No-Implant Nose Surgery | Naturally Enhanced Nose with Autologous Rib Cartilage – Nose Lab Clinic

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

Today, I would like to introduce a successful no-implant nasal reconstruction case using autologous rib cartilage. The patient presented with a bulbous nasal tip, nostril asymmetry, and an uneven nasal dorsum, all of which were naturally corrected.

📍 Surgical History

Design consultation photos: Frontal view, left oblique side view, and left side view.

January 2020

• Full nose surgery (no implants, nasal tip corrected using ear cartilage)

March 2022

• Dermal graft to the nasal dorsum

🔎 Initial Evaluation Before No-Implant Nose Surgery

Design consultation photos: Right side view, right oblique side view, and nostril view.

Patient Profile

• Female in her 30s

• No prior jaw, facial contouring, or filler procedures

Primary Concerns

• Bulbous, wide nasal tip

• Asymmetric nostrils

• Uneven nasal dorsum

• Low and sunken glabella (nasal starting point)

• Droopy, elongated nose

• Mild protrusive lips

Specific Patient Requests

• Desired higher nasal bridge but no visible signs of cosmetic surgery

• Strong preference for no implants

• Prioritized a natural-looking result

Issues from Previous Surgeries

• Irregularities caused by dermal graft

• Persistently low glabella despite previous surgery

• Bulbous tip remained uncorrected

✨ Patient Goals

• Correct the droopy, bulbous nasal tip

• Improve nostril asymmetry

• Achieve a higher yet natural-looking nose

• Safe correction using no implants

💉 Surgical Plan for No-Implant Nose Surgery

No-Implant Rib Cartilage Reconstruction

• Full dorsal and nasal tip reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage

• Complete removal of the dermal graft

• Smoothed nasal dorsum contour

Glabellar Augmentation

• Added volume to the sunken glabella using rib cartilage

• Naturally filled the nasal starting point

• Created a smooth transition from the forehead to the nose

Nasal Tip Reconstruction

• Gathered and refined the wide, bulbous nasal tip

• Defined the nasal tip with sufficient support for stability

Nostril Asymmetry Correction

• Improved size and shape symmetry of both nostrils

• Enhanced frontal aesthetics with balanced nostrils

Columella Angle Correction

• Lifted the droopy nasal tip

• Achieved a visually shorter nose

• Improved mild lip protrusion

Surface Refinement

• Smoothed the previously uneven nasal dorsum

• Created a naturally curved and soft nasal contour

✅ Surgical Outcomes

Frontal View

• Higher, well-proportioned glabella

• Smooth nasal dorsum

• Symmetrical nostrils

• Refined, elegant nasal tip

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Profile View

• Naturally elevated nasal height

• Gentle, harmonious nasal curve

• Improved columella angle

• Balanced facial profile

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Natural Height Achieved

• Heightened nasal bridge without an artificial look

• Perfect facial proportion

• Smooth, continuous nasal line from glabella to tip

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Droopy Nose Correction

• Visual shortening of the nose through columella angle adjustment

• Youthful and refreshed appearance

• Improved overall facial balance

Surface Improvement

• Smoothed and even nasal dorsum

• Resolved irregularities

• Natural skin surface texture

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Nostril Symmetry Restoration

• Balanced, proportionate nostrils

• Improved frontal aesthetics

Complete Bulbous Tip Correction

• Tip effectively refined and gathered

• Sleek, sophisticated nasal tip

• Harmonious improvement from both frontal and side views

👨‍⚕️ Specialist’s Commentary

Immediately after surgery: Frontal view, side view, and oblique side view photos.

Immediately after surgery: Nostril view photos.

This patient had previously undergone nasal surgery using dermal grafts, which led to an uneven nasal dorsum, persistent bulbous nasal tip, and noticeable nostril asymmetry. Her top priority was achieving a naturally higher nasal bridge without any visible signs of surgical enhancement.

The uneven nasal dorsum was largely due to the limitations of the dermal graft. Over time, dermal grafts can absorb irregularly or deform, causing surface irregularities. We resolved this by completely removing the dermal graft and reconstructing the nasal structure with autologous rib cartilage.

Choosing a no-implant approach was an excellent decision. Rib cartilage, being the patient’s own tissue, eliminates risks of foreign body reactions and ensures a natural feel and movement. This method was ideal for the patient’s goal of achieving a “non-surgical look.”

The sunken glabella was corrected by adding rib cartilage to provide just the right amount of volume for a smooth, natural transition that blends with her overall facial structure, fully respecting her request for subtle, natural height.

The bulbous nasal tip was meticulously refined with robust rib cartilage support, creating a sharp but naturally proportioned tip. Nostril asymmetry was carefully addressed, enhancing overall nasal balance when viewed from the front.

The droopy nose was corrected through columella angle adjustment, which not only lifted the nasal tip but also contributed to the visual improvement of her mild lip protrusion.

Throughout the process, the top priority was achieving a natural look. The nose now appears refined, balanced, and perfectly suited to the patient’s face, without any signs of overt surgical enhancement.

In conclusion, this case demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of no-implant nasal surgery using autologous rib cartilage for patients seeking subtle, natural results. We were able to fully satisfy the patient’s expectations while ensuring long-term stability.

Thank you.Dr. Cha-Young KangMedical Director, Nose Lab Clinic