Rhinoplasty Service (Nose Job) in Korea

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is one of the most popular surgical procedures in South Korea. The surgery involves the enhancement or reshaping of the nose, often using a silicone implant combined with autologous tissue.

Prices in Seoul clinics start at USD $600 and can reach USD $6,100, while the average surgery tends to cost between $4,000 and $6,000. The final figure depends on the complexity of the operation, the surgeon’s reputation, and the clinic chosen.

What is rhinoplasty in Korea?

Rhinoplasty, from Ancient Greek “rhinos” meaning “nose” and “plastikos” meaning “moulded”, is a plastic surgery procedure for altering and reconstructing the nose. In Korea, rhinoplasty commonly aims to create an aesthetically pleasing nose shape while retaining distinct ethnic characteristics.

Rhinoplasty in Korea is facial contouring surgery that improves or alters the shape and alignment of the nose by reshaping the bone and sculpting the cartilage within it. Korean rhinoplasty focuses on subtle refinement and profile balance, improving and defining the nose while protecting the natural airflow of the nasal passage and treating breathing issues caused by structural disorientation. Patients refer to this cosmetic plastic surgery procedure as a Korean nose job, which improves nasal obstruction associated with medical conditions.

Most plastic surgeons use the Golden Ratio to determine the patient’s ideal nose shape, intensifying facial tunefulness and portions of the nose. Rhinoplasty in Korea is often more affordable than in many Western countries and boosts self-confidence.

What are the types of rhinoplasty in Korea?

Korea offers open and closed rhinoplasty, with open rhinoplasty being the most common and highly effective since it provides full visibility through an external incision in the columella. Closed rhinoplasty is rarely opted for because, although it results in no visible scar, access is limited. Autologous Cartilage Rhinoplasty, using the patient’s own septal or ear cartilage, is the most common procedure for Asian patients because it carries a low risk of rejection. Implant Rhinoplasty employs 3D-printed custom implants formed with 3D-CT analysis, and Korean surgeons use silicone or ear cartilage for columella support. Surgeons also perform dorsal bridge enhancement, nasal tip refinement, alar base reduction for nostril flare, and alar sculpturing suture for alar correction; osteotomy is used for bone reshaping, while strut grafts and septal extension grafts give structural support. Revision rhinoplasty, also called secondary rhinoplasty, is performed to re-evaluate previous nose shapes and alleviate functional problems. Functional improvement is addressed through septoplasty, which corrects a deviated nasal septum restoring a patient’s ability to breathe, and is performed simultaneously with external cosmetic procedures. Dr. Myung Ju Lee introduced septoturbinoplasty in Korea, a technique that also corrects nasal valve narrowness and turbinate enlargement using ear cartilage, septal cartilage strut, or silicone implants.

What is a non-surgical nose job in Korea?

A non-surgical nose job in Korea is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that reshapes the nose without cutting, implants, or general anesthesia. It relies on the injection of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers or the insertion of PDO threads; the former are called liquid rhinoplasty, the latter are marketed as Hi-Ko, literally “nose lift”,  a technique founded in Seoul. Korean clinics also provide nose fillers made in Korea: Yvoire by LG Chem and Chaeum, both approved by the FDA and KFDA, giving immediate yet adjustable and reversible results in about fifteen minutes. Bar-shaped PDO threads act as scaffolding beneath the skin to contour, lift, and shape the bridge or tip, stimulating collagen for added support while offering a scar-less alternative to surgery. Results last six to eighteen months and require maintenance treatments; the procedure carries minimal downtime, though temporary swelling or bruising occurs. Korea’s clinics promote this customizable, affordable service to both local and foreign clients seeking higher bridges, sharper tips, or smoothed bumps without altering bone structure, significantly reducing recovery time and cost while protecting natural airflow.

What is rib cartilage nose job in Korea?

Rib cartilage rhinoplasty uses your own natural rib cartilage to fully design the nose from basement to tip. In Korea this method has gained considerable attention because rib cartilage is abundant, strong and safe; it is autologous tissue, so natural materials are used to prevent further side effects and tissue damages.

