Illegal Nasal Injection Removal – Corrective Rhinoplasty Case Review

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

Today, I’d like to share a challenging case involving illegal nasal injection removal and revision rhinoplasty using rib cartilage.

This patient had undergone a standard L-shaped silicone implant 20 years ago but received an unlicensed nasal filler injection (commonly known as a "Yamae injection" in Korea) just 3 years later in a public bathhouse. The illegal filler led to chronic pain, nasal deformity, and infection—requiring surgical correction.

Design Consultation: Frontal View, Left Side View, and Oblique Side View Photos

Design Consultation: Right Side View, Oblique Side View, and Nostril View Photos

Surgical History and Initial Condition

• 20 years ago: L-shaped silicone implant surgery

• 17 years ago: Illegal nasal injection (Yamae-type) at a bathhouse

The patient experienced:

• Flattened and twisted nasal tip

• Upturned and shortened nose

• Radix too high and tip excessively rotated upward

• Significant nostril asymmetry

• Depressed columella

Patient’s Goals for Illegal Nasal Injection Removal

• Remove infected foreign material

• Correct the upturned nasal tip

• Achieve nostril symmetry and natural contour

• Rebuild nasal tip structure using rib cartilage

Surgical Procedure for Illegal Nasal Injection Removal

Foreign Substance and Filler Removal

During dissection, purulent foreign material from the illegal injection was discovered.

A bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity test were performed to ensure proper postoperative care.

All illegal filler substances and inflamed tissues were completely removed.

Purulent Foreign Material Observed at the Nasal Tip

Foreign Material Removal Video

These are photos of the removed foreign material.

Structural Reconstruction with Rib Cartilage

Due to severe fibrosis and scarring caused by the illegal nasal injection, the skin and soft tissues were carefully released.

Autologous rib cartilage was used to rebuild the nasal tip and columella, providing stable and strong support.

This is a photo of the nasal bridge depression after the removal of the foreign material.

Dorsal Line Refinement

To restore the dorsal profile, a new silicone implant was placed.

The radix was repositioned to an ideal height, and the nasolabial angle was improved for a more balanced side view.

The nostrils were reshaped and columella depression corrected.

Results After Illegal Nasal Injection Removal

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Frontal View

• Corrected nasal tip alignment

• Improved nostril symmetry

• Soft, balanced nasal line

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Side Profile

• Harmonized radix height

• Balanced tip projection

• Softer lip angle with improved proportion

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Nostrils (Base View)

• Symmetrical nostril shape and size

• Corrected columellar depression

• Cohesive and natural outcome

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Expert Commentary on Illegal Nasal Injection Removal

Immediately After Surgery: Frontal, Side, and Oblique Side View Photos

Immediately After Surgery: Nostril View Photos

This case clearly demonstrates the dangers of unlicensed and illegal nasal injections.The "Yamae" filler, administered in non-medical settings, triggered foreign body reactions and infections that worsened over time.

Illegal nasal injection removal is highly complex due to scar tissue, inflammation, and unpredictable foreign materials.

Using autologous rib cartilage allowed for precise, durable reconstruction.

A silicone implant helped re-establish the dorsal aesthetics without overcorrection.

This procedure was done entirely using the closed rhinoplasty technique, minimizing scarring and improving healing.

At Nose Lab Clinic, all surgeries are performed using the closed rhinoplasty approach.

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