Contracted Nose Revision in Korea

Contracture occurs when the internal nasal space shrinks due to scar tissue and inflammation following a previous rhinoplasty. A firm fibrous capsule forms around the implant and tissue contraction causes the nose to appear shortened, upturned, or deviated. The degree and cause may vary among individuals and require detailed diagnosis.

The existing implant is removed and the fibrous capsule and scar tissue inside the nose are debrided. The compromised support structure is then rebuilt using autologous tissue such as autologous costal cartilage to correct the nasal length, height, and line. The surgical method varies depending on the degree of contracture, so an individualized plan is developed following 3D-CT evaluation.

Contracted noses require strong structural support, so autologous tissues such as autologous costal cartilage, septal cartilage, and autologous dermis are prioritized. The choice of tissue is individualized based on nasal condition, degree of contraction, and previous surgical history.

Even multiple revisions are possible depending on individual conditions, though nasal and overall health status are paramount. Multiple revisions require careful assessment of existing nasal tissue and available autologous tissue, so we recommend confirming feasibility through consultation.

Stepping occurs when the connection between the bridge and tip is disrupted. In revision surgery, the length and height design of the tip are critical. We aim to improve the step and create a naturally continuous nasal line by ensuring continuity from the bridge through to the tip.

Revision surgery is more complex than initial surgery. Suture removal and return to daily activities typically occur 7–14 days post-op, with approximately 2–3 follow-up visits required. Swelling and bruising vary by individual health status, and final results develop gradually over several months.

Capsular contracture may be suspected if, after surgery, the nose looks shorter or upturned, feels hard around the implant, or gives a foreign-body sensation. However, the thickness of the capsule and the extent of scarring cannot be determined from appearance alone, so we make a judgment after checking the existing implant and the contracture with a 3D CT scan.

Because tissue needs time to stabilize after the previous surgery, it is common to recommend revision surgery after a certain period. However, in situations such as infection, implant exposure, or severe breathing difficulty, you should come for a consultation right away rather than wait. Whether now is the right time for surgery is also determined at diagnosis.

We remove the capsule and scar tissue to free up the space that had been pulled tight, then build a support structure with your own tissue to restore length and height. How much length can be restored depends on the remaining tissue and the degree of contracture, so we explain after diagnosis.

If contracture pulls one side more, the nose may look crooked or become asymmetrical. However, the cause can also be a deviation of the nasal bone or septum itself, so we use 3D CT to distinguish whether it is a structural problem or a soft-tissue problem before deciding on the approach.

No surgery completely eliminates the possibility of recurrent contracture. Using autologous tissue first can reduce the risk of capsule formation that can occur with artificial implants, but results vary from person to person. That is why regular follow-up after surgery is important.

Yes. 3D CT allows us to check the type and position of the existing implant, the degree of contracture, and the condition of the remaining tissue. It is helpful for your consultation if you bring notes on the date of your previous surgery, the materials used, and the clinic where it was performed, as best you can remember.

Removing only the implant and leaving the nose in its natural state is an option, but when tissue has been pulled by contracture, the nose can look even shorter. That is why, in most cases, a support structure is built with autologous tissue at the same time. Which approach is right is decided during the consultation after looking at the condition of the tissue.

It depends on the degree of contracture and the extent of reconstruction, and it takes longer if autologous costal cartilage harvesting is included. The anesthesia method is also determined by the scope of surgery, and suitability is confirmed through pre-anesthesia testing. We will explain the exact details after diagnosis.

Regular follow-up takes place at 1 day, 5 days, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery, and in between you can ask about your progress via WhatsApp. With revision surgery, it is important to monitor progress over a long period, so we check according to a set schedule.

There are complications that can generally occur after surgery, such as bleeding, infection, inflammation, and re-contracture, and their degree varies from person to person. Because the difficulty and results of revision surgery can vary with tissue condition, please decide after a thorough consultation.

Dr. Daehee Han, our representative director, personally handles consultations, performs surgery, and conducts post-operative follow-up. Dr. Daehee Han is a board-certified plastic surgeon (certified in 2014) and has performed more than 4,500 nose surgeries in total (based on medical records from 2017–2025).