How to remove embedded lifting threads from the nose and reconstruct the nasal structure

Hello, I am Dr. Peter C. Kang.

Today, I would like to share the case of a patient who visited our clinic after experiencing discomfort with both nasal shape and nasal obstruction following a lifting thread procedure performed at a Korean medicine clinic.

Initial examination findings

Complaint of mild nasal obstruction symptoms
20 to 30 residual lifting threads placed at a Korean medicine clinic
Aesthetic dissatisfaction due to a long philtrum and protruding lips
Overall unnatural nasal line

Front, left profile, and oblique views during design consultation.

Preoperative analysis results

In the front view, a blunt nasal tip, a wide nose, and a retracted columella were observed.

From the profile view, protruding lips and a short nose were noticeable, characterized by a retracted columella and a high radix.

The nostrils differed in size from left to right and had an overall flared appearance.

Right profile, oblique, and nostril views during design consultation.

🔧 Surgical plan and procedure

1. The existing lifting threads and surrounding foreign material were completely removed.

How to remove embedded lifting threads from the nose and reconstruct the nasal structure — Photo 7

Removed foreign material

2. Using both septal cartilage and donor rib cartilage, the shape of the nasal tip was naturally refined.

3. The deviated septum was corrected, and the inferior turbinates were reduced using a radiofrequency laser to achieve functional improvement as well.

How to remove embedded lifting threads from the nose and reconstruct the nasal structure — Before surgery / day 0 immediately after surgery. Photos taken immediately after surgery include swelling and may differ from the final result.

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

🌟 Surgical results

In the front view, the wide appearance was improved, transforming into a refined and natural nasal tip.

From the profile view, a natural nasal line was established, and the columella was lowered appropriately, also improving the appearance of the protruding mouth.

The nostril asymmetry was also corrected, yielding an overall well-balanced result.

Front, profile, and oblique views taken immediately after surgery (day 0).Immediate postoperative photos show swelling and may differ from the final result.

How to remove embedded lifting threads from the nose and reconstruct the nasal structure — This is a day 0 nostril view immediately after surgery. Photos taken immediately after surgery include 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.

💡 Closing remarks

This case addressed both the foreign material issue resulting from a thread lifting procedure and the functional nasal concerns at the same time. Because foreign materials such as lifting threads can cause inflammation or contracture over the long term, complete removal is essential.

Reconstruction using autologous and donor cartilage supports a stable result over the long term, and the concurrent functional surgery improved the patient's quality of life. This case reaffirmed that rhinoplasty must always take functional aspects into account beyond simple cosmetic enhancement.

I hope this case is helpful to those experiencing discomfort after lifting thread or filler procedures.

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

Thank you.

#closedrhinoplasty #liftingthreadremoval #nasalreconstruction #functionalimprovement #naturalnose #septalextension #donorribcartilagerhinoplasty #foreignmaterialremoval

These before-and-after photos apply only to the specific patient shown; expected results can only be determined in consultation with a doctor. The following complications may occur after any surgery. Infection: Prevented with disinfection and antibiotic injections or oral medication, but revision surgery may rarely be required. (Less than 0.5%) Bleeding: Nasal packing is placed for 1–2 days to minimize bleeding. (Occasional bleeding may occur after rhinitis surgery.) Allergic reaction Asymmetry: During consultation, we explain that improvement may not be complete, depending on facial asymmetry and the condition of the nose. Insufficient cosmetic or functional improvement Other complications, such as excessive scarring or skin necrosis, may also occur.

How to remove embedded lifting threads from the nose and reconstruct the nasal structure — Photo 21

Limitations and risks

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

When foreign materials such as injected fillers are removed and reconstructed, contracture may recur, nasal height and length may decrease, and staged surgery may be necessary depending on the skin condition.

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.

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