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Residual Foreign Substance Rhinoplasty for Contracted Nose Correction

  • Dr. Chayoung Kang
  • 2024년 11월 28일
  • 6분 분량

최종 수정일: 5월 14일

This case reviews residual foreign substance rhinoplasty in a patient with contracted nose deformity, chronic inflammation, nasal tip collapse, pain, and left nasal obstruction after multiple previous rhinoplasty procedures. Surgery focused on removing residual silicone, mesh, displaced cartilage grafts, and inflammatory tissue, followed by structural reconstruction using rib cartilage and functional airway correction.


  • Author: Dr. Cha-Young Kang

  • Clinic: NoseLab Clinic

  • Published: 2024

  • Last Updated: 2026


Introduction

Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang of NoseLab Clinic.


This case involves residual foreign substance rhinoplasty in a patient who developed inflammation, pain, nasal obstruction, and contracted nose deformity after several previous rhinoplasty procedures.


The surgery was performed using a closed rhinoplasty / endonasal approach. The goal was to remove residual foreign materials and inflammatory tissue, rebuild the damaged nasal framework, improve nasal tip support, correct nostril asymmetry, and restore functional airway stability.


Patient’s Surgical History

The patient had undergone several nasal surgeries involving silicone implants, ear cartilage, mesh, rib cartilage, dermis, and periosteum.


Previous Surgical History

The surgical history included:

  • 2007: L-shaped silicone implant

  • 2021: Silicone implant and ear cartilage, followed by inflammation

  • 2023 November: Silicone implant, mesh, and “cat nose” surgery, followed by an upturned nose

  • 2023 November: Silicone implant, rib cartilage, dermis, and periosteum, followed by inflammation and 16 PRP sessions


Despite multiple procedures, the patient continued to experience inflammation-related symptoms, nasal shape distortion, and functional obstruction.


Main Symptoms of Contracted Nose

The patient presented with both structural and functional problems. The main issue was not simply nasal shape dissatisfaction; residual foreign materials and chronic inflammatory tissue were contributing to pain, deformity, and obstruction.


Structural and Inflammatory Problems

The main structural and inflammatory problems included:

  • Contracted nose caused by chronic inflammation

  • Persistent swelling related to residual foreign materials

  • Nasal tip depression caused by an implant extending toward the tip

  • Pain and tenderness around the upper lip and columellar area

  • Left nasal obstruction related to mesh remnants and septal deviation


In this type of revision case, identifying and removing the source of inflammation is essential before reconstruction can be performed safely.

Design consultation photos: frontal, left side, and oblique side view before contracted nose correction surgery
Preoperative design consultation: frontal, left oblique, and left side views

Preoperative Design and Analysis

Preoperative design consultation photos were reviewed from the frontal, side, oblique, and nostril views.


Frontal View

The frontal view showed nostril retraction, pinched alar base shape, asymmetry, and a crooked nasal bridge.


Side View

The side view showed a high nasal starting point, short and collapsed nasal tip, and an excessive nasolabial angle.


Nasal Base View

The nasal base view showed asymmetrical nostrils, deviation of the columella, and retraction of the nasal base.


These findings confirmed that the patient required foreign material removal, contracture release, structural reconstruction, and functional airway correction.

Design consultation photos: right side, oblique side, and nostril view before contracted nose correction surgery
Preoperative design consultation: right side, right oblique, and nostril views

Surgical Plan for Contracted Nose Correction

The surgical plan focused on removing residual foreign substances, treating inflamed tissue, rebuilding structural support, improving nasal coverage, and correcting functional obstruction.


Removal of Residual Foreign Substances

Residual silicone, mesh fragments, displaced cartilage grafts, and inflammatory tissue were removed. This step was necessary to reduce ongoing irritation and create a cleaner foundation for reconstruction.


Structural Reconstruction with Rib Cartilage

Rib cartilage was used to reconstruct the nasal tip and septal support. The goal was to rebuild a stable framework after previous implant-related inflammation and tissue damage.


Nostril Base Lowering and Nasolabial Angle Correction

Nostril base lowering and nasolabial angle correction were planned to improve the retracted and upturned appearance of the nasal base.


Skin Grafting and Soft Tissue Coverage

A postauricular skin graft was used to repair contracted tissue and improve soft tissue coverage. This helped protect the reconstructed framework in an area affected by previous inflammation and contraction.


Functional Airway Correction

Septoplasty was performed to correct septal deviation. Submucosal resection with high-frequency laser turbinate reduction was also performed to improve nasal airflow.


Intraoperative Findings

During surgery, several residual materials and inflammatory changes were identified. These findings explained the patient’s persistent symptoms and structural deformity.


Silicone Implant Malposition

The silicone implant extended toward the nasal tip and was located just beneath the depressed skin. This position contributed to tissue thinning, inflammation, and nasal tip depression.

Intraoperative view showing the silicone implant located beneath depressed nasal tip skin

Residual Mesh in the Septal Mucosa

Mesh remnants were found within the septal mucosa and were removed. These remnants were associated with left nasal obstruction and local inflammatory reaction.

