Functional Rhinoplasty Korea After Long-Term Filler
- Dr. Chayoung Kang
- 2025년 3월 1일
- 5분 분량
This case reviews functional rhinoplasty Korea in a patient with nasal obstruction, septal deviation, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, broad nasal bridge, high radix, upturned bulbous nasal tip, nostril asymmetry, and nasal distortion after more than 10 years of dissolvable filler injections. Surgery focused on filler removal, septoplasty, inferior turbinate reduction, septal and rib cartilage tip support, radix lowering, silicone implant placement, nostril asymmetry correction, over-rotation correction, and closed rhinoplasty structural correction.
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 functional rhinoplasty Korea in a patient who developed nasal obstruction and structural distortion after receiving dissolvable nasal filler for more than 10 years.
Over time, the filler contributed to a wider nasal bridge, irregular soft tissue planes, high radix appearance, upturned and bulbous nasal tip, and worsening nasal congestion.
The surgery was performed using a closed rhinoplasty / endonasal approach. The goal was to address nasal obstruction, correct septal deviation, reduce turbinate enlargement, remove visible filler material, support the nasal tip, and improve nasal shape within the limits of the patient’s tissue condition.
Surgical Background
The patient had received dissolvable filler injections for more than 10 years. Long-term filler use can make revision planning more complex because filler may remain in soft tissue planes or alter the nasal contour over time.
In this case, the patient had both functional airway symptoms and visible nasal shape distortion.
Why Functional Rhinoplasty Was Needed
Functional rhinoplasty was considered because the patient had chronic nasal obstruction along with structural problems affecting nasal shape and airway function.
Nasal endoscopy showed septal deviation to the left, hypertrophied inferior turbinates, and internal narrowing related to chronic obstruction.
Because the patient’s concerns involved both breathing and external appearance, the surgical plan needed to combine airway correction and structural nasal reconstruction.

Preoperative Evaluation
Preoperative design consultation photos were reviewed from the frontal, side, oblique, and nostril views. Nasal endoscopy was also used to evaluate the internal
Structural Findings
The structural findings included:
High radix
Broad nasal bridge
Upturned nasal tip
Bulbous nasal tip
Nostril asymmetry
Filler-related soft tissue distortion
Irregular nasal contour
Over-rotated tip appearance
Functional Findings
The functional findings included:
Septal deviation to the left
Hypertrophied inferior turbinates
Chronic nasal obstruction
Nasal congestion
Need for airway correction
These findings suggested that filler removal alone would not be enough. Septoplasty, turbinate reduction, tip support, and structural contour correction were also needed.

Surgical Plan for Functional Rhinoplasty Korea
A combined surgical plan was established to address breathing function and nasal shape together.
Functional Corrections
Septoplasty was performed to correct septal deviation and improve the internal nasal passage.
Radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction was performed to address turbinate hypertrophy and chronic congestion.
These functional procedures were included because the patient had long-standing nasal obstruction.
Filler Removal
Visible filler material was removed from the nasal bridge area where it was identified.
In long-term filler cases, the amount of removable material may vary depending on filler location, tissue integration, scar tissue, and surrounding anatomy.
Septal and Rib Cartilage Tip Support
Septal cartilage and rib cartilage grafts were used to support and stabilize the nasal tip.
This helped improve tip support and correct the upturned, bulbous appearance.
Dorsal Line Correction
A silicone implant was placed to smooth the dorsal line after evaluating the bridge structure and soft tissue condition.
The implant was planned conservatively to improve contour while considering previous filler-related tissue changes.
Radix Lowering
Radix lowering was performed to reduce the disproportionate high nasal starting point.
This helped create a more balanced transition from the forehead to the nasal bridge.
Tip Reshaping and Over-Rotation Correction
Cartilage grafting was used to reshape the nasal tip and correct excessive upward rotation.
The goal was to improve tip projection and rotation without creating an overly sharp or artificial appearance.
Nostril Asymmetry Correction
Nostril asymmetry was addressed as part of the lower nasal reconstruction.
Because nostril shape is influenced by tip support, septal alignment, and lower cartilage position, these structures were evaluated together.
Postoperative Results

Frontal View
From the frontal view, the nasal bridge appeared slimmer after filler removal, dorsal contour correction, and structural refinement.
The nasal proportions appeared more balanced after reducing the broad bridge appearance and improving the lower nasal structure.

Side Profile
From the side view, the radix appeared lower, and the dorsal line appeared smoother after structural correction.
The over-rotated nasal tip appearance improved after cartilage grafting and tip support.

Functional Outcome
Nasal obstruction was addressed through septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction.
Because functional improvement depends on septal alignment, turbinate response, rhinitis condition, swelling, and healing process, breathing changes should be evaluated over time.

Structural Outcome
The nasal bridge, radix, nasal tip, nostril asymmetry, and internal airway were corrected together.
Because this case involved long-term filler use, irregular soft tissue planes, septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, and nasal obstruction, the outcome was planned within the limits of tissue condition, filler distribution, scar tissue, and healing response.
Surgeon’s Commentary
Long-term filler injection can make rhinoplasty planning more complex. Filler may remain in the soft tissue, widen the bridge, distort tissue planes, or make contour prediction more difficult.
In this case, the patient had both filler-related nasal distortion and functional airway problems. Nasal endoscopy showed septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy, which contributed to chronic nasal obstruction.
The first priority was to address the functional airway. Septoplasty and radiofrequency turbinate reduction were performed to improve the internal nasal passage.
Visible filler material was removed where identified, and the nasal bridge was refined with dorsal contour correction. A silicone implant was used after assessing the bridge structure and soft tissue condition.
The nasal tip was supported with septal and rib cartilage grafts. This helped improve the upturned and bulbous appearance while supporting the lower nasal framework.
This case shows that functional rhinoplasty Korea after long-term filler should be planned as a combined filler removal, airway correction, cartilage support, radix adjustment, and nasal contour procedure.
FAQ
Can long-term filler cause nasal distortion?
Long-term filler may contribute to nasal widening, irregular contour, soft tissue distortion, or unpredictable tissue planes. The degree of change depends on filler type, injection history, tissue response, and time.
Can filler be removed during functional rhinoplasty?
Visible filler may be removed when it is identified during surgery. The amount that can be removed depends on its location, tissue integration, scar tissue, and surrounding anatomy.
What is functional rhinoplasty?
Functional rhinoplasty is nasal surgery that addresses breathing problems related to internal nasal structure. It may include septoplasty, turbinate reduction, nasal valve support, and structural correction.
Why are septoplasty and turbinate reduction performed together?
Septoplasty corrects septal deviation, while turbinate reduction addresses enlarged inferior turbinates. When both problems contribute to obstruction, both procedures may be included.
Why is rib cartilage used after long-term filler treatment?
Rib cartilage may be used when stronger structural support is needed for nasal tip support, especially when the nasal tip is upturned, bulbous, or structurally weak.
International Consultation
For international patients, a photo-based consultation may help clarify whether functional rhinoplasty Korea, filler removal, septoplasty, inferior turbinate reduction, rib cartilage tip support, radix lowering, or nostril asymmetry correction may be needed.
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