Types of Rhinoplasty in Korea: Complete Guide

Korean rhinoplasty is known worldwide for its natural, balanced results and advanced cartilage-based techniques. Unlike Western nose surgery, which often focuses on reduction, Korean rhinoplasty emphasizes harmonizing the nose with the face, improving definition, and enhancing structure without looking artificial.

Here are the most common types of rhinoplasty in Korea, what they fix, and who they are best for.

1. Tip Plasty (Nasal Tip Correction)

Tip plasty refines the nasal tip without altering other parts of the nose.

Best for:

• Bulbous tip
• Droopy tip
• Under-projected tip
• Asymmetrical tip
• Wide/undefined tip

Techniques used:

• Cartilage reshaping
• Columellar strut graft
• Dome suturing
• Shield graft
• Ear or septal cartilage support

Tip plasty is extremely popular because Korean surgeons specialize in natural tip definition.

2. Bridge Augmentation Rhinoplasty

Many Asian patients have a naturally low nasal bridge. Korea is famous for subtle, elegant bridge augmentation.

Materials used:

• Autologous cartilage (septal, ear, rib)
• Silicone implant
• Gore-Tex
• Composite techniques

Best for:

• Low bridge
• Flat or wide nasal shape
• Smoother side profile
• K-pop style contour

Korean surgeons avoid overly high bridges to maintain natural harmony.

3. Osteotomy (Nasal Bone Narrowing)

This reshapes wide or crooked bony bridges by adjusting nasal bones.

Fixes:

• Wide nasal bridge
• “Open roof” deformity
• Crooked nose after injury
• Asymmetrical nasal bones

This is often combined with bridge augmentation.

4. Alar Base Reduction (Nostril Reduction)

Also called alarplasty, this surgery reshapes the nostrils.

Best for:

• Flaring nostrils
• Wide alar base
• Asymmetrical nostrils
• Strong curvature

Techniques:

• Weir excision
• V-Y advancement
• Soft tissue removal
• Alar base narrowing

Korean surgeons tailor nostril narrowing precisely to avoid over-resection.

5. Hump Reduction (Dorsal Reduction Rhinoplasty)

Removes bumps or irregularities along the bridge.

Fixes:

• Dorsal hump
• Cartilage irregularities
• Bone prominence
• Unbalanced profile

Often combined with tip reshaping for a smooth silhouette.

6. Septoplasty + Functional Rhinoplasty

Improves breathing while correcting the nasal structure.

Treats:

• Deviated septum
• Nasal obstruction
• Valve collapse
• Snoring or airflow issues

Korea excels at combining functional + cosmetic correction in one procedure.

7. Droopy Tip Correction (Ptosis Rhinoplasty)

Aging, cartilage weakness, or genetics can cause a downward-pointing tip.

Corrected by:

• Columellar strut
• Tip rotation
• Ligament reconstruction
• Cartilage graft support

Creates a youthful, lifted nasal appearance.

8. Revision Rhinoplasty

For patients unhappy with previous surgery results — either done in Korea or abroad.

Reasons for revision:

• Asymmetry
• Implant issues
• Breathing problems
• Over-reduction or collapse
• Botched alar or tip surgery

Techniques include:

• Rib cartilage grafting
• Structural rebuilding
• Implant removal or replacement
• Scar tissue correction

Korea is a global leader in complex revision rhinoplasty.

9. Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty (Filler Nose Job)

A temporary, injection-based contouring method.

Best for:

• Minor bridge lift
• Camouflage of small humps
• Sharper nose contour
• Quick improvement

Limitations:

• Temporary (6–12 months)
• Not for functional or structural issues
• Not recommended with previous implants

Still a popular option for first-timers.

10. Baby Nose / Short Nose Correction

Corrects short, upturned noses by lengthening structural support.

Methods:

• Alar cartilage extension grafts
• Septal/rib cartilage grafting
• Soft tissue release

Highly demanding procedure that Korea is known for mastering.

11. Long Nose Correction

Excessive length or drooping is corrected through:

• Tip-up rotation
• Cartilage trimming
• Columellar repositioning

Improves balance for elongated nose shapes.

12. Wide Nose Correction

Combines techniques such as:

• Osteotomy
• Alar base reduction
• Bridge augmentation
• Tip reshaping

Creates a narrower, more refined shape.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Korea offers the most diverse, advanced, and precise rhinoplasty techniques in the world — from subtle tip refinement to complex structural reconstruction. Whether the goal is aesthetic harmony, improved breathing, or correction of previous surgery, Korean surgeons are known for their natural, elegant approach tailored to individual facial proportions.