Korean rhinoplasty uses autologous rib cartilage for augmentation, and the cartilage is typically harvested from the sixth or seventh rib through a 2-3 cm (0.79-1.18 in) incision made underneath the chest; if additional cartilage is required, the eighth or ninth rib is also harvested. The harvested rib cartilage is delicately carved and can be sliced into thin pieces; multiple pieces are then accumulated according to the patient’s desired nasal-bridge height, or the cartilage is placed on the nasal dorsum.

Rib cartilage rhinoplasty is indicated for damaged nose from accident or multiple surgeries, contracted nose due to infection & multiple surgeries, badly scarred burnt-out nose, upturned nose due to failure of rhinoplasty or infection/contraction from foreign implants, short nose, deviated nose, pinched nose, nose with injected foreign body, foreign implant transparency, moving foreign implant, protruded mouth (Harmony Rhinoplasty), cleft lip nose deformity, skin redness and midface retrusion. It is also recommended for people who desire to achieve a natural result, shape and for those who are repulsive to a prosthetic.

Multi-layered rib cartilage graft method, developed by Dr. Man Koon Suh, is a new procedure that uses thin rib cartilage graft as a septal extension graft to overcome the drawbacks of traditional rib cartilage rhinoplasty which often results in a stiff nasal tip. Autologous rib cartilage integrates well with the natural tissues of the nose, provides long-term stability and strong support, and reduces the risk of complications, infection, foreign body reaction and tissue damages compared with synthetic implants.

What is an ethnic nose job in Korea?

An ethnic nose job in Korea is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the nose while preserving the patient’s ethnic identity. It is performed on individuals whose roots originate from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Europe. The main goal is to enhance the natural nose that the patient has, achieving subtle improvements that make the nose look naturally beautiful rather than artificially altered.

Korean surgeons focus on maintaining the ethnic aesthetic by using advanced technology and techniques adapted to each ethnic group. Some popular techniques include bridge augmentation with silicone, Gore-Tex, or cartilage grafts, tip plasty to refine the nasal tip, and alar reduction to narrow nostrils when needed. For example, a bulbous nose, a large, blunt tip common among Asian and African American patients, is corrected through cartilage grafting or suture techniques. Unlike the mainstream rhinoplasty of the 1980s and 1990s, which was based on Caucasian nose shapes unsuitable for other ethnic groups, ethnic rhinoplasty in Korea emphasizes balance, harmony, and respect for unique ethnic characteristics.

Is Korea good for rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty procedures in Korea are popular due to the advanced techniques and experienced surgeons. Consequently, these procedures tend to have very high success rates, and patients often achieve excellent results with minimal complications, further solidifying Korea’s reputation.

South Korea is often referred to as the plastic surgery capital of the world, and its reputation for precision and excellence in rhinoplasty is well-earned. The country is recognized as the #1 destination for cosmetic surgery, with a high volume of rhinoplasty procedures performed annually. Korean surgeons are renowned for their expertise in Asian rhinoplasty, handling difficult procedures with precision and a deep understanding of Asian facial features. They emphasize subtle enhancements that align with each patient’s unique facial structure, prioritizing natural results and facial harmony.

State-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge medical technology are standard across Korean clinics, many of which are equipped with advanced 3D imaging for detailed facial analysis. Procedures are performed by specialists with thousands of cases, guaranteeing meticulous attention to detail and symmetry. Patient satisfaction rates for rhinoplasty are particularly high, with many foreign patients reporting successful outcomes and natural-looking results. Personalized care and comprehensive aftercare services, including 24/7 access to medical support, detailed recovery instructions, and regular follow-up appointments, further enhance the patient experience.

While costs are generally higher than in countries like Turkey or Thailand, South Korea stands out with a competitive pricing structure when comparing the quality of service and outcomes. The combination of highly trained surgeons, advanced techniques, and a commitment to patient satisfaction makes Korea an excellent choice for rhinoplasty, especially for those seeking refined, natural-looking results.

Who is a candidate for Korean rhinoplasty surgery?

