Rhinoplasty in Korea: Complete Guide to Nose Surgery Costs & Types 2025

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in South Korea, particularly in Seoul's Gangnam district. Korean surgeons are internationally recognized for their expertise in Asian rhinoplasty, creating natural-looking results that harmonize with facial features. This comprehensive guide covers everything international patients need to know about getting a nose job in Korea.

Quick Facts: Rhinoplasty in Korea

• Average Cost: ₩3,000,000-4,500,000 ($2,300-$3,460)
• Complex Cases: ₩6,000,000-8,000,000 ($4,615-$6,150)
• Surgery Time: 1-3 hours
• Recovery: 1-2 weeks for basic activities, 6-12 months for full results
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia or sedation
• Best Areas: Gangnam, Apgujeong, Sinsa (Seoul)

Types of Rhinoplasty Procedures

Korean rhinoplasty encompasses several specialized techniques, each designed to address specific aesthetic concerns:

1. Nasal Bridge Augmentation (콧대 성형)

What It Is: Raising and defining the nasal bridge for a more prominent profile

Techniques:

• Implant-based: Using silicone or Gore-Tex implants
• Autologous: Using patient's own cartilage (ear, rib, or septal)
• Injectable: Non-surgical fillers (temporary, 6-12 months)

Typical Cost: ₩2,500,000-4,000,000 ($1,923-$3,077)

Best For:

• Low or flat nasal bridge
• Lack of definition in profile
• Creating better facial harmony

Materials Comparison:

2. Nasal Tip Plasty (코끝 성형)

What It Is: Refining and reshaping the tip of the nose

Techniques:

• Tip rotation: Lifting a drooping tip
• Tip projection: Creating more definition
• Tip reduction: Narrowing a bulbous tip
• Alar reduction: Reducing nostril width

Typical Cost: ₩2,000,000-3,500,000 ($1,538-$2,692)

Common Materials:

• Ear cartilage (most common for Asian rhinoplasty)
• Septal cartilage
• Costal (rib) cartilage (for significant changes)

Best For:

• Bulbous or wide nasal tip
• Drooping tip (especially when smiling)
• Under-projected tip
• Wide nostrils

3. Hump Nose Correction (매부리코 교정)

What It Is: Removing the dorsal hump (bump on the bridge)

Technique: Shaving down the bone and cartilage creating the hump, often combined with osteotomy (controlled bone fracture) to narrow the bridge

Typical Cost: ₩4,000,000-8,000,000 ($3,077-$6,154)

Recovery: Typically longer than other types due to bone work

Best For:

• Visible bump on nasal bridge
• Overly masculine appearance
• Nose appearing too large in profile

4. Revision Rhinoplasty (재수술)

What It Is: Correcting or improving results from previous nose surgery

Typical Cost: ₩5,000,000-10,000,000 ($3,846-$7,692)

Challenges:

• Scar tissue from previous surgery
• Limited cartilage availability
• More complex surgical planning
• Higher skill requirement

Best For:

• Unsatisfactory previous results
• Complications from prior surgery
• Implant malposition or visibility
• Capsular contracture

Comprehensive Cost Breakdown

Surgery Type Pricing

Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD (rates fluctuate)

Factors Affecting Price

Higher Costs:

• Surgeon's reputation and experience
• Use of autologous cartilage
• Complex revision cases
• Gangnam/premium clinic locations
• General anesthesia (vs. sedation)

Lower Costs:

• Less experienced surgeons
• Standard implant materials
• Promotional periods
• Clinics in non-Gangnam areas
• Local anesthesia with sedation

What's Typically Included

✅ Included:

• Pre-operative consultation and CT scan
• Surgery and anesthesia
• Implant materials or cartilage grafts
• Post-operative medications (antibiotics, pain relief)
• Follow-up visits (typically 3-6 months)
• Cast and splint removal

❌ Not Included:

• Initial consultation fee: ₩10,000-50,000 ($8-38)
• Additional imaging if needed
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Revision surgery if needed
• Scar treatment products

The Rhinoplasty Procedure: What to Expect

Pre-Surgery Preparation

1-2 Weeks Before:

• Stop smoking (minimum 2 weeks before and after)
• Avoid blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E)
• Stop herbal supplements
• Complete blood work and health screening
• CT scan of nasal structure

Day Before:

• Fast from midnight (no food or water)
• Wash hair thoroughly
• Remove all makeup, nail polish, contact lenses
• Arrange transportation (cannot drive after anesthesia)

Surgery Day Timeline

Arrival (1-2 hours before surgery):

• Final consultation with surgeon
• Marking and photography
• Change into surgical gown
• IV line placement

Surgery (1-3 hours):

