Autologous rib graft
The patient's own rib cartilage rebuilds strong, lasting structure where scar tissue has taken hold.
StrengthHighRejectionNone
Rhinoplasty
Revision Rhinoplasty
재수술 코성형
The most demanding nose we do — rebuilding a previous result with scarred tissue and less margin for error.
Duration2–3 hours
AnesthesiaSleep / general
Recovery1–2 weeks
Overview
Revision rhinoplasty corrects a nose that has become contracted, deviated, over-projected or unnatural after earlier surgery. It is the most technically demanding nasal work: scar tissue must be released, previous implants often removed, and structure rebuilt — frequently with the patient's own rib or ear cartilage — to restore both shape and breathing. Because the margin for error is smaller, planning is meticulous and expectations are set honestly from the first consultation.
Before & after
Individual results vary; images are shared with patient consent.
Notice: To protect patient privacy, the images shown are based on photographs of actual patients; however, identifying features have been modified using AI retouching technology. These images are provided solely to aid understanding of surgical outcomes and may differ from actual photographs. Individual results may vary.
Methods & options
Contracture release
Scarred, contracted tissue is released and re-draped to restore length and a natural line.
FocusShort noseEffectRestores length
Implant exchange
A problematic or exposed implant is removed and replaced with autologous structure.
SafetyImprovedFeelNatural
Comparing the three approaches
Criterion
Autologous Rib Graft
Contracture Release
Implant Exchange
What it does
Rebuilds a strong nasal framework using the patient's own rib cartilage
Releases scarred tissue and restores nasal length and shape
Removes the old silicone implant and replaces it with rib cartilage
Who it suits
Patients with a weakened framework, saddle nose deformity, or multiple previous operations
Patients with contracture (a "shortened" nose) and significant scarring
Patients with a displaced or visible silicone implant, or one that has caused complications
Result
A strong, stable structure with no rejection
Restored nasal length and a normalised nasolabial angle
A natural contour, resolved complications, lasting stability
Material
The patient's own rib cartilage
The patient's own tissue, plus cartilage where needed
Silicone removed, replaced with rib cartilage
Complexity
High — cartilage harvest, carving, stabilisation
High — working through scar tissue
High — capsule removal and reconstruction
Recovery
2–4 weeks
2–4 weeks
2–4 weeks
Risks
Cartilage warping, donor-site complications
Recurrence of contracture, undercorrection
Recurrence of contracture, undercorrection
Core values
01
Rebuild, not patch
We restore a sound framework rather than adding to a compromised one.
02
Own-tissue priority
Where possible we use your own cartilage for durability and biocompatibility.
03
Honest planning
Revision has limits; we map what is realistically achievable before we begin.
Precautions
- 01Expect a longer, more gradual recovery than a first rhinoplasty.
- 02Protect a rib-graft donor site as advised while it heals.
- 03Avoid glasses and pressure on the nose for 4–6 weeks.
- 04Do not smoke — healing of scarred tissue is especially sensitive.
- 05Keep every follow-up so the reconstructed structure is monitored.
At a glance
| Procedure time | 2–3 hours |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Sleep sedation or general |
| Downtime | 1–2 weeks |
| Results settle | 6–12 months, lasting |
Who should consider this
- 01A short, contracted or 'pinched' nose after previous surgery.
- 02A deviated, asymmetric or over-projected result.
- 03A visible, shifted or exposed implant.
- 04Breathing difficulty following an earlier operation.
Revision is humbling work. You inherit someone else's scar tissue and a patient's lost trust. My job is to rebuild both — carefully, and without over-promising.
Sangwon Lee, M.D., PhD.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Revision work asks for humility before skill. I listen to what the first surgery left unfinished, then finish it carefully.
Daeyoung Kim, M.D., PhD.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
The process
01Consult
Analysis & consultation
Facial-proportion mapping and an unhurried 1:1 discussion of your concerns and goals.
02Design
Bespoke design
A plan drawn to your own anatomy and facial balance — never a template.
03Procedure
Structural rebuild
Scar release, implant removal and reconstruction with autologous cartilage under sedation or general.
04Care
Recovery & follow-up
Splint off at 1–2 weeks, then extended reviews as the rebuilt structure settles over months.
Frequently asked
Scar tissue, altered anatomy and previous grafts leave less healthy structure to work with, so it demands more planning and often your own rib cartilage.
Frequently, yes — a problematic or exposed implant is removed and replaced with autologous structure.
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Get in touch
5F, 4 Sangmu-jungang-ro 28beon-gil, Seo-gu, GwangjuDirections & map apps
Booking & consultation062-227-3777
WeekdaysAM 09:30 – PM 06:30WeekendSaturday AM 09:00 – PM 03:00 (Lunch break 12:30–13:00)Closed Sundays and public holidays