correcting structural blockage and turbinate enlargement, we improved the patient’s breathing—making this case a strong example of functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty in harmony.