Gangnam Rhinoplasty, Is Surgery Possible That Looks Natural and Preserves Function? — Complete Guide to Pig Nose and Breathing Preservation
Author: Director Lee Won (Plastic Surgeon, Specialist: Director of 21plastic surgery)
This content has been written in compliance with related laws including the Medical Service Act.
Is There Really Such a Thing as Natural Rhinoplasty That Creates a Pig Nose and Preserves Breathing?
To put it bluntly, depending on the surgical method and material selection, rhinoplasty that simultaneously preserves nasal tip movement (pig nose) and respiratory function is possible.
According to expert explanations introduced in Healthcare Korea News, "pig nose may be possible depending on the surgical method." In particular, when using auricular cartilage, according to a Medifo News report, "even over time there is almost no nasal deformity, and because it has soft tissue texture, pig nose where the nasal tip lifts is possible."
However, to achieve both of these things together, one prerequisite is necessary: A process of precisely diagnosing the individual's internal nasal structure before surgery — whether there is septal deviation, whether there is nasal valve stenosis — must be carried out first. Because even if you want the same result, if the internal nasal structure differs, the approach differs.
Quick Summary
When using autologous cartilage (auricular cartilage), it is advantageous for maintaining nasal tip flexibility (pig nose)
Respiratory preservation is also possible when combining functional design
However, pre-structural diagnosis is the starting point
The Core of Natural Rhinoplasty — It All Comes Down to How You Choose Materials and Functional Design
To simultaneously achieve 'possible pig nose + breathing preservation', you must consider material selection and functional structure design on both axes.
The Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery international clinical guideline (2017) defines rhinoplasty as "a surgical procedure that changes the shape or appearance of the nose while preserving or improving the nasal airway," and explicitly states aesthetic and functional preservation as simultaneous goals. Furthermore, the guideline emphasizes that "septoplasty can improve the nasal airway, so thorough pre-operative evaluation of the nasal septum is essential."
Review material and method characteristics through the table below.
| Category | Autologous Cartilage (Auricular Cartilage) | Autologous Cartilage (Nasal Septum, Rib Cartilage) |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal Tip Flexibility (Pig Nose) | ✓ Can Be Maintained | △ Limited |
| Foreign Body Reaction | Low | Low |
| Support Structure Strength | Medium | High Form Stability |
| Contraction (Shortening) Risk | Low | Low |
| Respiratory Function Preservation | Advantageous When Combined with Design | Separate Functional Design Needed |
According to clinical data, nasal septum and rib cartilage are evaluated as suitable materials for the role of supporting columns for the nose thanks to their firm and straight characteristics. Functional rhinoplasty is a surgery that improves internal nasal structure problems such as hypertrophic rhinitis, septal deviation, and nasal valve stenosis while simultaneously creating nasal lines, and in related clinical cases, the combination of aesthetics and function is confirmed.
Furthermore, a systematic literature review (2025) listed on PubMed concludes that function-preserving rhinoplasty (Dorsal Preservation) "preserves structural integrity, reduces graft necessity, and maintains or improves nasal airway function," evaluating it as an effective alternative to existing dorsal reduction techniques.
However, as commonly pointed out in clinical data, if nasal septum cartilage is excessively resected, there is risk of nasal obstruction and dorsal collapse, making precise quantity adjustment and experienced design important.
Why 21plastic surgery Looks at Both Rhinoplasty and Function
When considering rhinoplasty, many people focus only on "beautiful shape," but in fact, it is difficult to achieve good results without also looking at the internal nasal structure.
21plastic surgery starts with 'harmonious beauty' and conducts a customized diagnostic process that examines both external nasal form and internal function (nasal septum, nasal valve). Experience with patients of diverse nasal structures from not only Korea but also Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and North America forms the foundation of this process.
Specifically, diagnosis and design are conducted in the following order:
✓ Analysis of overall facial proportions and harmony of facial features
✓ Confirmation of nasal external form (dorsal height, nasal tip direction, nasal length)
✓ Evaluation of septal deviation and nasal valve stenosis
✓ Understanding individual tissue characteristics such as skin thickness and cartilage condition
✓ Determination of material (auricular cartilage, nasal septum cartilage, rib cartilage, prosthetic) and functional design direction
✓ Establishment of integrated plan encompassing aesthetic goals and scope of functional preservation
According to clinical data, the nasal valve is the narrowest respiratory passage located just inside the nostril, between the nasal septum and lateral cartilage; if the structure in this area collapses, nasal obstruction, headaches, and sleep disturbance may occur. From a total aesthetic surgery perspective, 21plastic surgery's approach is not to view the nose independently but to encompass this entire structure.
