Structural Reconstruction Rhinoplasty After Three Surgeries Over 15 Years

noselab
2일 전
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— NoseLab Plastic Surgery

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

Today, I want to share a meaningful case — a patient who had undergone three nose surgeries over 15 years, yet remained unsatisfied with the results. Through structural reconstruction rhinoplasty using autologous rib cartilage, we achieved both long-term balance and natural harmony.

Patient History and Surgical Challenges

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

The patient had a long history of previous procedures:

15 years ago: Primary rhinoplasty (ear cartilage + septal cartilage + silicone) – natural but subtle.
14 years ago: Revision surgery (A/S) – still too mild for her preference.
8 years ago: Revision with donated rib cartilage + ear cartilage + silicone implant.

She also experienced mild nasal symptoms such as seasonal rhinitis.

Although each surgery produced natural results, she wanted better definition and long-term stability.

Preoperative consultation photos before structural reconstruction rhinoplasty – right side, right oblique, and nostril views showing nasal base and symmetry before surgery. — Preoperative design consultation photos: Right side view, right oblique side view, and nostril view.

Surgical Plan – Reinforcing the Structure with Autologous Rib Cartilage

After 15 years and three procedures, the patient had very clear goals:

“I want my midface to look shorter.”
“Please lower the columella slightly.”
“I’d like to correct the crooked appearance.”
“And this time, I prefer to use my own rib cartilage.”

With these requests, our plan focused on structural reconstruction rhinoplasty — rebuilding the internal framework with autologous rib cartilage for long-term durability.

1. Lateral Osteotomy for Crooked Nose Correction

Bilateral lateral osteotomy was performed to correct the long-standing asymmetry and restore balance.

2. L-Strut Reinforcement with Autologous Rib Cartilage

Due to previous surgeries, the nasal septum was thin. Reinforcement with rib cartilage restored strength and support.

3. Columella Extension and Midface Balance

Extending the columella refined nasal tip projection and created a visually shorter midface.

Surgical Results – Achieving Long-Term Balance and Stability

After years of seeking improvement, this surgery finally achieved lasting satisfaction.

The nose is now straight, balanced, and symmetrical.
Structural reinforcement provided durable internal support.
Midface proportions appear shorter and more harmonious.
The overall result is confident, natural, and enduring.

Before and immediately after structural reconstruction rhinoplasty – frontal view showing improved nasal symmetry and refined tip definition. — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

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

Before and immediately after structural reconstruction rhinoplasty – oblique side view showing refined nasal tip projection, smooth dorsal contour, and natural facial balance. — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Before and immediately after structural reconstruction rhinoplasty – basal view showing improved nostril symmetry, refined columella alignment, and balanced nasal base shape. — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Specialist’s Insight on Structural Reconstruction Rhinoplasty

This case demonstrates a fundamental principle:

True beauty in rhinoplasty begins with structure.

No matter how attractive a nose looks right after surgery, if the framework is weak, deformation can appear over time.

In complex revision cases with limited septal cartilage, autologous rib cartilage is essential for structural reconstruction rhinoplasty, ensuring both strength and longevity.

At NoseLab Plastic Surgery, we focus on closed structural reconstruction rhinoplasty, ensuring long-lasting, natural, and functional results.