1. What is Autologous Costal Cartilage Nose Revision?
Nose revision surgery is performed when a prior rhinoplasty produced unsatisfactory results, or when implant-related complications have developed.
In revision, the existing implant is removed and the damaged tissue is cleaned out. The nose is then rebuilt using autologous costal (rib) cartilage. Because this is the patient's own tissue, there is no foreign-body reaction — it is safe, abundant, and well-suited to complex reconstructions.
Why Autologous Costal Cartilage?
Ample Cartilage Volume
Unlike septal or auricular cartilage, ample volume can be harvested — enabling wide-area reconstruction.
Autologous Tissue — Minimal Infection / Extrusion Risk
Because it is the patient's own tissue, foreign-body reaction, infection, and implant extrusion risks are essentially eliminated.
Excellent Structural Support
Rib cartilage is firm yet flexible — outstanding at providing stable support for the rebuilt nose.
Resolves Silicone / Gore-Tex Implant Complications
Definitively addresses problems caused by prior implants — capsular contracture, visible implant, infection, and more.
2. When Revision is Needed
Visible / Palpable Implant
A silicone or Gore-Tex implant can be seen through or felt under the skin. As the skin thins over time, this typically becomes more pronounced.
Tip Capsular Contracture
A capsule (scar shell) has formed around the implant, leading to a hard, upturned, contracted tip.
Asymmetry
The nose has shifted to one side or appears left-right asymmetric as a result of the prior surgery.
Unhappy with Nose Shape
The prior result looks unnatural or doesn't match the desired shape, or the nose is too high or too low.
Revision Timing
Generally, we recommend waiting at least 6 months to 1 year after the previous surgery before revision. However, in emergencies such as infection or implant extrusion, immediate evaluation is required.
3. Surgical Steps
Precise Diagnosis
Imaging including 3D CT is used to precisely assess the current nasal state, position of the existing implant, and the surrounding tissue.
Implant Removal and Tissue Clean-Up
The existing implant is removed safely, and the surrounding capsule and damaged tissue are meticulously cleaned out.
Costal Cartilage Harvest
Rib cartilage is harvested from the lower chest. The harvest scar is minimized and fades to near-invisibility over time.
Cartilage Carving and Grafting
The harvested cartilage is precisely carved and grafted to the dorsum, tip, and other areas as needed to stably rebuild the nasal structure.
Final Fixation
Grafts are stably fixed; the overall nose line, harmony, and symmetry are checked before completing the procedure.
4. Our Nose-Revision Strengths
Extensive Revision Experience
A broad case archive of revisions informs an optimal plan tailored to each patient's specific situation.
Precise Cartilage-Carving Technique
Meticulous carving technique minimizes the warping tendency of rib cartilage and preserves long-term stability.
Natural Result
Rather than forcing dramatic changes, we pursue a nose line that fits the patient's facial proportions naturally.
Structured Aftercare
Regular post-op visits and a structured aftercare program keep recovery on track.
5. Recovery Timeline
Day After Surgery — Dressing & Check
The nose and the chest harvest site are dressed and inspected. The nasal splint remains in place.
Splint & Suture Removal
The nasal splint and sutures are removed. Swelling is still present, but the initial nose contour is already visible.
Swelling Down, Return to Daily Life
Most swelling has resolved and patients return to normal activities. The chest harvest site has stabilized.
Nose Line Settles
Residual swelling continues to subside; the nose line becomes increasingly defined and natural.
Final Result
All swelling has fully resolved and the grafted rib cartilage has completely stabilized — the final result is visible.
Care of the Costal Harvest Site
The harvest site at the lower chest is accessed through a small ~2–3 cm incision; the scar fades to near-invisibility over time. Some chest discomfort can persist for about 2–3 weeks but steadily improves.
Before & After
Case #1
Silicone removal + rib cartilage reconstruction / 6 months post-op
Before
before.jpg
After
after.jpg
Case #2
Tip contracture correction + rib cartilage graft / 4 months post-op
Before
before.jpg
After
after.jpg
Notice: All images are published with patient consent. Individual results may vary.
Book Your Autologous Costal Cartilage Nose Revision Consultation
Safe, definitive nose reconstruction —
built with your own tissue.