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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.

Pre-surgery frontal, side, and oblique views before Functional Rhinoplasty Korea.
Preoperative design consultation: frontal, left side, and left oblique views

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.

Functional Rhinoplasty Korea preoperative views showing right side, oblique, and nostril shape.
Preoperative design consultation: right side, right oblique, and nostril views

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

Before and after frontal view showing changes after Functional Rhinoplasty Korea.
Frontal view before surgery (left) and after surgery (right)

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.

Functional Rhinoplasty Korea before and after side view showing nasal obstruction correction
Side profile view before surgery (left) and after surgery (right)

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 Rhinoplasty Korea – before and after oblique view showing nasal tip and bridge correction
Oblique view before surgery (left) and after surgery (right)

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.

Before and after Functional Rhinoplasty Korea showing improved nostril symmetry and structure.
Nostril view before surgery (left) and after surgery (right)

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.



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

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