While in the CIS countries, Turkey, and Europe, Asian nose plastic surgery is considered a complex and challenging procedure, South Korean surgeons have perfected the process to the smallest detail. There is no better place than South Korea for correcting and elevating the nasal bridge. Procedures involving silicone implants, rib and ear cartilage donors, and the correction of a wide nasal tip are part of the daily routine for local rhinoplasty specialists.
Watch our videos on Asian rhinoplasty and nasal bridge augmentation YouTube.
Brief Information about the surgery
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Surgery Time: 1.5 hours
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Type of Anesthesia: Sedation and local anesthesia
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Hospitalization: 2-3 hours
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Return to Normal Life: The next day
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Clinic Visits: 2-3 times
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Stitches Removal: Day 7
Why do patients consider rhinoplasty?
Ethnic Features: The shape of the nose in individuals of Asian descent noticeably differs from those of European or African descent. Therefore, patients turn to surgical correction to make it more elegant and textured.
Who is a suitable candidate for the surgery?
Asian rhinoplasty using implants is ideal for individuals with Asian facial features who wish to enhance the shape and size of their nose while preserving their ethnic characteristics. This procedure is suitable for those who want to increase the height of the nasal bridge, change the shape of the nasal tip, or correct deviations. Candidates should have good overall health and realistic expectations regarding the results.
Why South Korea?
South Korea annually performs the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons here. Korea’s medical equipment and technology are on par with the United States and Germany, placing it in the top 3 countries with the best technical equipment for clinics.
All rhinoplasty surgeries are performed in accredited clinics authorized to treat foreign patients, with in-house anesthesiologists. All surgeons operating on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specialize in rhinoplasty, and perform no more than 2 surgeries per day. Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE so that we can calculate the cost of your treatment, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for the surgery.
Book a consultation with a clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!
You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Preparing for rhinoplasty in South Korea:
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Fasting: Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.
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Medications: Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (including Advil or Motrin), and other medications that may increase the risk of bleeding for 2 weeks before the operation. Tylenol is prohibited only within 3 days before the surgery.
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Smoking: Do not smoke, including hookah and e-cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down tissue healing. If you smoke, the doctor may recommend quitting before the surgery. Some doctors may refuse to perform surgery on smoking patients due to the high risk of complications. Avoid being near smokers, whether it’s friends or family, or in public smoking areas.
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Medical history: Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you have undergone. Mention any medications you have recently taken or are currently taking. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.
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Consultation with the surgeon: Visit the surgeon for a consultation and show them photos of the desired result. Most clients from CIS countries want a thin, straight, and slightly lifted nose (referred to as a “half-moon” among doctors). If you want a different shape, be sure to inform the coordinator.
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Medical tests: If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, all necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.
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Transportation: Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the operation if you plan to arrive by car.
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Prepare essentials: Place items near your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone.
Surgery process – changing the shape of the nose:
After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon makes a careful incision on the inner side of the nostrils and the columella, lifting the upper part of the nose to reveal the cartilage and the base of the bone. A silicone implant or rib cartilage, the shape of which has been pre-selected and adjusted by the surgeon, is then placed on the nose bridge.
The shape of the nasal tip and, if necessary, the shape of the nostrils are corrected. At the end of the operation, stitches are applied to the columella and the inner part of the nostrils, tampons and silicone plates are inserted into the nose, and medical tapes are attached to the nose bridge to secure the result and prevent displacement of the implant due to accidental trauma during rehabilitation.
What to expect after rhinoplasty
After the surgery is completed, a translator or nurses will wake you up and assist you to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed due to the effect of anesthesia.
In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may experience chills. This will pass quickly, and there is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There is almost no pain on the first day; it is dulled by pain relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. However, you may feel the nose starting to swell, which is normal as the body begins the regeneration process.
The most discomfort is caused by cotton tampons and silicone plates. They can be used together or separately (each doctor has their own technique). Breathing becomes difficult, and you may need to breathe through your mouth, which can cause dry lips (be sure to bring lip balm with you to the surgery).
A cold compress will be provided to you within a few minutes after waking up. You can apply it not only to the areas around the nose but also to other parts of the face. The more you use the compress in the first week after the surgery, the faster the swelling will go down.
You will stay in the clinic for an additional 2-4 hours after the surgery. There will be a catheter in your arm, and medications will be administered through it. After the catheter is removed, the coordinator and nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change clothes, pick up medications, and receive post-operative recommendations.
By the evening, pain sensations may intensify. Be sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, as they contain pain relievers. Apply the cold compress every few minutes. Fluid may leak from the nose (gently wipe it away with a tissue), and you may feel tingling and mild headaches in the surgical area. These symptoms are completely normal, and your main task is to be patient and endure for a few days.