1. Anesthesia administration
2. Incisions (typically inside nose or across columella)
3. Reshaping bone and cartilage
4. Implant or graft placement
5. Closing incisions
6. Splint and cast application

Recovery Room (1-2 hours):

• Wake from anesthesia
• Monitor vital signs
• Ice pack application
• Pain medication as needed

Immediate Post-Op

Day 1-3:

• Significant swelling and bruising
• Nasal congestion (cannot breathe through nose)
• Mild to moderate pain (managed with medication)
• Sleep with head elevated (2-3 pillows)
• Ice packs for 48 hours

Day 4-7:

• Cast removal (typically day 5-7)
• Swelling peaks around day 3-4, then gradually improves
• Bruising begins to fade
• Breathing improves but still congested
• Can return to light activities

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Initial Healing

What Happens:

• Cast and external sutures removed (day 5-7)
• Most bruising fades (70-80% improvement)
• Major swelling reduces
• Can return to desk work

Restrictions:

• No strenuous exercise
• No glasses on nose
• No blowing nose
• Sleep elevated
• Avoid hot showers

Appearance: Obviously swollen, some bruising, surgical tape may be visible

Week 2-4: Early Recovery

What Happens:

• Swelling continues to reduce (50% of total swelling gone by week 2)
• Can resume most normal activities
• Breathing improves significantly
• Internal sutures dissolve

Restrictions:

• No contact sports
• No heavy lifting (>5kg)
• Continue avoiding glasses
• Gentle nose cleaning only

Appearance: Still swollen but presentable with makeup

Month 2-3: Settling Phase

What Happens:

• 80% of swelling resolved
• Shape becoming more defined
• Can resume all normal activities
• Can wear glasses with support

Restrictions:

• Avoid trauma to nose
• Use sunscreen diligently
• Gentle massage if recommended

Appearance: Near-final result visible, subtle swelling remains

Month 6-12: Final Results

What Happens:

• Remaining 10-20% of swelling gradually resolves
• True final shape emerges
• Cartilage grafts settle and integrate
• Scars fully mature (if external incisions)

Appearance: Final result achieved, completely natural-looking

Choosing the Right Clinic and Surgeon

Essential Qualifications

✅ Must-Have Credentials:

• Board-certified plastic surgeon
• Specialization in rhinoplasty (minimum 5 years)
• Experience with international patients
• English-speaking staff
• Proven before/after portfolio
• Hospital affiliations for emergencies

Red Flags to Avoid

🚩 Warning Signs:

• Unusually low prices (₩1,500,000 or less for full rhinoplasty)
• Pressure to decide immediately
• No physical consultation before surgery
• Generic before/after photos
• Poor communication or evasive answers
• No clear revision policy

Questions to Ask

During Consultation:

1. "How many rhinoplasties do you perform per year?"
2. "What technique do you recommend for my specific concerns?"
3. "What materials will you use and why?"
4. "Can I see before/after photos of patients with similar noses to mine?"
5. "What's your revision rate?"
6. "What happens if I'm not satisfied with the result?"
7. "Do you perform the entire surgery yourself?"

Top Areas for Rhinoplasty in Seoul

Gangnam District (Most Popular):

• Highest concentration of plastic surgery clinics
• Most experienced surgeons
• English-speaking staff common
• Higher prices but premium results
• Subway: Gangnam, Apgujeong, Sinsa stations

Sinsa/Apgujeong:

• Luxury clinic area
• Celebrity surgeons
• Premium pricing
• Excellent facilities

Other Areas:

• Myeongdong: Tourist-friendly, some clinics
• Itaewon: International area, fewer options
• Hongdae: Younger demographic, less common

Managing Expectations and Results

What Rhinoplasty Can Achieve

✅ Realistic Goals:

• Harmonize nose with facial features
• Improve nasal bridge height and definition
• Refine nasal tip shape and projection
• Correct asymmetry
• Reduce hump or bump
• Narrow wide nostrils
• Create more balanced profile

What It Cannot Do

❌ Limitations:

• Create an exact copy of celebrity nose
• Overcome anatomical limitations (thick skin, weak cartilage)
• Guarantee 100% symmetry
• Function as a complete personality change
• Fix breathing issues caused by internal structure (may need functional rhinoplasty)

Natural vs. Dramatic Results

Korean Rhinoplasty Philosophy:

• Emphasis on natural, harmonious results
• Subtle changes that enhance overall beauty
• Avoiding "operated" appearance
• Maintaining ethnic characteristics

Western vs. Korean Aesthetic:

Potential Risks and Complications

Common Side Effects (Expected)

