Revision Rhinoplasty: Finding Natural Beauty After Five Surgeries

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— NoseLab Plastic Surgery

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

Today, I’d like to share the story of a patient who underwent five rhinoplasty-related surgeries over ten years before finally achieving the natural and balanced result she had always hoped for.

Through precise revision rhinoplasty using autologous rib cartilage, we restored both nasal function and harmony.

Revision Rhinoplasty – A Decade-Long Surgical Journey

Preoperative consultation photos before revision rhinoplasty – frontal, left oblique, and left side views showing nasal asymmetry and upturned tip before structural correction. — Preoperative design consultation photos: Frontal view, left oblique side view, and left side view.

Over the past decade, the patient had undergone multiple procedures:

10 years ago: Nose filler injection → later dissolved
7 years ago: Septoplasty + silicone implant (over-rotated look, wanted to return to her original shape)
6 years ago: Total removal (shape did not return to original)
4 years ago: Revision with ear cartilage + silicone (still dissatisfied with an upturned tip)
2 years ago: Total removal again
1 year ago: Silicone + ear cartilage implant → caused severe swelling and nasal obstruction

📍 CT scan findings: The silicone was placed too high, pressing on the glabella area and obstructing airflow.

Preoperative consultation photos before revision rhinoplasty – right side, right oblique, and nostril views showing nasal asymmetry and tip rotation prior to reconstruction. — Preoperative design consultation photos: Right side view, right oblique side view, and nostril view.

Revision Rhinoplasty Goals and Patient Expectations

During consultation, the patient clearly explained what she wanted to achieve:

Correct nostril asymmetry
Improve the scar from previous incisions
Smooth the indentation along the nasal bridge
Soften the upturned nasal tip for a more natural profile

“I really hope this will be my last surgery,”

she said — a sincere statement reflecting years of frustration and hope.

Surgical Approach Using Autologous Rib Cartilage

To ensure long-term stability and natural improvement, the surgical plan focused on structural revision rhinoplasty rather than temporary correction.

1️⃣ Adjustment of Nasal Starting Point (Glabella)

Lowered the excessively high starting point to achieve a natural and balanced dorsal contour..

2️⃣ Structural Correction for the Upturned Nose

Performed partial septal reconstruction and extended the septum using autologous rib cartilage for solid internal support.

3️⃣ Nostril Asymmetry Correction

Resculpted the cartilage precisely to create symmetry and balance between nostrils.

4️⃣ Simultaneous Chin Correction

Performed minor chin augmentation to improve facial ratio and harmony between the nose and chin.

Revision Rhinoplasty Results – Restoring Natural Balance

From the immediate postoperative period, the patient expressed relief and joy.

Frontal View:

Nostril asymmetry improved
Smooth, natural dorsal line
Balanced yet soft nasal tip

Side View:

Upturned nasal tip lowered to a gentle feminine angle
Smooth curve from glabella to tip
Enhanced facial proportion after chin correction

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

Functional Results:

Resolved nasal obstruction
Stable tip structure with no excessive stiffness
Comfortable, natural breathing restored

Before and after revision rhinoplasty – nostril base view showing corrected asymmetry, reduced nostril exposure, and improved columella alignment after surgery. — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Specialist’s Insight on Complex Revision Rhinoplasty

Patients who undergo multiple surgeries often face challenges from scar tissue and limited remaining cartilage.

In such complex cases, autologous rib cartilage provides the stability, volume, and longevity required for lasting results.

Lowering an upturned nose alone is insufficient — proper septal extension and support prevent re-rotation and maintain long-term projection.

Additionally, performing chin correction improves the overall facial ratio, creating a more natural and proportional look rather than an isolated nose change.

This patient’s patience through five surgeries was truly admirable.

Her final result represents not only aesthetic success but also emotional healing after years of difficulty.

At NoseLab Plastic Surgery, we continue to provide safe, precise, and artistic revision rhinoplasty that restores both confidence and natural beauty.

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