Mesh fragments removed during contracted nose correction surgery
Mesh Fragments Removed During Surgery

Displaced Rib Cartilage Grafts

Rib cartilage grafts from a previous “cat nose” surgery were found to be tilted and misaligned toward the right side. This displacement was associated with pain below the right columella, so the problematic graft was removed.

The rib cartilage from a previous surgery, shaped for a "cat nose," was inserted tilted toward the right side, causing pain below the right columella. It was determined to be the source of the issue and was removed.

Chronic Inflammatory Tissue

Chronic reactive tissue was identified and removed. This was important because persistent inflammatory tissue can contribute to swelling, pain, and recurrent contracture.


Septal Damage

The septum showed major structural absence and deviation. Rib cartilage was used to reconstruct the damaged septal support.


Postoperative Outcomes After Contracted Nose Correction

Frontal view before (left) and immediately after (right) contracted nose correction surgery
Before surgery (left) and immediately after surgery (right)

Frontal View

From the frontal view, nostril retraction was reduced, alar base asymmetry improved, and the nasal bridge appeared more balanced.

Side view before (left) and immediately after (right) contracted nose correction surgery
Before surgery (left) and immediately after surgery (right)

Side View

From the side view, the nasal starting point appeared lower, the nasal tip gained more stable support, and the nasolabial angle became more balanced.

Side view before (left) and immediately after (right) contracted nose correction surgery
Before surgery (left) and immediately after surgery (right)

Nasal Base View

From the nasal base view, nostril symmetry improved, the columella became more centered, and the nostril shape appeared more balanced.

Nasal base view before (left) and immediately after (right) contracted nose correction surgery
Before surgery (left) and immediately after surgery (right)

Functional Outcome

Left nasal obstruction improved after mesh removal, septal correction, and turbinate reduction. Functional improvement was addressed together with structural reconstruction.


Specialist Considerations in Residual Foreign Substance Rhinoplasty

This case shows the importance of identifying and removing residual foreign substances during complex contracted nose correction. When silicone, mesh, displaced cartilage, or inflammatory tissue remains, symptoms may continue even after revision surgery.


Residual Silicone and Mesh

Residual silicone and mesh fragments were removed to reduce ongoing inflammation and obstruction. In this case, the mesh was found within the septal mucosa and was related to internal nasal symptoms.


Rib Cartilage Reconstruction

Rib cartilage provided structural support after the damaged septum and nasal tip were reconstructed. Stable support was necessary because the original framework had been weakened by previous procedures and inflammation.


Skin Grafting

Postauricular skin grafting was used to improve tissue coverage in contracted areas. This helped reinforce the soft tissue envelope over the reconstructed nasal framework.

Immediately after contracted nose correction: frontal, side, and oblique view photos
Immediately After Surgery: Frontal, Side, and Oblique Side Views

Recovery and Maintenance

Postoperative care focused on controlling inflammation, supporting tissue recovery, and monitoring structural stability.


The recovery plan included:

  • Antibiotic treatment to control inflammation

  • Regenerative treatment to support tissue healing and reduce scar-related problems

  • Continuous monitoring of nasal structure, airway function, and soft tissue condition


In complex revision cases with foreign material reaction and inflammation, postoperative monitoring is important because healing may be less predictable than in primary rhinoplasty.


Surgeon’s Commentary

This was a complex revision rhinoplasty case involving contracted nose deformity, residual foreign substances, chronic inflammation, nasal tip depression, pain, and functional obstruction.


The most important step was identifying and removing the actual sources of irritation. In this case, silicone implant malposition, residual mesh in the septal mucosa, displaced cartilage grafts, and chronic inflammatory tissue all contributed to the patient’s symptoms.


After removal, the nose required structural rebuilding. Rib cartilage was used to reconstruct septal and tip support, while skin grafting helped improve soft tissue coverage in contracted areas.


This case demonstrates that contracted nose correction with residual foreign materials should be approached as a combined removal, reconstruction, and functional airway surgery. The goal is not only to change the external shape, but also to address the internal causes of inflammation, pain, obstruction, and instability.


FAQ


Why can residual foreign substances cause problems after rhinoplasty?

Residual foreign substances such as silicone, mesh, or displaced graft material can irritate surrounding tissue. They may contribute to inflammation, swelling, pain, obstruction, or recurrent contracture.


How is residual foreign substance rhinoplasty different from standard revision rhinoplasty?

Residual foreign substance rhinoplasty requires careful identification and removal of remaining materials before reconstruction. The surgery often includes scar tissue management, structural rebuilding, and functional airway correction.


Why was rib cartilage used after removing silicone and mesh?

Rib cartilage was used because the nasal septum and tip support were severely damaged. It provided the structural strength needed to rebuild the framework after foreign material removal.


Can nasal obstruction improve after foreign material removal?

Nasal obstruction can improve when mesh remnants, septal deviation, turbinate enlargement, or scar-related narrowing are corrected. The degree of improvement depends on the internal nasal findings.


International Consultation

For international patients, a photo-based consultation may help clarify whether residual foreign substance removal, contracted nose correction, rib cartilage reconstruction, or functional airway correction may be needed.


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

Home page : www.noselab.co.kr


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Email : noselab@naver.com

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