Collapsed Nose Repair in Korea: Autologous Cartilage Reconstruction Explained

A collapsed nose can dramatically affect both appearance and breathing. It may occur after previous rhinoplasty, trauma, infection, or long-term implant complications. Korea is globally recognized for collapsed nose repair using autologous cartilage, offering advanced reconstructive techniques that rebuild strength, restore shape, and correct nasal airway collapse.

This guide explains how Korean surgeons repair a collapsed nose using a patient's own cartilage and why this approach delivers the strongest, most natural, and most stable results.

What Is a Collapsed Nose?

A collapsed nose happens when the internal structural support has weakened or failed. It may involve:

• A sunken or dented bridge
• Sidewall collapse, especially during breathing
• A pinched or narrowed tip
• A shortened or distorted nose contour
• Difficulty breathing due to internal valve collapse

This condition often worsens over time as scar tissue tightens and cartilage becomes weaker.

Common Causes of Nasal Collapse

A collapsed nose can occur due to:

• Implant complications (silicone or Gore-Tex)
• Infection after previous surgery
• Over-resection of cartilage during rhinoplasty
• Trauma or fracture
• Long-term implant erosion
• Contracture pulling the tissues inward
• Weak cartilage unable to support nasal airflow

Repair requires rebuilding the nose’s foundational structure—not simply reshaping it cosmetically.

Why Korea Uses Autologous Cartilage for Repair

Autologous cartilage (your own cartilage) is considered the gold standard in Korea because:

• It integrates naturally with existing tissues
• There is no risk of rejection
• It provides strong, long-lasting support
• It can be shaped to rebuild multiple areas
• It is ideal for revision and reconstructive cases

Most collapsed nose repairs require septal, ear, or rib cartilage depending on severity.

Types of Autologous Cartilage Used in Korea

1. Septal Cartilage

• First choice if still available
• Excellent for rebuilding bridge and tip structure
• Often limited in revision cases

2. Ear Cartilage

• Soft and curved
• Ideal for tip reconstruction or support
• Less ideal for major structural rebuilding

3. Rib Cartilage (Most Powerful Option)

Used for moderate to severe collapse, rib cartilage offers:

• The strongest stability
• Enough material for full reconstruction
• Ability to rebuild the bridge, middle vault, and tip
• Long-lasting structural support
• Smooth contouring for natural aesthetics

Korea is internationally known for its expertise in rib cartilage rhinoplasty, especially for complex collapsed noses.

How Surgeons in Korea Repair a Collapsed Nose

Korean surgeons follow a highly structured, layered approach:

1. Remove Damaged Structures

• Old implants
• Warped or infected tissue
• Scar tissue pulling the nose inward

This creates a clean foundation for rebuilding.

2. Rebuild the Nasal Bridge

Surgeons use rib or septal cartilage to create a stable dorsal framework:

• Straightens a collapsed bridge
• Restores gentle height and contour
• Reinforces middle vault support

This corrects the “scooped” or sunken appearance.

3. Strengthen the Nasal Valves for Breathing

Collapsed nasal valves cause severe airflow restriction.
Surgeons repair this using:

• Spreader grafts
• Batten grafts
• Lateral wall reinforcement

This restores proper airway function and prevents future collapse.

4. Reconstruct the Nasal Tip

A collapsed tip may be:

• Pinched
• Rotated upward
• Pulled inward by scar tissue

Tip repair may include:

• Ear or rib cartilage grafts
• Columellar strut
• Septal extension graft

This creates a strong, defined, and stable tip.

5. Lengthen or Correct Nose Shape

If the nose became shorter or distorted due to collapse:

• Septal extension grafts
• Extended spreader grafts
• Shield grafts

are used to restore natural length, symmetry, and aesthetic balance.

Who Needs Autologous Cartilage Reconstruction?

You may be a good candidate if you have:

• A sunken or dented bridge
• Implants that collapsed or shifted
• Contracture deformity
• Pinched or weakened nasal tip
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
• Severe asymmetry after previous surgery
• Trauma-induced collapse

These cases require specialized expertise found in Korea’s reconstructive rhinoplasty centers.

Recovery Process in Korea

• 1–2 weeks: Swelling and bruising improve
• 1–3 months: Nose stabilizes, tip softens
• 6–12 months: Final refined shape appears

Korean clinics often provide swelling reduction care and regular follow-up throughout your stay.

Why Korea Is a Global Leader in Collapsed Nose Repair

• High experience with complex revision cases
• Exceptional skill with autologous rib cartilage
• Natural, structural, and long-lasting results
• Advanced internal valve reconstruction methods
• Aesthetic and functional correction combined
• Sophisticated imaging and surgical planning

Patients from around the world choose Korea for collapsed nose repair because Korean surgeons rebuild the nose from the inside out — ensuring stability, beauty, and proper breathing.