Short and upturned nose with insufficient septal cartilage: how to lengthen it with rib cartilage reinforcement

Hello, I am Dr. Peter C. Kang.

Today, I would like to share the story of a patient who visited our clinic ahead of the Chuseok holiday for a meaningful transformation. This case involved correcting both a short, upturned nose and a receding chin at the same time.

• 7 years ago: Nose filler procedure followed by removal

• 6 years ago: Surgery using ear cartilage, septal cartilage, and a silicone implant

• Current condition: Chronic rhinitis, nasal obstruction (more severe on the left side than the right)

Because a significant amount of septal cartilage had been harvested during the previous surgery, the remaining septal cartilage was deficient and small.

• Decreased nostril show

• A refined, glamorous look

• Creating an attractive straight bridge line

• Natural facial proportions without making the eyes appear close-set

• Securing adequate recovery time using the Chuseok holiday

Main surgical details:

1. Revision rhinoplasty with autologous rib cartilage

• Sufficiently reinforcing the deficient septal cartilage

• Strengthening nasal tip support to promote long-term stability

2. Septal reconstruction

• Reinforcing the remaining septum with autologous rib cartilage

• Achieving both structural stability and functional improvement simultaneously

3. Nasolabial angle correction

• Naturally correcting the short, upturned appearance

• Achieving a refined, glamorous straight bridge line

4. Functional nasal surgery

• Septoplasty: Relieving nasal obstruction by correcting the deviated septum

• Inferior turbinate reduction: Fundamentally improving rhinitis symptoms

5. Concurrent receding chin correction

• Structural correction following chin filler removal

• Harmonious balance between the nose and chin

* Key points of correction

• Adjusting the radix: Lowering it slightly to correct the short, upturned appearance

• Improving the nasolabial angle: Creating a natural yet glamorous profile line

• Overall balance: Correcting the nose and chin together to harmonize the entire face

Frontal changes:

• Naturally lengthening the short, upturned nasal tip

• Substantially reducing nostril show

• Harmoniously improving the proportion between the eyes and the nose

Profile changes:

• Transforming the blunt, upturned nasal tip into a glamorous straight bridge line

• Refining the profile silhouette with an improved nasolabial angle

• Harmonizing the jawline as well for an overall refined profile

Functional improvements:

• Improving chronic rhinitis symptoms

• Relieving left-sided nasal obstruction to allow smooth breathing

• Securing structural stability to support long-term satisfaction

This procedure was meaningful in several respects.

First, securing structural stability: By reinforcing the septal cartilage that had been depleted from previous surgery with autologous rib cartilage, we were able to support a stable long-term result. Rather than simply changing the external shape, solidifying the structural foundation is the core of revision rhinoplasty.

Second, harmonizing function and aesthetics: While resolving functional issues such as rhinitis and nasal obstruction, we achieved the glamorous, refined straight bridge line the patient desired. I believe the true goal of rhinoplasty is to satisfy both medical necessity and aesthetic expectations.

Third, overall facial harmony: Performing rhinoplasty alongside receding chin correction brought balance and harmony to the entire face. In particular, correcting the chin—which had appeared relatively more recessed due to the short, upturned nose—transformed the facial contours into a refined, well-balanced look.

Fourth, the timing of the surgery: Utilizing the extended recovery period of the Chuseok holiday allowed for a stable early recovery. Such careful planning is also an important element of a successful outcome.

The most critical factor in revision rhinoplasty is accurately assessing the tissue alterations and structural limitations from previous surgeries, then selecting the appropriate technique to address them. In this patient's case, a structural approach using autologous rib cartilage successfully achieved both stability and aesthetic refinement.

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

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