My first rhinoplasty, including costal cartilage

This event is for anyone getting a nose job for the first time who also wants to discuss using rib cartilage. Instead of just raising the bridge, the nose is designed around an analysis of your overall facial proportions and impression, and the material is chosen from your own tissue, such as septal cartilage, ear cartilage or rib cartilage, to suit your nasal structure and skin thickness. This event includes the cost of rib cartilage if it's used.

Who it's for

• First-timers who want a safe, highly satisfying change
• Anyone after a refined, defined nose line with dimension from both the front and the side
• Those who may need rib cartilage because they lack enough cartilage inside the nose or have firm skin that requires significant tip projection
• Those who'd rather have a stable result built mainly on their own tissue than rely heavily on implants
• Anyone with a clear concern to fix, such as a bulbous nose, a hump or a short nose

How it works

1. Detailed diagnosisA CT scan checks the condition of the nasal bones and the internal structure of the nose, and your nasal structure, skin thickness and face shape are analyzed. This is also when they assess whether the septal cartilage is deviated and whether there's enough of it.
2. 1:1 design consultationYou decide on the nose line you want, whether straight, a slight upturned curve or a gentle curve, and together design a bridge that fits your facial proportions, a tip that won't droop, an ideal nasolabial angle (the angle between the nose and upper lip) and a columella (the column between the nostrils) of the right length. Bringing photos of noses you like to the consultation makes it easier to align on direction.
3. Choosing the materialSeptal cartilage from inside the nose is used most often, with ear cartilage added if there isn't enough. Rib cartilage is used when the nose's support structure is weak, the nasal structure is significantly deformed, or soft tissue is lacking. If the skin is thin and sensitive, autologous dermis may also be added. For the bridge, no implant or silicone is decided after consultation.
4. SurgeryDepending on your concerns and preferences, the procedure is done as open or closed rhinoplasty. Lead surgeon Dr. Lee Hee-young personally performs the surgery from start to finish.
5. AftercareThis continues into an aftercare program covering swelling management, infection prevention and scar care.

What's included

• One rhinoplasty procedure
• Rib cartilage included (no extra charge)

Price includes VAT and applies during the clinic's event period. According to the official event information, there are no separate charges for bridge implants, ear cartilage, septal cartilage or nasolabial angle correction either. However, the cost may change if the scope of surgery expands, so it's finalized at consultation.

From surgery day to recovery

1. Before your trip to KoreaAfter booking, the consultation schedule and available surgery dates are coordinated. Your pre- and post-op schedule is arranged at the consultation as well.
2. Surgery dayThe diagnosis and final design are confirmed before surgery. The anesthesia method is explained at the consultation.
3. Right after surgerySwelling and bruising may occur. The clinic advises that the packing inside the nose usually stays in for about 3 days. Don't touch the inside of your nose during this period.
4. Around 2 weeksThis is considered the point when major swelling subsides. Follow-up checks and removal of the splint and stitches are explained at the consultation according to the surgical method.
5. Around 1 monthRoughly a month is when people around you will have a hard time telling you had surgery. With open rhinoplasty, the incision mark gradually fades over one to two months.

Aftercare

• The clinic runs a program for swelling management, infection prevention and scar care.
• You'll be advised to avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks and alcohol for about a month after surgery.
• Nasal congestion may last one to two months, so it's monitored as you recover.

Doctor and clinic

Board-certified plastic surgeon and lead surgeon Dr. Lee Hee-young personally handles both consultations and surgery. He is a member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the Korean Rhinoplasty Society. Surgeries are performed under a named-surgeon policy, with no ghost surgery. Consultations are available in Japanese; for other languages, please ask when booking. The clinic is on Nonhyeon-ro, about 300m from Exit 3 of Apgujeong Station.

Side effects and precautions

• Bleeding, infection or inflammation may occur after surgery. If bright red blood keeps running down the back of your throat or a nosebleed won't stop, contact the clinic right away.
• Swelling, bruising and nasal congestion are common and subside over time.
• If rib cartilage is used, a small scar remains under the chest and there may be pain at the harvest site. Before harvesting, a chest X-ray checks for calcification, and calcified areas can't be used.
• Implants can become visible or shift over time, and grafted cartilage may be partially absorbed, slightly changing the shape of the tip.
• If only the profile is matched, the tip can look upturned from the front, so it's important to check the nasolabial angle too and communicate specifically how much change you want.

FAQ