Rhinoplasty (코성형).

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nasal structure. In Korean practice the major sub-procedures are tip plasty (코끝성형) — reshaping the soft cartilage at the tip; bridge augmentation (콧대성형) — raising the nasal dorsum with an implant or cartilage graft; and alar reduction (콧볼축소) — narrowing the nostril base. Most Korean rhinoplasty cases combine two or three of these.

Silicone implants are the most common for bridge augmentation in Korean practice — a long track record, low cost, removable if needed. Gore-Tex (ePTFE) is a softer alternative with a different feel. Autologous cartilage (from the septum, ear, or rib) avoids implant materials entirely and is often combined with silicone for tip refinement. Donor cartilage (irradiated rib) is used in some revision cases. The choice matters — ask the surgeon to explain theirs.

Material choice and why. Whether 3D imaging is used for planning. Anesthesia type — most Korean clinics do rhinoplasty under general anesthesia with a licensed anesthesiologist; sedation is an option for tip-only work. Revision policy: what happens if the implant deviates, gets infected, or the shape needs adjustment. The surgeon's specific volume for your planned combination.

The cast stays on for 5–7 days. Visible swelling and bruising peaks at day 3–4, subsides materially by day 10. The tip shape continues to settle for 6–12 months — the version you see at 3 weeks is not the final version. Nasal breathing returns progressively over the first 3–6 weeks.

Tip plasty alone: ₩2,000,000–₩5,000,000. Primary bridge + tip: ₩3,000,000–₩8,000,000. Full combined case with septum work or autologous cartilage: ₩6,000,000–₩12,000,000. Revision rhinoplasty: 20–50% above primary pricing.

"What's your personal revision rate for primary rhinoplasty, and how many of yours have required a second surgery?" Every high-volume surgeon has some revisions. A surgeon who claims zero is either brand-new or not answering the question.