Hello, I am Dr. Peter C. Kang.

Today, I would like to share a customized surgical case of a patient who was troubled by nasal obstruction and a low nose.

In particular, I will explain how crucial material selection is in surgery aimed at creating a natural nasal tip.

🔍 Key symptoms and patient requests

  • Left-sided nasal obstruction (especially severe at night)

  • Only temporary improvement with rhinitis medication

  • Wished to improve the bulbous tip

  • Wished to lower the columella

  • Needed correction of the nasolabial angle

  • Prioritized functional improvement

  • Wished to preserve the dorsal hump

  • Preferred an autologous approach without implants (if possible)

💉 Preoperative analysis

  1. Front view

Front, left profile, and oblique views during design consultation

  • Low and flat nasal bridge

  • Flared nasal tip

  • Deviated nasal bridge

  • Alar asymmetry

2. Profile view

  • Uneven nasal bridge

  • Low radix

  • Overall low nose

  • Protruding mouth

3. Oblique view

Right profile, oblique, and nostril views during design consultation

  • Low nasal bridge

  • Flatness accentuated by prominent brow bones

  • Prominent protruding mouth

4. Nostril view

  • Overall wide, spread shape

  • Left-right asymmetry

🌟 Surgical results

  1. Front view improvement

Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

  • The previously flat nasal bridge was improved to have three-dimensional definition

  • The wide and asymmetric nasal tip was improved

  • The deviated appearance of the nasal bridge was improved

  • Asymmetry of the alae was improved

2. Profile view improvement

Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

  • The radix was corrected to a natural height

  • The nasolabial angle was improved

  • Masculine straight bridge line

3. Oblique view improvement

Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

  • The tip shape became natural

  • The radix was naturally elevated

  • The nasolabial angle was corrected

4. Nostril view improvement

Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

  • The wide, spread appearance was improved

  • The blunt, bulbous tip appearance also improved

  • Nostril asymmetry was also improved

5. Functional improvement

  • Correction of deviated septum

  • The enlarged inferior turbinates were reduced in size, which is expected to relieve rhinitis symptoms

  • Improvement in breathing function is expected

💡 Specialist's opinion

Front, profile, and oblique views immediately after surgery on day 0 Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

Nostril view on day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

In this type of case, natural results were achieved using only septal cartilage and ear cartilage. Cartilage selection is a critical factor in rhinoplasty.

When the septal cartilage is large, thick, and straight, it can be an ideal material; however, if that is not the case, ear cartilage must be added or alternative materials such as donor rib cartilage or autologous rib cartilage should be considered.

Material selection may vary depending on the patient's desired shape and individual anatomical characteristics, which is a key factor in preventing revision rhinoplasty. Careful material selection and meticulous surgical planning support stable long-term results.

I hope this case is helpful to those facing similar concerns.

This was Dr. Peter C. Kang. Thank you.

Thank you.

#lownose #bulboustipcorrection #nasalobstructionsurgery #septalcartilage #naturalrhinoplasty

Limitations and risks

When autologous rib cartilage is used, scarring and pain may remain at the donor site on the chest, and pneumothorax (pleural injury) can occur rarely. Over time, the grafted cartilage may warp or undergo partial resorption.

When using donor rib cartilage, long-term follow-up is necessary because the grafted cartilage may resorb or warp.

When the septum is corrected at the same time, nasal obstruction may persist or recur, and in rare cases, septal perforation or changes in smell may occur.

Common potential risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, scarring, skin necrosis, and insufficient improvement; results vary depending on individual skin condition and previous surgical history.