Visible Cartilage Revision Rhinoplasty Korea Using Autologous Dermis for Natural Results

Case at a glance

Surgical plan: Cartilage Reshaping and Redistribution
Tip Refinement with Rib Cartilage
The patient’s own dermis was grafted over the nasal tip to thicken the skin layer, eliminating cartilage visibility while preserving natural texture.
Graft & material details: Tip Refinement with Rib Cartilage
The patient’s own dermis was grafted over the nasal tip to thicken the skin layer, eliminating cartilage visibility while preserving natural texture.
Photo timing: Immediately After

These details are excerpts from the original article and captions. Follow a detail to read it in context.

Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Chief Director at NoseLab Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Today, I am sharing a Visible Cartilage Revision Rhinoplasty Korea case involving visible nasal tip cartilage, a wide nasal framework, and functional nasal obstruction years after primary rhinoplasty. This revision focused on restoring structural balance, reinforcing thin skin, and achieving long-term functional stability.

Visible Cartilage Revision Rhinoplasty Korea preoperative views showing wide nose and tip cartilage exposure — Preoperative design consultation photos: Frontal view, left oblique side view, and left side view.

Surgical Background of Visible Cartilage Revision Rhinoplasty Korea

The patient underwent comprehensive rhinoplasty approximately 7 years ago, including silicone implant placement, ear cartilage grafting, septal cartilage manipulation, and alar base reduction. Over time, thin nasal tip skin and pointed cartilage grafts led to visible cartilage under light exposure, accompanied by a wide nasal appearance and nasal obstruction caused by septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy.

Visible Cartilage Revision Rhinoplasty Korea preoperative side and nostril views showing thin skin and obstruction — Preoperative design consultation photos: Right side view, right oblique side view, and nostril view.

Surgical Plan

Autologous Dermis Grafting

The patient’s own dermis was grafted over the nasal tip to thicken the skin layer, eliminating cartilage visibility while preserving natural texture. Autologous dermis offers long-term volume stability without foreign body reactions.

Cartilage Reshaping and Redistribution

Existing cartilage grafts were reshaped and widened to reduce pressure against the skin, preventing recurrence while maintaining a refined nasal tip.

Tip Refinement with Rib Cartilage

Autologous rib cartilage was used to sculpt a sharp yet stable nasal tip and support a near-straight dorsal line.

Functional Corrections

Lateral osteotomy corrected wide and deviated nasal bones, while septoplasty and radiofrequency turbinate reduction restored nasal airflow.

Surgical Results

Complete resolution of visible cartilage
Slimmer, symmetrical nasal framework
Refined, sharp nasal tip with natural skin contour
Significant improvement in nasal breathing
Stable results without recurrence

Visible Cartilage Revision Rhinoplasty Korea before and after frontal view with dermis reinforcement — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Visible Cartilage Revision Rhinoplasty Korea before and after side view with dermis graft — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Visible Cartilage Revision Rhinoplasty Korea before and after oblique view with dermis graft — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Visible Cartilage Revision Rhinoplasty Korea before and after nostril view correction — Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Expert Commentary

Visible cartilage is most commonly caused by thin skin combined with sharp or narrowly placed grafts. In revision cases, masking the problem is ineffective. Reinforcing the skin with autologous dermis and reshaping the cartilage structure is essential for durable results.