Male rhinoplasty

Male rhinoplasty is the most popular plastic surgery procedure among men under the age of 45. During the surgery, various adjustments can be made to enhance the nose’s appearance and functionality, including correcting the nasal septum, removing humps, elevating the tip, or creating a smoother and straighter nose shape.

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Brief information about the surgery

  • Surgery Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

  • Type of Anesthesia: Sedation and local anesthesia

  • Hospitalization: 2-3 hours

  • Return to Normal Life: Next day

  • Clinic Visits: 2-3 times

  • Stitches Removal: 7th day

Why patients consider rhinoplasty?

  • Consequences of injuries: Sports injuries, accidents, or other physical traumas can lead to nose deformities. This not only affects one’s appearance but can also cause breathing problems. Rhinoplasty in such cases aims to restore the natural shape of the nose and address functional issues related to the injury.

  • Drooping tip or prominent hump: With age or due to genetic factors, the tip of the nose may droop, giving the face a tired and older appearance. A prominent hump on the nose can also be a source of dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. Rhinoplasty can correct these imperfections, creating a more attractive and harmonious profile.

  • Feminine facial features: Some men are concerned that their nose gives their face a feminine expression. This may be related to the shape, size, or overall contour of the nose. Through rhinoplasty, a more masculine and distinctive profile can be achieved, emphasizing strong facial features.

Who is a candidate for the surgery?

Male rhinoplasty is suitable for candidates looking to improve the aesthetics and functionality of their nose. The surgery can be a choice for men who want to alter the size, shape, and proportions of their nose, correct cosmetic defects resulting from injury or natural anomalies, or enhance breathing by correcting the nasal septum.

Ideal candidates should have good health, realistic expectations, and an understanding of the potential risks and outcomes of the surgery.

Why South Korea?

South Korea conducts the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries in the world each year. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates become plastic surgeons. The medical equipment and facilities in Korea are of high quality, on par with the United States and Germany, making it one of the top three countries with the best technical infrastructure in clinics.

All rhinoplasty procedures are performed in accredited clinics with permission to treat foreign patients and have in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons who operate on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience specializing in rhinoplasty and perform no more than two surgeries per day.

You can book a consultation with a clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! Consultations can be booked by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or by contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

How to prepare before the surgery

  • Fasting: Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

  • Medications: Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including Advil or Motrin), and other medications that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the operation. Tylenol is prohibited only within 3 days before the surgery.

  • Smoking: Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and may 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 or in designated smoking areas in public places.

  • Medical History: Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

  • Consultation with the Surgeon: Visit the surgeon for an examination and show them photos of the desired result. Most clients from CIS countries want a thin, straight, and slightly upturned nose (referred to as a “half-moon” among doctors). If you want a different shape, make sure to inform the coordinator.

  • Medical Tests: If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. Otherwise, necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.

  • Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic or help you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.

  • Prepare Essentials: Place items near your bed that you may need during your rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.

The surgery process

After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon makes a precise incision on the inside of the nostrils and the columella, lifting the upper part of the nose to expose the cartilage and the base of the bone.

Next, depending on the chosen surgical technique and the patient’s case, the surgeon removes excess bone and cartilage, and if necessary, transplants them or uses donor material (rib or ear cartilage or silicone implant) to create a straight nasal line. At the end of the operation, stitches are applied to the columella and the inside of the nostrils, tampons and silicone plates are inserted into the nose, and a splint is attached to the bridge.

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, thanks to anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after awakening, you may feel cold, but this will pass quickly. There is a warm mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There is minimal pain on the first day, as it is dulled by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. However, you may feel swelling in the nose, cheeks, eyes, and even the forehead, as the shape of the bone and possibly cartilage has been altered during the surgery, and the body is starting the regeneration process.

The most significant discomfort comes from the gauze tampons and silicone plates. Breathing may be difficult, and you may need to breathe through your mouth, which can cause dry lips (be sure to bring lip balm with you). A cold compress will be applied within a few minutes of waking up, which you can use not only on the areas around the nose but also on other parts of your face. The more you use the compress in the first week after surgery, the faster the swelling will subside.

You will stay in the clinic for another 2-4 hours after the operation, with a catheter in your arm receiving medication. After the end of the intravenous drip and removal of the catheter, 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 your clothes, collect your medications, and follow post-operative recommendations.

By the evening, pain may intensify, so be sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. Apply a cold compress every few minutes. Fluid may drip from the nose (gently wipe it with a tissue), and you may feel tingling and mild headaches in the operated area. These symptoms are entirely normal; your main task is to be patient and wait for a few days.

Over the next three days, swelling will increase, eyelids and the forehead may become swollen, bruises and even minor bleeding may occur. Do not be alarmed and continue to apply a cold compress and follow the rehabilitation rules. After the removal of tampons or plates (depending on the patient’s case, they can be inside for 1 to 7 days), breathing will become much easier, but your nose may start to run more. Continue to gently wipe away the fluid and avoid blowing your nose. The nurses will remove the scabs inside the nose during the clinic check-up. By the end of the week, the swelling will start to decrease, and you will feel much better, ready to return to your normal life.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us through any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Rhinoplasty recovery process

Immediately after the procedure: Right after the procedure, your nose will have packing and silicone plates, and there will be a small splint on the bridge. Pain is minimal in the first few hours, and there may be some fluid discharge from the nose. You can leave the clinic within 3-5 hours if you feel well.

Day 1-2: The surgeon may remove the packing and silicone plates. By the end of the second day, swelling peaks, affecting not only the nose but also the eyes and forehead. Bruising may occur. Applying cold compresses frequently and sleeping with your head elevated is recommended.

Days 3-7: Swelling begins to subside. Avoid activities that require bending your head down. On the 6th or 7th day, the surgeon examines and removes the splint and stitches, while nurses treat the nose and remove scabs.

Days 7-14: Swelling decreases, and any possible bruising fades away. Regular, extended walks are recommended for faster recovery.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Continue to avoid intense workouts and physical activities.

Days 21-30: Occasional morning swelling may occur, shifting from side to side depending on your sleeping position. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

Days 31-60: The scar on the columella nearly disappears, and you can gradually start light physical activities.

Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, but avoid diving to prevent nose trauma. Some morning swelling may still occur, but it will fully subside a year after the surgery.

1 year after the surgery: Complete rehabilitation is achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total cost includes post-operative care, anesthesia, hospital stay, medications, and even VAT (which can be refunded as tax-free). The cost ranges from KRW 4,000,000 to KRW 7,600,000, depending on the clinic and additional corrections you may want besides removing the hump. Accredited plastic surgeons in Korea caution that the price may change after a personal evaluation and considering whether it's your first or revision surgery.