These People Need to Be Careful
If you're planning rhinoplasty, check in advance whether you fall under the categories below. If you have any applicable items, the surgical scope and material selection may differ, so pre-structural evaluation is absolutely necessary.
✓ People who have been diagnosed with septal deviation
✓ People who habitually have one side of their nose blocked or difficulty breathing
✓ Those whose nasal tip became shorter or stiff after previous rhinoplasty (history of contracted nose)
✓ People who have experienced headaches or sleep disturbance from nasal valve stenosis
✓ Those with history of silicone prosthetic insertion
✓ Those with purely aesthetic goals but accompanying nasal obstruction symptoms
According to Seoul National University Hospital medical information, septal deviation not only results in nasal obstruction but can lead to various symptoms including mouth breathing, heaviness in the head, memory decline, inattention, sleep disturbance, sleep apnea, and olfactory disorder. In clinical cases, it is known that as inflammation reaction around prosthetics accumulates, the nose becomes stiff, and if left untreated, the nasal tip gradually shortens, progressing to contracted nose where the nostrils appear lifted like a pig nose.
According to expert opinions introduced in Iroungwun.net, since surgical plans vary depending on individual nasal shape and skin condition, confirming surgical plans without internal structure diagnosis should be avoided. This is true even for purely aesthetic purposes.
Many people also come from nearby areas such as Shinnonhyeon rhinoplasty, Gangnam Station nasal surgery, Seocho rhinoplasty, and Yeoksam nasal surgery. If access to Gangnam is not difficult, we recommend getting at least a structural diagnosis before surgery.
If You're Curious About a Direction That Suits You, Check Through Consultation.
At 21plastic surgery, located between Shinnonhyeon Station and Gangnam Station, we help you find a natural rhinoplasty direction suited to your nasal internal structure and facial proportions.
Whether pig nose is possible and the scope of breathing preservation cannot be determined by anyone until the inside of the nose is directly examined. Because facial proportions, skin thickness, and cartilage condition vary from person to person, applying one method uniformly to everyone is not appropriate.
"I want a beautiful nose, but I'm worried that breathing might become uncomfortable after surgery" — we fully understand that concern. The starting point for resolving that worry is a diagnostic consultation. If you're curious about a direction that suits you, check through consultation.
Q&A
Q1. If I have rhinoplasty, really can't I lift my nasal tip like a pig nose?
It depends on the surgical method and material. When using autologous cartilage (auricular cartilage), nasal tip flexibility is maintained and pig nose movement is often possible. On the other hand, when securing the nasal tip with only nasal septum or rib cartilage, flexibility may be limited. It is important to consult about your nasal structure and desired results before surgery.
Q2. If I use nasal septum cartilage, won't there be problems with breathing?
When appropriate amounts are harvested and functional design is combined, respiratory problems often do not occur. However, if excessive resection occurs or septal extension is fixated too thickly, it can lead to nasal obstruction or dorsal collapse, making harvest amount determination and surgical design very important. This is exactly why precise nasal septum evaluation before surgery is necessary.
Q3. Among auricular cartilage, nasal septum cartilage, and autologous rib cartilage, which is more natural and better?
There is no "best material," and the optimal combination varies depending on the patient's nasal condition (skin thickness, existing nasal septum size, desired nasal tip shape). Rather than one being better than the other, the right choice differs depending on your nasal structure, skin thickness, and desired results. However, auricular cartilage utilization may be advantageous in terms of possible pig nose and nasal function.
Q4. Why does contracted nose (shortening of nasal tip) occur after rhinoplasty, and how is it prevented?
Contracted nose is a phenomenon where inflammation reaction around prosthetics accumulates, surrounding tissue becomes stiff, and the nasal tip gradually shortens. To prevent it, autologous cartilage utilization, precise material selection, and sufficient post-operative care are important. For cases where contracted nose has already progressed, structural redesign rather than simple revision surgery is needed, so obtaining an expert diagnosis first is recommended.
⚠️ Possibility of procedure side effects may vary depending on individual skin condition.