Hello, I am Dr. Peter C. Kang.
Today, I would like to introduce the case of a patient who improved a dorsal hump reduction outcome and a bulbous nasal tip using only autologous rib cartilage.
Front, left profile, and oblique views during design consultation
📍 Surgical history
• 3 years ago: Septal cartilage surgery + dorsal hump reduction
🔎 Initial consultation findings
Right profile, oblique, and nostril views during design consultation
Front view
• Bulbous, wide nasal tip
• Depressed-looking nasal dorsum
• Nostril asymmetry
2. Profile view
• Persistent hump-like appearance
• Nose that appears excessively long
• Acute nasolabial angle
• Bulbous nasal tip
3. Nostrils
• Left-right asymmetry (from prior alar reduction)
• Columella deviated to the left
✨ Patient's requests
• Did not want to use silicone implants
• Relief of rhinitis symptoms
• Natural yet distinct, aesthetically pleasing transformation
• Preserving nasal bridge height
💉 Surgical procedure details
Structural improvement
• Nasal bridge elevation using autologous rib cartilage
• Dorsal line contouring using autologous rib cartilage
• Striving for natural results through implant-free surgery
2. Shape improvement
• Cartilage repositioning
• Improving a bulbous tip through cartilage binding
• Nasolabial angle correction
3. Asymmetry correction
• Asymmetry correction via lower lateral cartilage repositioning and cartilage binding
• Columellar repositioning
• Securing overall facial balance
✅ Surgical results
Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.
Front view
• Refined nasal tip shape
• Well-proportioned dorsal height
• Improved nostril symmetry
Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.
2. Profile view
• Smooth, natural dorsal contour
• Balanced nasal length
• Improved nasolabial angle
• Refined nasal tip
Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.
3. Function
• Improvement of rhinitis symptoms
• Stable structure
Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.
👨⚕️ Specialist's assessment
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.
This was a case where the patient desired an implant-free approach while hoping for a subtly refined, natural aesthetic change. Using only autologous rib cartilage, the height of the nasal bridge and dorsum was naturally maintained, while the bulbous tip was refined through cartilage repositioning and binding techniques. In particular, correcting the asymmetry caused by the previous alar reduction allowed us to achieve an overall harmonious outcome.
This was Dr. Peter C. Kang. Thank you.
Thank you.
#closedrhinoplasty #rhinoplasty #autologousribcartilage #rhinitissurgery #customrhinoplasty
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 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.