Upturned and Deviated Nose Correction with Self-Rib Cartilage

Dr. Chayoung Kang
2024년 3월 14일
2분 분량

최종 수정일: 2025년 10월 14일

Hello, this is Dr. Chayoung Kang, Director of Noselab Clinic, specializing in closed revision rhinoplasty in Korea.

Today, I will present a real case of upturned and deviated nose correction performed using self-rib cartilage reconstruction after a previous surgery failure.

Preoperative Consultation for Upturned and Deviated Nose Correction

The patient visited our clinic with concerns about a blunt, upturned nose and nostril asymmetry.

They also complained of nasal congestion and functional discomfort, likely due to structural damage from prior surgeries.

During the consultation, it was confirmed that both functional (breathing) and aesthetic corrections would be necessary through a closed revision rhinoplasty approach.

Surgical Plan and Reconstruction Approach

To refine the blunt and upturned nasal tip, I planned to

Remove the scar and contracture tissue,
Relocate the alar cartilage, and
Reconstruct the septal cartilage by moving it slightly toward the left side.

Additionally, I aimed to correct nasal congestion and nostril asymmetry, ensuring both aesthetic and functional improvement.

Because this was a revision rhinoplasty, special care was required to handle scar tissue from prior surgeries and to prevent further weakening of the nasal septum.

Closed Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure and Findings

Intraoperatively, I found that the previous clinic had excessively harvested the septal cartilage, even removing bony portions, which caused significant structural weakness.

As a result, the nasal septum was deviated, and the tip deformity and nostril asymmetry were worsening.

To correct this, I reconstructed the damaged septum using the patient’s own costal cartilage (self-rib cartilage).

This restoration stabilized the internal structure and resolved the nasal deviation, nostril asymmetry, and nasal obstruction.

The prior over-resection had also caused contracture and scar tissue formation, contributing to inflammation and deformity.

Therefore, meticulous removal of subcutaneous scar tissue was a crucial part of the operation.

Before and after side view – upturned and deviated nose correction using self-rib cartilage through closed revision rhinoplasty (Noselab Clinic)

Photos were taken immediately after the surgery with the consent of the patient. Before the surgery (below), After surgery (above)

Before and after 45-degree view – upturned and deviated nose correction using self-rib cartilage, showing smoother nasal contour and lowered upturned tip (Noselab Clinic)

Photos were taken immediately after the surgery with the consent of the patient. . Before the surgery (below), After surgery (above)

Before and after frontal view – correction of upturned and deviated nose with self-rib cartilage through closed revision rhinoplasty, showing improved nostril symmetry and balanced nasal line (Noselab Clinic)

Photos were taken immediately after the surgery with the consent of the patient. . Before the surgery (left), After surgery (right)

Before and after nostril base view – nostril asymmetry improvement after self-rib cartilage reconstruction for upturned and deviated nose correction (Noselab Clinic)

Photos were taken immediately after the surgery with the consent of the patient. . Before the surgery (left), After surgery (right)

Postoperative Review and Result

Photos were taken immediately after the surgery with the patient’s consent.

After the procedure, the upturned nasal tip was lowered, the asymmetrical nostrils were corrected, and the overall nasal line appeared straighter and more natural.

In revision rhinoplasty for upturned and deviated noses, it is essential to carefully remove damaged tissue and restore the framework with strong, stable cartilage such as self-rib.

This patient had previously undergone two surgeries using autologous rib cartilage and even stem cell therapy, but by rebuilding the nasal base and septum properly, we achieved a more harmonious result.

Noselab Plastic Surgery Clinic by Dr. Chayoung Kang