💡 Revision Rhinoplasty for Contracted and Pinched Nose: Achieving a Glamorous Straight-Semi-Oversized Profile with Autologous Rib and Ear Cartilage

Hello,

I am Dr. Young-moon Yoo, Director of VIBE Plastic Surgery.

The case I am introducing today is a woman in her 20s who decided to undergo revision surgery due to a pinched nasal tip and contraction following a previous rhinoplasty.

👃 Pre-operative Condition – Pinched Nose and Contraction

Although she had a history of rhinoplasty, over time, the tip of her nose became pinched, and a contraction phenomenon was progressing, making the entire nose appear upturned.

Adhesion of soft tissue at the nasal tip

Pressure caused by the implant

Hardening of the tissue (fibrosis)

Pinched alar cartilage

As a result, the nose became shorter, and her overall impression was becoming increasingly unnatural.

✨ Surgical Plan – Reconstruction and Line Correction Using Autologous Rib + Ear Cartilage

In such cases, simply replacing the implant does not provide a fundamental solution. Therefore, we established the following plan:

✔️ Use of Autologous Rib Cartilage

Regain the nasal length shortened by contraction

Ensure structural stability with strong support

Use the patient’s own rib cartilage for a natural reconstruction without rejection

✔️ Use of Ear Cartilage

Transform the pinched feeling of the nasal tip into a soft and natural look

Place cartilage in a ‘camping position’ to smoothly fill the space between the skin and cartilage

✔️ Straight-Semi-Oversized (Jik-ban) Line Design

To match the patient’s clear and glamorous features

Apply a sophisticated straight-semi-oversized design with a smooth connection from the forehead to the bridge and a slightly elevated tip

📷 Post-operative Changes

✔️ Natural restoration of the pinched nasal tip

✔️ Extension of the short, contracted nose to a stable length

✔️ Completion of a sophisticated nasal line that suits her glamorous face

✔️ Improvement of both profile and frontal views for a more three-dimensional impression

Most importantly, the patient was so satisfied that she said, ‘This is the nose I wanted to have the first time.’ 😊

✍️ Dr. Young-moon Yoo’s Comments

Revision rhinoplasty for a contracted nose is not just a simple cosmetic procedure. It is a high-difficulty surgery that requires three-dimensional reconstruction and harmonious design, considering existing tissue damage, adhesions, and the possibility of inflammation.

In particular, autologous rib cartilage has a high engraftment rate and is structurally strong, making it the most suitable material for contracted nose revision.

However, if used without skilled technique, it has disadvantages such as warping or becoming too hard, so delicate carving and secure fixation methods are essential.

✅ Consider revision surgery if:

The tip of the nose is gradually lifting and looking pinched

The nose is shortening, leading to an unnatural impression

The implant can be felt or the skin feels like it is thinning

You are dissatisfied with the results of a previous surgery

📍 VIBE Plastic Surgery performs nose reconstruction surgery considering both function and aesthetics, not just simple plastic surgery.

📍 We prioritize natural, harmonious results and patient satisfaction above all else.

If you have any questions, please feel free to consult with us :)

Consultation and surgery should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon!

VIBE that comes from rich experience

Young-moon Yoo, Representative Director of VIBE Plastic Surgery

VIBE Plastic Surgery complies with medical laws. These before-and-after photos were taken under the same conditions with the patient’s consent. Complications and side effects such as bleeding, inflammation, infection, and asymmetry may occur after surgery and vary by individual; caution is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do contracture nose and pinched nose refer to?

Contracture nose refers to the phenomenon where the nose shortens and lifts upwards after a previous rhinoplasty, resulting in an unnatural appearance, while pinched nose describes a condition where the nasal tip appears constricted due to cartilage adhesion or pressure from an implant. This can also cause the nostril cartilage to be pinched.

Why is autologous costal cartilage used for revision rhinoplasty for contracture nose?

Autologous costal cartilage is used to restore the shortened nasal length caused by contracture and provides strong support for structural stability. Furthermore, as it is the patient's own cartilage, it allows for natural reconstruction without rejection, making it the most suitable material for contracture nose revision surgery.

What role does ear cartilage play in revision rhinoplasty?

Ear cartilage is used to soften and naturalize the pinched appearance of the nasal tip. It helps create a natural nasal tip by positioning the cartilage in a 'camping position' to gently fill the space between the skin and cartilage.

In what cases should one consider revision rhinoplasty?

You might consider revision surgery if your nasal tip is progressively lifting and looking pinched, if your nose becomes shorter and your impression unnatural, if you can feel an implant or your skin feels thinner, or if you are dissatisfied with the results of your previous surgery.

Is contracture nose revision surgery a highly difficult procedure?

Yes, contracture nose revision surgery is a highly difficult procedure. It requires three-dimensional reconstruction and harmonious design, considering all factors such as existing tissue damage, adhesions, and the possibility of inflammation. Especially when using autologous costal cartilage, delicate carving and a secure fixation method are essential.