Cosmetic Rhinoplasty in South Korea: Costs, Doctors, and Clinics

About the Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Nose plays a very important role in defining one’s personality. The entire contour of the face changes with a well-defined nose in place. Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure performed on the nose to enhance its appearance. It is also known as rhinoplasty or nose reshaping. The shape and size of the nose can be changed drastically to improve the features of the face.

Rhinoplasty surgery is mainly performed for aesthetic reasons. An accident or too big or too small appearance of the nose can be given a proper shape with the help of rhinoplasty surgery. A nose can get mutilated or crooked due to some injury or accident which can be corrected through a surgery. Minor problems in breathing can also be attended.

People with abrupt or deformed shape of the nose may experience problems in breathing and subsequent problem in talking normally. Rhinoplasty surgery can help provide great relief to such people.

Nose plastic surgery is commonly performed on both men and women. In fact, it ranks third in the list of most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. The shape of the nose can be altered through rhinoplasty by addition or removal of bones, cartilage, and tissues or by performing grafting.

How is Cosmetic Rhinoplasty performed?

The nose is composed of consequent interlinked parts comprising the skin, the pyramid of bony origin, followed by the cartilage, and finally the tip of the nose. There is a strip of skin named columella that separates the two nostrils.

The existing quality of nose plays a pivotal role in the final result of a rhinoplasty surgery. People who have inherited a thick skin may not like the transformation of the bone structure below the nose. On the other hand, people with think skin are unable to hide too many problems related to the symmetry and regularity of the nasal bone.

During the initial few consultations, the surgeon shall discuss the changes that can be incorporated within the nose.
Photographs are taken and choices of anaesthesia available to the patient will be discussed in this phase along with the technique used to conduct the procedure.
Nasal reconstruction approaches may vary from one patient to the other. In case of internal rhinoplasty, incisions involved are made from within the nasal cavity.
A light sedation is usually employed, which numbs the area.
A general anaesthesia may be employed for a long and complicated procedure and if both the surgeon and the patient decide that it is the best option available. General anaesthesia is generally administered in complicated cases where the external incision will allow the surgeon to have the cartilage and bones completely exposed.
During nose reshaping procedure, the skin is removed from the cartilage and bone support. Now the framework of the nose is worked upon to give the desired shape and form.
In many cases, the surgeon employs skin from the forehead right above the eyebrow and places it vertically to substitute the missing nasal tissues. The forehead skin's tint exactly matches the tint of the nose and face. It makes the best reconstruction of the defective nose and with a little bit of work, the skin on the forehead can be easily camouflaged to give the normal appearance.
If there is any requirement for adding more structure to the existing bone, then donated cartilage or bones or even skin can be used. It can also be taken from some other parts of the body. A synthetic source can also be used to achieve the objective.
After the completion of rhinoplasty surgery, the surgeon will apply a splint. The new shape of the bones will be maintained with the help of a splint. With the help of a dressing, the nose is stuffed or packed to allow stabilization of the septum.

Recovery from Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Some swelling is expected on the face right after the surgery.
Patients should use a few pillows to raise their heads while sleeping for the initial few days.
It is common to expect a headache or some pain in the nose.
Medications shall be suggested by the surgeon to make the pain subside.
Swelling of the face and bruises around the eyes are expected to reduce within three days.
Depending upon the extent of the surgery, some amount of stuffiness in the nose accompanied by mild bleeding may be experienced.
People are mostly able to resume back to work after a week while walking around is possible after the lapse of two or three days.
Strenuous activities or physical exertion must be avoided for the first three weeks.
Patients are expected to maintain hygiene, proper diet, and required exercise levels during the recovery period. Regular follow-up visits to the doctor should be made.
To prevent the disruption of the healing process, blowing nose for the next one week must be avoided.
Make sure that the surgical dressing is dry.
After two weeks, splints, stitches, and dressings are removed.
Excessive sunburn must be avoided by the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reasons people come to South Korea for Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose job, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that South Korea is the most famous for. Since South Korea has emerged as the “Plastic Surgery Capital of the World,” many people prefer to travel there for cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, especially for rhinoplasty.

Even though rhinoplasty is a common plastic surgery available in almost all the countries at plastic surgery clinics, people prefer to get it done in South Korea because of the following reasons:

Each year, more than one million rhinoplasty procedures are performed in South Korea alone
The plastic surgeons in the country are highly qualified and trained in performing the procedure
Expertise is available to give the best desired looks as per the ethnicity of the candidates
The success rates in terms of expected outcomes is excellent

What are the types of nose job surgeries available in South Korea?

Depending on the expectations and the shape and size of the existing structure, there are different types of rhinoplasty surgeries available. Some of these include the following:

Open Rhinoplasty: This is the preferred choice when the nose of the patient requires extensive work. The stitches are on the outside at sides but not prominent. They are removed after 7 days of the surgery.
Closed Rhinoplasty: In this type of surgery, all the stitches are hidden and are inside the nose. There are no scars. This type is more common nowadays.
Filler Rhinoplasty: Filler injections are used to correct minor imperfections of the nose.
Revision Rhinoplasty: This is a second-step procedure that a few candidates may desires if the expected outcomes of the first surgery are not as desired.

Rhinoplasty is available for the correction of the following shapes of nose:

Flat nose
Bulbous nose
Hooked nose
Deviated nose
Short nose
Long nose

What is the average cost of Rhinoplasty in South Korea?

The average nose job Korea price ranges between $4000 and $6500, depending on the clinic and the specialist you choose. This price is inclusive of the following:

Surgeon’s fee
Medicines and consumables
1 night hospital stay
All meals
Airport transfers
Follow-up consultation
Stitches removal

The other services such as hotel accommodation, flight cost, special investigations, treatment for any other condition, and other personal expenses are not included in the package.

