What can nose surgery change?
The nose is small, but it is made of several distinct parts — a bony upper bridge, a cartilage middle vault, the tip cartilages, the nostrils and the septum inside. Most people who come to us are bothered by one or two of these, not all of them. A good plan changes only what needs changing and leaves the rest of the nose alone.
For a full reshaping of bridge and tip, start with our rhinoplasty page. If the tip alone looks round or heavy, tip plasty may be enough, and if the nostrils are what you notice in photos, read about alar reduction. Patients who have already had surgery elsewhere should go straight to revision rhinoplasty.
Nose procedures in this category
Which nose procedure do I need?
| Main concern | Usual procedure | Typical downtime | |
| Low or flat bridge | Profile lacks height | Rhinoplasty with augmentation | 7–10 days |
| Round or wide tip | Tip looks heavy | Tip plasty / bulbous tip correction | 7–10 days |
| Wide nostrils | Base dominates front view | Alar reduction | 5–7 days |
| Bump on the bridge | Hump in profile | Hump reduction rhinoplasty | 7–14 days |
| Crooked nose | Off-centre bridge or septum | Deviated nose surgery | 10–14 days |
| Unhappy with past surgery | Shape, implant or breathing problem | Revision rhinoplasty | 10–14 days |
Many noses need two of these at once — for example a tip and a nostril change. Dr. Lee will tell you if a smaller operation is enough.
Before & after
Before
After
We do not publish nose patient photographs on this site. At your consultation Dr. Lee can walk you through the planned change on your own photos. Other categories are in our before & after gallery.
How long should I stay in Seoul for nose surgery?
| Day 0 | Consultation, final design and surgery (often the same or next day). |
|---|---|
| Day 1–3 | Splint on, swelling and some bruising around the eyes. |
| Day 5–7 | Splint and stitches removed; most bruising fading. |
| Day 7–10 | Final check with Dr. Lee and fit to fly. |
“I would rather change the nose a little less and have it look like it was always yours.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of nose surgery?
All nose surgery carries a risk of swelling that lasts months (especially at the tip), small asymmetries, temporary numbness, bleeding, infection and, occasionally, a need for revision. Implants add the risk of displacement or contracture over time. Swelling settles slowly, so the final shape is judged at around a year, not a week. We discuss these openly at consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Who performs nose surgery at UE Plastic Surgery?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung, our chief director and a board-certified plastic surgeon, handles your consultation, surgery and follow-up herself.
Can I have a consultation before I travel?
Yes. Send front, side and three-quarter photos on WhatsApp for a free initial opinion, then confirm the plan in person in Seoul.
Is nose surgery done under general anaesthesia?
Full rhinoplasty is usually done under general anaesthesia or deep sedation; smaller procedures such as alar reduction can be done under local anaesthesia with sedation.
When will I see the final result?
Most swelling settles over 2–3 months, but the tip keeps refining for up to a year, longer with thick skin.
Can nose surgery be combined with eyelid surgery?
Often, yes — many patients combine rhinoplasty with eye procedures in one session, subject to a health check.
Do you offer female staff and private rooms?
Yes. Female staff options and private, hijab-friendly rooms are available on request.