Case at a glance
- Concerns & goals
- Previous treatment
- Surgical plan
- Graft & material details
- Photo timing
These details are excerpts from the original article and captions. Follow a detail to read it in context.
Introduction
A Natural Result with Implant-Free Rhinoplasty Using Rib Cartilage
Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.
Today, I’m sharing the case of a patient who previously underwent multiple nasal surgeries and wanted a completely natural result without silicone. Using only autologous rib cartilage, we achieved a stable, refined, and implant-free rhinoplasty outcome.
📍 Surgical History
Patient’s Previous Surgeries and Concerns
15 years ago: Silicone + septal cartilage + ear cartilage rhinoplasty
10 years ago: Implant-free revision using donated rib cartilage
🔎 Initial Assessment
Frontal View
Nostril asymmetry
Excessive nostril show
Wide nasal base
Side Profile
Lowered columella
Lifted tip with a smooth dorsal line
Harmonized nasolabial angle
Additional Findings
Scar on right columella
Septal deviation to the left
Weakened septal cartilage
Left-sided airway obstruction
✨ Patient Goals
Improve nostril asymmetry
Reduce nostril show
Lower the columella, refine the nasolabial angle
Achieve natural results without silicone
💉 Surgical Plan
Structural Reinforcement with Rib Cartilage
Addressed damaged septum from previous surgeries
Reconstructed the septum using autologous rib cartilage
Corrected septal deviation
Implant-Free Dorsal and Tip Refinement
Narrowed nasal bones through lateral osteotomy
Created a smooth dorsal line using rib cartilage, not silicone
Lowered the columella for better proportions
Final Touches
Used crushed cartilage + dermis to refine bridge
Corrected nostril asymmetry and columellar scar
Improved nasolabial angle
✅ Postoperative Results
Frontal View
Balanced nostrils
Slimmer and more elegant contour
Reduced nostril show
Side Profile
Straight dorsal line without implant
Lower columella with natural projection
Harmonized tip and mouth angle
Functionality
Improved nasal airflow
Strong, reinforced structure
👨⚕️ Surgeon’s Commentary
This was a complex implant-free rhinoplasty performed on a patient with a history of overharvested septal cartilage and previous revisions. The asymmetry and weak structure required a complete rebuild using rib cartilage. No silicone or artificial materials were used.
The result is a natural, proportionate nasal shape with improved airflow and stability.
At Nose Lab Clinic, all surgeries are performed using the closed rhinoplasty technique—without visible external scars.
Read the author’s background and the original case context. About these articles
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