Key considerations when revising ear cartilage rhinoplasty with autologous rib cartilage

Hello, I am Dr. Peter C. Kang.

Today, I would like to share the case of an international patient who desired a more feminine, slimmer nasal line after a previous rhinoplasty and underwent revision rhinoplasty using autologous rib cartilage combined with facial autologous fat grafting.

About 1 year ago, the patient underwent rhinoplasty using ear cartilage and septal cartilage. As time passed after the surgery, the patient desired a more delicate, feminine nasal line and decided to undergo revision rhinoplasty.

• Lowering the radix to create a more natural line

• Refining the nasal bridge to be slightly slimmer and more slender

• Refining the nasal tip and alae to look slimmer and neater

• Creating an overall more feminine, delicate impression

1. Nasal tip reconstruction and nasolabial angle correction using autologous rib cartilage

• While reinforcing the support of the existing tip cartilage, autologous rib cartilage was used to adjust the orientation of the nasal tip so it would appear more projected and shorter. The nasolabial angle, which is the angle between the nasal tip and upper lip, was also corrected to create an overall softer, feminine impression.

2. Nasal bridge implant replacement and adjustment of the radix

• After removing the existing nasal bridge implant, a new implant was precisely carved to match the contours of the nose and reinserted. In particular, the radix was lowered to ensure a more natural transition between the eyes and the nose.

3. Nasal sill reduction

• To reduce the wide appearance of the alae and nasal sill, the nasal sill was delicately reduced. This resulted in a slimmer, neater alar line.

4. Autologous fat grafting (full face)

• Autologous fat was grafted across the entire face to create a more feminine, lively impression. Skin elasticity and volume improved naturally, giving the overall facial contour a much softer feel.

Front view changes

• The alae and nasal sill were neatly slimmed, giving the entire nose a slender appearance.

• Facial autologous fat grafting added natural volume to the cheeks and forehead.

Profile view changes

• The lowered radix created a natural transition line between the forehead and nose.

• Correction of the nasolabial angle brought the angle between the nasal tip and upper lip into feminine harmony.

Overall change in impression

• The facial features were refined to appear more delicate and feminine than before.

• Thanks to the autologous fat grafting, skin texture improved and the entire face gained vitality.

Beyond simple adjustment of the nasal line, this surgery required a comprehensive approach that considered the harmony between the nose and the entire face. Using autologous rib cartilage provides stronger support than ear cartilage or septal cartilage, making it advantageous for precisely designing the orientation and height of the nasal tip. By combining nasal sill reduction and nasolabial angle correction, a balanced improvement was achieved in both profile and front views.

In addition, performing facial autologous fat grafting together allows the rhinoplasty result to blend naturally within the context of the entire face. If only the nose changes, it may look awkward relative to other features; however, when volume and skin condition improve together, a more harmonious result can be expected. For patients seeking a more delicate, feminine transformation, this comprehensive approach can be helpful.

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

#closedrhinoplasty #closedrevisionrhinoplasty #revisionrhinoplasty #autologousribcartilagerhinoplasty #tiprhinoplasty #alarreduction #nasalsillreduction #nasolabialanglecorrection #autologousfatgrafting #internationalpatientrhinoplasty