Overcoming Infection After Rhinoplasty with Autologous Rib Cartilage Reconstruction

noselab
14분 전
2분 분량

— NoseLab Plastic Surgery

Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Chief Director at NoseLab Plastic Surgery in Seoul.

Today, I’d like to present a complex revision rhinoplasty case involving infection after rhinoplasty and chronic inflammation, successfully corrected using autologous rib cartilage.

Patient History and Complications from Infection After Rhinoplasty

Preoperative consultation photos for infection after rhinoplasty – frontal, left oblique, and side views. — Preoperative design consultation photos: Frontal view, left oblique side view, and left side view.

The patient had undergone several previous surgeries:

8 years ago: Primary rhinoplasty (silicone implant + donated rib cartilage + ear cartilage + AlloDerm graft)
2 years ago: Revision for nasal deviation (silicone + septal cartilage + rib cartilage + ear cartilage + AlloDerm)
1 year ago: Partial surgery for infection (tip cartilage removal + dermal graft)

Preoperative consultation photos for infection after rhinoplasty – right side, right oblique, and nostril views. — Preoperative design consultation photos: Right side view, right oblique side view, and nostril view.

Postoperative complications included:

Recurrent redness at the nasal tip
Crusting in the right nasal vault and mucus accumulation on the left
Chronic rhinitis and sinusitis symptoms

Despite antibiotic treatment, infection after rhinoplasty persisted due to foreign-body reaction.

Surgical Plan – Rib Cartilage Reconstruction for Post-Infection Revision

1. Revision Rhinoplasty Using Autologous Rib Cartilage All previous implants and infected materials were completely removed.The nasal framework was rebuilt exclusively with the patient’s own tissue to minimize reinfection risk and ensure stable healing.

2. Septal Reconstruction Corrected the nasal deviation and restored central alignment for functional airflow and balance.

3. Nasolabial Angle Refinement Designed a feminine nasal line, reduced nostril exposure, and visually shortened the midface.

4. Functional Rhinoplasty Performed septoplasty and submucosal resection of inferior turbinates to resolve rhinitis and sinus-related symptoms.

Surgical Results – Restoring Balance and Feminine Contour

Before and immediately after infection after rhinoplasty revision – frontal view showing reduced redness and swelling. — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

1. Resolution of Inflammation

Redness and swelling subsided, and autologous cartilage reconstruction prevented reinfection.

Before and immediately after infection after rhinoplasty revision – side view showing improved nasal contour and reduced inflammation. — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

2. Aesthetic Refinement

The nose achieved a soft, feminine profile with balanced nostril exposure and a smooth side view.

Before and immediately after infection after rhinoplasty revision – oblique side view showing refined nasal tip and improved symmetry. — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

3. Functional Recovery

Improved nasal breathing and elimination of crusting and mucus retention.

Before and immediately after infection after rhinoplasty revision – nostril view showing improved symmetry and nasal base refinement. — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Expert Commentary on Infection After Rhinoplasty

Infection after rhinoplasty can result from residual foreign materials, leading to redness, discharge, and chronic inflammation.

In this case, removing all prior grafts and reconstructing the framework with autologous rib cartilage restored biocompatibility and long-term stability.

Foreign grafts such as donated cartilage or AlloDerm may trigger immune reactions in some patients, while autologous tissue offers the safest, most durable solution.

By combining septal reconstruction and functional rhinoplasty, we corrected both aesthetic and structural problems simultaneously.

At NoseLab Plastic Surgery, we specialize in closed revision rhinoplasty for complex, high-risk cases involving infection, inflammation, or multiple prior surgeries.

Our goal is to provide natural, safe, and lasting results through precise, medically grounded surgical planning.

Thank you for reading.— Dr. Cha-Young Kang, NoseLab Plastic Surgery