What are the factors affecting the cost of a nose job in South Korea?

Even clinic and hospital in South Korea has it’s own package price for rhinoplasty. Some of the factors dictating South Korea rhinoplasty cost include the following:

Experience of the specialist
Choice of clinic or hospital
Location of the clinic
Local taxes
Post-operative complications
Necessity for fillers or revision procedure
Nursing fee
Number of dressings required
Other additional services

What is the success rate of Rhinoplasty in South Korea?

The success rate of rhinoplasty surgery in South Korea is more than 99 percent. The plastic surgeons who perform the procedure are extremely skilled and have the expertise available to decide the best approach and type of rhinoplasty for the candidate to ensure the best results and outcomes.

The huge popularity of rhinoplasty can be attributed to great success rates, availability of sophisticated technology and expertise, and affordable nose job price in Korea.

What is the recovery process post rhinoplasty surgery in South Korea?

Recovery after nose job is most often painless. Candidates are given proper guidelines to practice and follow after the procedure for about a week before they can comfortably return.

As a best practice, candidates are requested to keep their head about 20 degrees higher while sleeping for about 3 to 4 days. Special ice packs are given to be used around the nose and the eyes to subside the swelling, edema, and the bruising that may appear.

The stitches removal is a painless procedure. They are removed 5 to 7 days after the procedure, depending on the recovery and progress. A majority of the swelling (about 70 percent) goes away with a week or two of the surgery. However, the remaining swelling and bruises may take a couple of more weeks to disappear completely.

This is one reason why the reconstructed nose may not look up to your expectations initially. Therefore, you must wait for about 6 months before you actually compare the before and after to see the results.

What is the health care infrastructure of South Korea / Why should opt for South Korea as a destination for your medical treatment?

South Korea is recognized for its strict rules and regulations which have kept the country in strict discipline. As an upside, the country has well-maintained regulations for every process and impressive medical healthcare facilities which have garnered thousands of visitors from across the world. The reason for opting for hospitals in South Korea is the astounding treatment options available at a very cost-effective price range, which is undoubtedly more affordable than most of the developed countries across the world. Besides the well-planned infrastructure, the treatment in South Korea and the alternatives offered are tempting enough. Apart from that, the country also flaunts high success rates and has thus been able to cure some of the most complex diseases in the world.

What are the conditions of the hospitals in South Korea? Are they JCI certified? What is the quality of the support staff in the hospitals?

The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a global leader in health care accreditation. JCI accreditation is considered a gold standard in worldwide health care. It provides the most skilled and experienced healthcare professionals in the medical industry, as evaluators of the rigorous international standards in healthcare quality and patient safety. YUHS Severance Hospital + Gangnam Severance Hospital is a JCI certified hospital in South Korea.

Are the doctors/surgeons in South Korea of the best quality?

The doctors and surgeons providing treatments in South Korea are globally recognized for their service in the medical field. Furnished with degrees from reputed universities and decades of training and experience, the doctors have earned high success rates throughout their professional careers. The doctors have to undergo rigorous training to keep up with the strict protocol and measures of hospitals in South Korea. Hence, quality is maintained.

What is the process for obtaining a medical visa in South Korea?

The Korean embassy follows a strict protocol for obtaining a visa for traveling to the country. The necessary documents (photocopies and original) have been listed on their official website and should be strictly adhered to. The candidate also has to produce necessary papers stating the medical cause and referral certificate signed by the registered medical practitioner. Although these need to be taken care of by the candidate, the rest of the procedures and further visa assistance is managed by the sponsors in most cases. A Medical Dependent Visa is granted to those who are accompanying a patient traveling to Sount Korea for medical treatment on a Medical Visa. This visa can be given to a close relative/family member or a friend of the patient. Please note that relevant letters/documents explaining details of the treatment, signed and stamped by the concerned hospitals/doctors, a declaration from the patient or an immediate family member is also required confirming the escort travel along with the patient.

What support services does MediGence provide in South Korea?

MediGence enables you to plan and manage your medical decisions better. These are some of our services offered:

Expert Opinion
We help you seek an Expert Opinion on your diagnosis and treatment from an experienced team of doctors at MediGence and specialists from a reputable hospital.
Hospital Recommendation
We recommend a hospital or a healthcare institution that is best suited for you, based on your ailment and its criticality.
360-degree Hospital Review
We give you a transparent and holistic view of the hospital and its infrastructure, accreditation, facilities, and expertise to give you confidence.
Doctor Validation and Communication
We share a comprehensive profile of the treating doctor and also arrange a call to clear queries regarding treatment if needed.
Options to Choose From
Based on your choice of destination and other preferences, we provide you multiple options with respect to hospitals and doctors to choose from.
24X7 Patient Care Support
A dedicated patient case manager stays in constant touch with you to help you at every step of the decision-making process and resolve queries that you may have.
Transparent Treatment Cost and Other Expenses
We give a clear and accurate indication of the total cost of treatment including treatment, stay, meals, and other expenses.
Visa Assistance
We provide and help prepare documentation for visa approval and coordinate with the embassy to expedite the visa process.
Accommodation Arrangements
We propose to you a choice of accommodation based on your preference such as long stay, short stay, or luxury properties.

Which are the best cities in South Korea for medical treatment?

Treatment in South Korea is affordable. Seoul is the capital of South Korea and one of the main cities for healthcare. Seoul and Daegu have some of the best hospitals in South Korea. Busan, Incheon, and Ulsan also have developing healthcare facilities.

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty in South Korea

Symptoms to undergo this treatment

Factors Influencing the Cost of this Treatment

Treatment and Cost