Why Medpor in the nose causes nasal obstruction, and how Medpor removal and septal reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage are performed

Hello, I am Dr. Peter C. Kang.

Today, I would like to share a reconstruction case of a patient who visited our clinic suffering from complications caused by Medpor. Let us look at how this situation can be resolved safely and effectively.

• Rhinoplasty 10 years ago using silicone implant and cartilage

• Medpor used for septal extension

• Current nasal obstruction symptoms (left > right), accompanied by rhinitis

Medpor is an artificial material; while it may seem convenient initially, it can cause various problems over time, so I personally do not recommend it.

• Wanted the columella to look natural

• Wanted the mouth to appear less protruding

• Wanted relief from the blocked nose

• Requested naturally lowering the radix

These requests truly reflected how earnest the patient felt.

Although the patient had undergone only one prior surgery, the structural situation was extremely complex.

1. Complete removal of Medpor

• The septum was severely weakened due to excessive septal cartilage harvesting during the previous surgery

• The septal condition was further worsened by Medpor

2. Septal reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage

• Using biocompatible autologous tissue planned with safety in mind

• Restoring structural stability of the septum

3. Lower lateral cartilage reconstruction

• Almost no lower lateral cartilage remaining on either side

• Comprehensive reconstruction using autologous cartilage

4. Functional improvement

Relieving nasal obstruction through septoplasty

Submucosal resection of the inferior turbinate using radiofrequency

5. Aesthetic improvement

• Naturally adjusting the radix

• Improvement of protruding mouth through nasolabial angle correction

The most crucial step, Medpor removal, was completed successfully, and a sturdy septum could be reconstructed using autologous rib cartilage.

Functional improvement

• Clear relief from the blocked nose

• Significant alleviation of rhinitis symptoms

Aesthetic improvement

• Achieved a natural columellar line

• Improved overall facial balance by addressing the protruding mouth

This case once again highlighted the limitations of artificial materials like Medpor. While Medpor may seem convenient initially, it can weaken surrounding tissues over time and cause various complications.

In particular, when used in a core nasal structure such as the septum, it can severely compromise the overall stability of the nose, requiring extreme caution. In such cases, reconstruction using autologous tissue may be the most suitable and reliable option.

Although harvesting autologous rib cartilage may cause slight discomfort, it offers excellent biocompatibility, does not resorb, and demonstrates the most stable results over the long term. In cases like this patient, where tissues have sustained significant damage from prior surgery, it is an even more essential choice.

I will continue to address these challenging reconstruction cases with safety and success. I hope this provides reassurance to those who are experiencing similar concerns.

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

#MedporRemoval #SeptalReconstruction #AutologousRibCartilage #ClosedRhinoplasty #ClosedRevisionRhinoplasty #NasalObstructionRelief #ArtificialMaterialComplications