• Swelling (peaks day 3-4, 80% gone by 3 months)
• Bruising (1-2 weeks)
• Nasal congestion (2-4 weeks)
• Numbness in tip (may last 3-6 months)
• Temporary breathing difficulty

Rare but Serious Complications

Medical Risks (0.5-2% incidence):

• Infection requiring antibiotics or implant removal
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Septal perforation
• Skin necrosis (very rare)

Aesthetic Complications (2-5% incidence):

• Asymmetry beyond acceptable range
• Implant visibility or palpability
• Implant shifting or displacement
• Over-correction or under-correction
• Scarring (if external incisions)
• Capsular contracture around implant

Revision Rates

• Primary rhinoplasty revision rate: 5-15%
• Secondary revision rate: 15-25%
• Common reasons: aesthetic dissatisfaction, implant issues, asymmetry

Special Considerations for International Patients

Minimum Stay Duration

Recommended Timeline:

• Arrival: 1-2 days before surgery
• Surgery day
• Recovery: 7-10 days post-op
• Total: 10-14 days minimum

Extended Stay Benefits:

• Monitor early healing
• Address any complications immediately
• Cast removal and suture removal
• Peace of mind

Follow-Up Care

If You Leave Korea Early:

• Detailed post-op instructions in English
• Photos to send for remote monitoring
• Email or messaging support
• Local doctor referral for emergency

Recommended:

• Plan to return at 3-6 months for evaluation
• Some clinics offer video consultations
• Keep all medical records and photos

Travel Considerations

Flying After Surgery:

• Wait minimum 5-7 days after surgery
• Risk: increased swelling due to cabin pressure
• Bring extra medication
• Notify flight crew if needed
• Aisle seat recommended

Travel Insurance:

• Most policies exclude elective cosmetic surgery
• Consider specialized medical tourism insurance
• Coverage for complications only

Cost-Saving Tips (Without Compromising Safety)

Smart Strategies

1. Seasonal Promotions:

   • January-February (post-holiday)
   • July-August (summer slow season)
   • Savings: 10-20% off standard pricing

2. Weekday Surgery:

   • Monday-Thursday often cheaper than Friday-Saturday
   • Easier to secure top surgeon's schedule

3. Package Deals:

   • Some clinics offer accommodation + surgery packages
   • May include airport pickup

4. Group Discounts:

   • Traveling with friends getting procedures
   • Referral bonuses

Don't Cut Corners On

❌ Never Compromise:

• Surgeon's qualifications
• Clinic's safety standards
• Anesthesia quality
• Post-operative care
• Follow-up appointments

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my nose look "done"? A: Modern Korean rhinoplasty emphasizes natural results. Your nose should look like an improved version of your original nose, not obviously surgical.

Q: Can I wear glasses after surgery? A: Not for 6-8 weeks. Use contact lenses or tape glasses to forehead. After 8 weeks, use glasses with nose pad support.

Q: When can I exercise? A: Light walking after 1 week, moderate cardio after 3-4 weeks, contact sports after 3 months.

Q: Is rhinoplasty painful? A: Pain is typically mild to moderate, well-controlled with medication. Discomfort from congestion is more bothersome than pain.

Q: How long until I look normal? A: Most presentable after 2 weeks, near-normal by 6-8 weeks, final result at 6-12 months.

Q: What if I need revision? A: Most clinics offer free or discounted revision within 1 year if the issue is surgical error. Patient preference changes typically cost full price.

Q: Can rhinoplasty improve breathing? A: Yes, if combined with functional procedures (septoplasty, turbinate reduction). Discuss with surgeon if breathing is a concern.

Q: Will people know I had surgery? A: Immediate family and friends will notice gradual change. Strangers likely won't unless you had dramatic changes.

Final Thoughts

Rhinoplasty in Korea offers international patients access to some of the world's most skilled surgeons at competitive prices. The key to success is thorough research, realistic expectations, and choosing a qualified surgeon who understands your aesthetic goals.

Remember that rhinoplasty is a complex procedure with permanent results. Take time to:

• Research multiple clinics and surgeons
• Have in-person consultations (avoid deciding from photos alone)
• Understand the full recovery timeline
• Plan adequate time in Korea for initial healing
• Verify the surgeon's credentials and experience

With proper planning and the right surgeon, Korean rhinoplasty can achieve beautiful, natural-looking results that enhance your facial harmony and boost your confidence.

Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure with inherent risks. Always consult with qualified, board-certified plastic surgeons and discuss your individual medical history, concerns, and goals before proceeding with any cosmetic surgery. Results vary by individual.

Price Accuracy: All prices are approximate and based on 2025 market research. Actual costs may vary by clinic, surgeon experience, procedure complexity, and current exchange rates. Always confirm pricing directly with clinics during consultation.