Nasal obstruction from a severely deviated septum: why cartilage reconstruction is necessary

Hello, I am Dr. Peter C. Kang.

Today, I would like to share the case of a patient who visited our clinic seeking functional improvement after suffering from long-standing nasal obstruction.

This is a primary rhinoplasty case with no prior history of nasal surgery.

• Relief from daily recurring nasal obstruction

• A natural nasal shape that harmonizes with the face

• Subtle, unexaggerated change

1. Septal reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage

Because the septum was deviated very severely to the left, autologous rib cartilage was harvested to reconstruct the septum straight. This was a structural approach designed to address the root cause of the nasal obstruction.

2. Septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction

Straightening the deviated septum opened the nasal passages, and reducing the hypertrophied inferior turbinates improved airflow.

3. Correction of right alar depression

A dermal graft was placed to naturally fill the depressed area, improving external asymmetry.

4. Correction of nasolabial angle

The profile silhouette was naturally refined to improve facial harmony while keeping structural shape changes minimal, creating a refined line.

Front view changes:

Correcting the alar asymmetry established a well-balanced nasal contour while preserving a natural nasal line.

Profile view changes:

Adjusting the nasolabial angle completed a refined profile line, achieving a natural change that was not overdone.

Functional improvement:

Straightening the septum that had been severely deviated to the left resolved the nasal obstruction, and opening both nasal passages allowed smooth, comfortable breathing.

Nasal obstruction goes beyond simple discomfort, significantly affecting sleep quality and daily life. In cases like this where the septum is severely deviated, correction using only the remaining septal cartilage is difficult, making reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage necessary.

Autologous rib cartilage provides sufficient volume and structural strength, offering the advantage of reliably correcting even severe deviations. In addition, dermis was grafted into the depressed alar area to restore natural volume.

The key focus of this surgery was to prioritize functional improvement while keeping cosmetic changes subtle. In accordance with the patient's requests, we concentrated on creating a nose that was not overdone and remained harmonious with the face.

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

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