Small Nose Correction with Blunt Tip Refinement | Rhinoplasty Korea

noselab
2024년 6월 21일
2분 분량

최종 수정일: 10월 1일

Hello, I am Dr. Chayoung Kang, Director of Noselab Rhinoplasty Clinic.

Challenges of Small Nose Correction

Today, we will discuss a Small Nose Correction case combined with blunt tip refinement.

At Noselab, we often see patients with small noses and limited skin elasticity, which makes correction difficult. In this case, the patient wanted a more defined nose despite having a naturally small and blunt tip.

Challenges of Rhinoplasty for Small Noses

At Noselab, we have encountered a wide variety of patient cases, particularly focusing on nasal surgery. Personally, the most challenging cases are those involving small noses with tight skin. In today’s case, the patient desired a more elaborate nose, despite having a small nose. During the consultation, I informed them that significant height adjustment was not possible due to skin limitations, but I assured them of my best efforts within the feasible range. Given the small size of the nose and cartilage, we opted to use autologous costal cartilage.

Nasal Congestion Examination

Endoscopic examination showing septal deviation to the right and enlarged left inferior turbinate, indicating nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis.

The patient exhibited symptoms of nasal congestion, prompting a detailed examination. Through nasal endoscopy, we observed a deviation of the septal cartilage to the right, enlarged blood vessels on the mucosal membrane, and an enlarged left inferior turbinate. Additionally, the mucous membrane appeared pale, indicating allergic rhinitis.

CT scan showing severe septal deviation to the right side, causing significant narrowing of the right nasal cavity.

A CT scan revealed severe septal deviation to the right, causing significant narrowing of the right nasal space. Considering these findings and the patient’s nasal congestion symptoms, we planned a septoplasty to correct the septal deviation and a turbinate resection using high-frequency laser.

Surgical Findings

During surgery, the septal cartilage was thinner and more curved than expected. We performed a partial reconstruction using autologous costal cartilage. This significantly improved the curvature and strengthened the nasal septum. Subsequently, a septal extension graft using autologous costal cartilage was performed to straighten the nose tip. Due to limited skin elasticity at the nose tip, we gradually pulled the surrounding skin to raise the nose tip safely.

Before and After Surgery Photos

Side Profile Enhancement

Post-surgery, the nose tip is noticeably higher, and the nasolabial angle is corrected. The starting point between the eyebrows has been naturally lowered, and the previously lifted nose tip is now properly aligned. The bridge’s curvature to the right has also improved.

Before and after 45-degree angle photos showing improved nasal tip projection and smoother nasal bridge.

Frontal View Transformation

From the front view, the nose tip, which appeared blunt and lifted, is now well-defined.

Before and after frontal photos showing corrected nostril asymmetry and balanced nose tip shape.

The columella curvature is corrected, resulting in longer nostrils.

Before and after nostril photos showing reduced asymmetry and natural oval-shaped nostrils.

After Surgery Photos

Immediate postoperative composite photo showing 45-degree, frontal, and nostril views. The images highlight the corrected nasal bridge, elevated nasal tip, improved columella shape, and reduced nostril asymmetry.

General Review

Correcting a short nose is always a meticulous task, especially with limited skin. The key is to strengthen the nose tip cartilage and pull the surrounding skin as much as possible. This procedure is challenging, but seeing post-surgery improvements is rewarding. However, managing patient expectations is crucial. The goal is to achieve the best possible outcome within safe limits, avoiding excessive elevation which can lead to visible cartilage, redness, or asymmetry.

Conclusion

Today, we explored the process of making a small, blunt nose more aesthetically pleasing. I hope this discussion is helpful for those with similar concerns.

Dr. Chayoung Kang

Director of Noselab Clinic