Why one nostril shows more from the front and how to reconstruct the nasal tip

Hello, I am Dr. Peter C. Kang.

Today, I would like to introduce a rhinoplasty case of a patient who traveled to our clinic from overseas. This was a case where nasal tip shape improvement was performed alongside correction of nostril asymmetry.

- No prior history of surgery

The patient was concerned about nasal tip shape and nostril asymmetry.

Main requests:

• Improving the shape of the nasal tip

• Correcting excessive nostril show from the front

• Improving nostril asymmetry (especially on the right side)

• Natural bridge line

1. Nasal tip reconstruction using donor rib cartilage and septal cartilage

Donor rib cartilage and septal cartilage were used together to rebuild the nasal tip.

Advantages of donor rib cartilage:

• No burden of autologous rib cartilage harvesting

• Able to secure a sufficient amount of cartilage

• Maintaining tip shape with firm structural support

• Provides structural stability when used in conjunction with septal cartilage

Combining the two types of cartilage created a solid foundation for the nasal tip structure.

2. Right alar rim lowering

Excessive and asymmetrical nostril show seen from the front was corrected. In particular, lowering the right alar rim helped balance both sides and reduced frontal nostril show.

3. Refining the nasal bridge with a silicone implant

To ensure a natural transition to the nasal tip, a silicone implant was carved to fit the patient's nasal anatomy and placed. This created a smooth, continuous line from the nasal bridge down to the tip.

Front view changes:

• Improved nostril asymmetry

• Reduced nostril show from the front

• Balanced nasal shape between left and right

Profile view changes:

• Naturally refined nasal tip

• Smooth transition between the nasal bridge and tip

• Achieving a natural nasal line

Nostril view changes:

• Better symmetry achieved by lowering the right alar rim

• Reduction of nostril show

• Stable nostril shape

Nostril asymmetry significantly affects the front-view impression of the nose. When one nostril is visibly more exposed or asymmetrical, it can affect the overall facial balance.

In this surgery, donor rib cartilage and septal cartilage were used together to solidly reconstruct the nasal tip structure, and nostril asymmetry was addressed through right alar rim lowering. Because donor rib cartilage provides an ample supply of cartilage without the burden of autologous harvest, it can be a suitable option for international patients.

Knowing that the patient chose our clinic from overseas, the surgery was performed meticulously to achieve the intended result. I hope this case serves as a helpful reference for those with similar concerns. This has been Medical Director Dr. Peter C. Kang. Thank you.

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