Ideal candidates for Korean rhinoplasty are men and women, at least in their teens, non-smokers, and in good physical condition. Rhinoplasty is usually performed in patients between the ages of 18 and 50, and facial growth must be complete. Korean law requires the age 19 to undergo plastic surgery without parental consent.

Candidates for Asian rhinoplasty seek to reshape their nose without losing the features that speak to their heritage. Many wish to correct functional problems: breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum. The successful candidate will be emotionally and mentally prepared for the slightly prolonged and gradual nature of rhinoplasty recovery.

What is the rhinoplasty recovery time in Korea?

Patients are advised to stay in Korea for at least 7-10 days after rhinoplasty. Surgeons recommend staying at least one week after surgery. Most patients stay in Korea for at least 7 days for personalized post-surgery care and follow-ups. Clinics will advise based on swelling and healing status.

Closed rhinoplasty downtime is 3-7 days. Patients can return to work or school within a week or two. Most patients are pain-free within a week or two. Recovery time varies by patient and kind of rhinoplasty.

Swelling is the worst during the first 2-3 days,  diminishing by two weeks post-op. Final results refine over 1-3 months as swelling fully resolves. Full healing and the final shape of your nose take about a year.

What are common issues with a botched Korean nose job?

Common issues with a botched Korean nose job include nasal collapse, pinched or collapsed nasal tip, and pollybeak deformity, all of which affect appearance and breathing. Visible nose asymmetry, irregular bumps, and a nose that looks out of balance with the rest of the face are frequent cosmetic signs. Excessive scar tissue formation and infection are common functional problems that distort shape and block airflow.

Over-resection of cartilage causes the tip to cave in, creates a ski slope deformity of the bridge, narrows the internal nostril passage, or collapses the nasal valve, leading to chronic congestion and slits for nostrils rather than round holes. Undercorrection leaves the original concerns unchanged, while overcorrection produces an unnatural, overly reduced bridge or a beak-like appearance. Poor surgical technique, inexperienced surgeons, and choosing a surgeon without focused experience in nasal surgery are leading causes.

Post-op complications, miscommunication, and unrealistic expectations result in a failed rhinoplasty. About 15% of initial procedures require corrections due to issues like nasal drooping, asymmetry, or breathing difficulties. A botched nose job impairs the patient’s ability to breathe normally, affects social lifestyle, and causes psychological distress. Corrective revision rhinoplasty can rebuild support with cartilage grafting, refine the tip, remove scar tissue, and restore both aesthetic and functional integrity.

How much does nose surgery cost in Korea?

The cost of rhinoplasty in South Korea ranges from $2,000 to $13,800, with standard procedures between $2,100 and $3,500 while advanced techniques reach $12,000. Average cases cluster at $4,000-$6,000, and minor corrections like bulbous, short or deviated nose start at USD $600. Open rhinoplasty averages 5,200 USD to 10,500 USD, closed rhinoplasty roughly 3,000 USD to 8,000 USD, and ethnic rhinoplasty 4,000 USD to 9,000 USD. Revision rhinoplasty, the most complicated, ranges from 8,700 USD to 17,500 USD, whereas rib cartilage reconstructions extend from 11,300 USD to 14,000 USD. Osteotomy alone adds 1,300 USD to 1,500 USD. Consultation fees run 50-150 USD, pre-surgical tests 100-300 USD, and post-operative medications 50-200 USD. Overall, Korean prices are typically 30-50% lower than in the United States, where the same procedure starts at 8,075 USD and averages 16,000 USD.

Where to get nose job in Korea?

Seoul is the primary destination for rhinoplasty in Korea. JK Plastic Surgery Center is the leading clinic in South Korea for rhinoplasty. It offers high-quality service and excellent results. Over 6,000 medical tourists visit JK Plastic Surgery Clinic each year. The clinic was recognized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s certification in 2016. VIP Plastic Surgery Clinic has been the ultimate destination for foreign patients seeking plastic surgery tourism since 2001. It has continuously researched harmonious faces for 25 years. THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is situated in Seoul’s renowned Garosu-gil area. It provides comprehensive care from consultation through to advanced aftercare.