Over the next three days, the swelling will increase, and your eyelids and forehead may swell. Do not be alarmed and continue to apply the cold compress and follow the rehabilitation rules. After the tampons or plates are removed (depending on the patient’s case, they can be inside for 1 to 7 days), you will find it much easier to breathe, but your nose may start running more. Continue to gently wipe away the fluid and do not blow your nose or pick at the crusts inside your nose. The nurses will remove them during the clinic check-up.
Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Rhinoplasty recovery process
Immediately after the rhinoplasty procedure: you will have nasal packing and silicone plates inside your nose, as well as medical tapes on the bridge of your nose. Pain is minimal in the first few hours, and there may be some fluid discharge from the nose. You can leave the clinic within 2-4 hours if you are feeling well.
Days 1-2: The surgeon is likely to remove the nasal packing and silicone plates during this period. Swelling peaks at the end of the second day, affecting not only the nose but also the eyes and even the forehead. Bruising may also appear. It’s advisable to apply cold compresses frequently and sleep with your head elevated.
Days 3-7: Swelling starts to subside, but it’s important to avoid any activities that involve bending the head downward, including sports. On the 6th or 7th day, the surgeon will examine you, remove stitches and medical tapes, and nurses will clean the nose and remove scabs.
Days 7-14: Swelling continues to decrease, and any bruises may disappear. You can gradually return to your normal routine. Regular extended walks are recommended for faster recovery.
Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Intense workouts and physical exercises should still be avoided.
Days 21-30: Intermittent nasal swelling may occur, depending on the side you sleep on, and it may shift from left to right daily. This is normal and should not cause concern.
Days 31-60: The scar on the columella (the skin between the nostrils) will almost completely fade, and you will start to forget about the recent surgery. You can gradually begin light physical activities.
Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, but avoid diving to prevent nasal trauma. Morning nasal swelling may still occur during this period, but it will completely subside a year after the surgery.
1 year after the surgery: Complete rehabilitation is expected one year after the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
We provide our patients with a final cost that includes post-operative care, anesthesia, hospital stay, medications, and even Value Added Tax (VAT, which can be refunded as tax-free). The cost of the surgery ranges from 3,500,000 to 5,600,000 Korean Won, depending on the clinic and the specific changes you want in your nose besides raising the bridge. Accredited plastic surgeons in Korea caution that the surgery cost may change after a personal consultation, depending on whether it's your first or revision surgery.
On average, Asian rhinoplasty takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Faster doesn't necessarily mean better.
With a correctly performed surgery, sensitivity will fully return within three months after the operation, typically within a week.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision on the columella, the skin between the nostrils. It may appear red for a few weeks but can easily be concealed with concealer.
If you don't want your colleagues to know about your surgery, we recommend taking one week off work as stitches are typically removed on the 7th day after the operation. If this is not a concern, you can return to work as early as 3-4 days after the surgery.
Most surgeons agree that patients should be at least 18 years old. In some cases, the surgery can be performed slightly earlier with the consent of a guardian.
The final results can be seen a year after the surgery, but the nose will already look normal within 7-9 days.
You should wait at least three months after giving birth and finishing breastfeeding.
Yes, this is common and usually stops within 3-4 weeks. It's recommended to carry tissues or nasal pads with you.
You can start wearing glasses six weeks after rhinoplasty.
If your rhinoplasty is performed by a specialist in the field, the likelihood of needing a revision surgery is very low.
Yes, online consultations with surgeons are available for your convenience.
Implant rejection is an extremely rare occurrence. Statistics indicate that only 2 out of 100,000 implanted implants require removal due to rejection. You can be almost certain that your surgery will go smoothly.
Yes, rhinoplasty can be combined with various other procedures, except for a bullhorn lift. Some surgeons do not recommend combining rhinoplasty with a bullhorn lift.
Surgeons generally agree that any time of the year is equally comfortable for patients. However, the most popular seasons for plastic surgery are spring and autumn. We recommend booking your procedure at least 1-2 months in advance during these times.
Before & After
Step 1: Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE
First and foremost, you need to fill out a form. This will help us and the surgeons better understand your expectations and review your medical history. In the form, be sure to provide your personal information, details about any previous surgeries, and your current health condition. Unfortunately, patients with HIV infection are not eligible for plastic surgeries in Korea.
Step 2: Attach photos
Attaching photos of the areas of your body or face that you would like to have corrected is a crucial step. This allows us to make a preliminary cost estimate and direct you to a specialist who can address your concerns.
Step 3: Submit and wait for confirmation
After submitting the form and photos, your application will be reviewed, and we will contact you to confirm details and schedule a consultation.
Step 4: Prepare for the consultation
Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask the coordinator and surgeon during the consultation. We recommend bringing a phone with notes or a notepad to help you stay organized and obtain all the information you need. Additionally, you can always ask any questions you have in a personal chat created for discussing the details of your trip.