Nose shortening

Nose shortening surgery is one of the popular cosmetic procedures in South Korea aimed at altering the length and shape of the nose. This surgery helps achieve more harmonious facial proportions and may involve various techniques such as cartilage excision (in 70% of cases), nasal bridge resection, bone osteotomy, or columella correction. As a result, the length of the nose can be reduced by 0.3-0.8 mm, and the tip can be made more refined, elegant, and elevated.

Short surgery information

• Surgery Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours

• Anesthesia Type: Sedation and local anesthesia

• Hospitalization: 2-3 hours

• Return to Normal Life: The next day

• Clinic Visits: 2-3 times

• Stitches Removal: 7th day

Why patients consider nose shortening surgery

• Facial harmony: A long nose can distract attention from other facial features, while a shorter and proportionate nose can balance and harmonize them.

• Improved self-esteem and confidence: For many people, a long nose is a source of insecurity and low self-esteem. Nose shortening surgery can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence, allowing individuals to feel more satisfied with their appearance.

• Modern trends and personal preferences: In some cases, the decision to undergo nose shortening surgery may be motivated by contemporary aesthetic trends. People may aspire to have an appearance that aligns with specific cultural or social beauty standards and view nose shortening as a means to achieve these ideals. However, it is essential for such decisions to be made consciously, considering all potential risks and consequences.

Candidates for surgery

Nose shortening surgery is suitable for patients who have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure and do not have severe chronic illnesses.

Why South Korea?

South Korea leads the world in the number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries conducted annually. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons. Korea’s medical equipment and technology are on par with the USA and Germany, placing it in the top 3 countries with the best clinic equipment.

All rhinoplasty procedures are performed in accredited clinics with permission to treat foreign patients and in-house anesthesiologists. All surgeons who operate on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience in rhinoplasty and perform no more than 2 surgeries per day. Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE for us to calculate the cost of 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 schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us via any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

How to prepare for rhinoplasty in South Korea?

• Fast for 8 hours before the procedure and take a shower.

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

• 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 refuse to perform surgery on smoking patients due to the high risk of complications. It’s also unsafe to be around smokers, including friends and family, or in public places designated for smoking.

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

• Visit the surgeon for a consultation and show them photos of your desired outcome. Most clients from CIS countries want a thin, straight, and slightly upturned nose (referred to as a semi-curved nose) by doctors. If you want a different shape, be sure to inform the coordinator.

• If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, all necessary tests will be done in Korea.

• Ask someone to take you to the clinic or help you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.

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

How is rhinoplasty surgery performed?

After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon makes a precise incision on the inner side of the nostrils and columella and lifts 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 cartilage to create a straight nose line. At the end of the operation, sutures are applied to the columella and the inner part of the nostrils, and cotton pads and silicone plates are inserted into the nose, while a splint or medical tapes are attached to the bridge to secure the result.

What to expect after rhinoplasty?

After the surgery, a translator or nurses will wake you up and help you move to your room. Most patients don’t remember this moment, as they feel like they woke up in a warm bed due to the anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel chills, which will quickly pass. There is a warming 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. This is normal because the shape of the bone and possibly cartilage was altered during the surgery, and the body begins to regenerate.

The biggest discomfort is caused by the cotton pads and silicone plates. They can be used together or separately (each doctor has their technique), and they may make breathing difficult, so you’ll have to breathe through your mouth, which can cause dry lips (be sure to bring lip balm to have it by your bedside).

A cold compress will be brought to you a few minutes after waking up, and 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 surgery, the faster the swelling will subside.

You will stay in the clinic for another 2-4 hours after the surgery. A catheter will be placed in your arm, and medications will be administered intravenously. After the catheter is removed and you are checked by coordinators and nurses, you can prepare for discharge, change clothes, pick up medications, and follow post-operative recommendations.

By evening, pain may intensify. Be sure to put several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, as they contain pain relievers. Apply a cold compress every few minutes. Fluid may drip from your nose (gently wipe it with a tissue), and you may feel tingling and slight headaches in the surgical area. These symptoms are entirely normal. 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. Bruises and even small bleeding may appear. Do not be alarmed and continue to apply a cold compress and follow the rehabilitation rules. After the removal of cotton pads or plates (depending on the patient’s case, they may be inside for 1 to 7 days), you will find it much easier to breathe. However, your nose may start to run more, so continue to gently wipe away any fluid. Do not blow your nose or pick at the crusts inside your nose. The nurses will remove them during the clinic checkup. By the end of the week, the swelling will begin to subside, 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 by contacting us via any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Rhinoplasty recovery process

After the procedure: Immediately after the rhinoplasty procedure, your nose will have packing and silicone splints inside, and 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 after the surgery if you feel well.

Days 1-2: The surgeon may remove the packing and silicone splints during the first two days. Swelling peaks by the end of the second day and can affect not only the nose but also the eyes and forehead. Bruising may also occur. Applying cold compresses frequently and sleeping with your head elevated is recommended during this time.

Days 3-7: Swelling begins to subside. Avoid sports and activities that require bending forward. On the 6th or 7th day, the surgeon will examine you, remove the splint and stitches, and nurses will clean the nose and remove scabs.

Days 7-14: Swelling continues to decrease, and any bruising fades away. You can gradually return to your normal daily routine. Regular, extended walks are recommended for faster recovery.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform everyday tasks without discomfort. Continue to avoid intensive workouts and physical activities.

Days 21-30: Intermittent morning swelling may occur, shifting from side to side. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.

Days 31-60: The scar on the columella nearly disappears, and you’ll start to forget about the recent surgery. You can gradually begin light physical activities.

Days 60-90: You can swim and sunbathe during this period, but avoid diving to prevent nose injury. Morning swelling may still occur, but it will completely subside after a year.

1 year after the surgery: Complete rehabilitation