What should you know about rhinoplasty in South Korea?
- Over 96,800 patients have chosen South Korea for rhinoplasty through Bookimed alone, with nose jobs ranking among the most popular procedures according to ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) statistics.
- South Korea performs 13.5 cosmetic procedures per 1,000 residents, ranking first globally per capita.
- The 50–70% lower cost of nasal surgery in this destination compared with the USA, UK, or Germany attracts international patients.
- The country is recognized among the top 10 plastic surgery destinations worldwide, with 67 specialized clinics offering rhinoplasty procedures, according to Bookimed data.
What are the advantages of a nose job in South Korea?
- Rigorously trained surgeons. Korean plastic surgeons must complete a minimum 4-year residency program and pass certification by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS), which has trained 2,491 specialists since 1967. Leading specialists such as Dr. Park Young Kyu (SAERO Plastic Surgery), Dr. Im Young Min (VG Plastic Surgery), and Dr. Kim Sung Sik (JK Plastic Surgery Center) bring over 20 years of experience in aesthetic surgery and training in European and American clinics.
- Advanced surgical techniques. Korean surgeons utilize cutting-edge technology including 3D CT imaging for precise surgical planning and Vectra 3D simulation for result preview. Many clinics offer piezo ultrasonic rhinoplasty, which reduces tissue trauma and swelling by 30–40%.
- Affordable pricing. Rhinoplasty costs $5,000–$13,780 in South Korea compared to $10,000–$22,000 in the USA and £6,000–£9,000 in the UK, representing 50–70% savings. This price difference reflects the country's economic development level while maintaining high medical standards.
- High-quality medical services. Patients receive excellent medical care and service quality, confirmed by Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. Since 2007, 29 hospitals in South Korea have received JCI accreditation, ensuring the highest international standards of patient safety and care quality.
How to get rhinoplasty in South Korea?
Submit a request on the website and a Bookimed medical coordinator will contact you. They will answer your questions about the procedure, discuss costs at different centers, and help you choose the best option.
You can also request surgeon portfolios to see examples of nose jobs performed by specific doctors. If necessary, a Bookimed medical coordinator will assist with booking flights and accommodation.
Why do over 96,800 patients choose South Korea for rhinoplasty?
- Affordable prices — nasal surgery costs are 50–70% lower than in the US, UK, and European countries.
- Safety oversight — medical associations including the World Medical Association and the South Korean Ministry of Health monitor service quality and patient safety in local clinics, ensuring procedures are performed safely.
- Surgeon expertise — plastic surgeons possess vast experience and perform hundreds of operations annually. Most complete overseas internships and hold membership in international societies and organizations.
- Medical tourism benefits — the mild climate, unique culture, and high-quality food and accommodation make Korea an ideal destination for combining plastic surgery with vacation.
Patient satisfaction reflects Korea's reputation for excellence. A patient from Canada who received treatment at SAERO Plastic Surgery shared: "I breath perfectly now after surgery and my nose is a lot straighter." (Bookimed verified review, 5.0/5 rating)
A patient from the United States who received treatment at JK Plastic Surgery Center described their results: "The results AMAZING!!!! It looks so natural and matches my face perfectly." (Bookimed verified review, 5.0/5 rating)
How to choose the right hospital and surgeon for rhinoplasty in the country?
To avoid complications and speed up recovery time, choosing the right clinic and experienced surgeon is crucial.
When selecting a clinic and surgeon, verify these specific credentials:
- KSPRS certification. Ensure your surgeon is certified by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.
- JCI accreditation. Look for hospitals with Joint Commission International accreditation, as 29 Korean hospitals have achieved this gold standard since 2007, ensuring the highest international safety standards.
- Facility registration. Verify the clinic is registered with KHIDI (Korea Health Industry Development Institute) for treating international patients.
- Before/after photos. Review comprehensive portfolios to verify you can achieve desired results.
- Success rates and experience. According to clinical studies, primary rhinoplasty achieves 87% successful anatomical correction rates, with overall complication rates of 7.9%.
A patient from the United Kingdom who received treatment through Bookimed noted about their care experience: "I could not fault the care that I received, all in line with similar protocols as we have in the NHS." (Bookimed verified review, 5.0/5 rating)
Who is the best nose surgeon in South Korea?
Top-rated nasal surgeons practice at leading facilities including SAERO Plastic Surgery (5.0/5, Seoul), JK Plastic Surgery Center (5.0/5, Seoul), and VG Plastic Surgery (4.8/5, Seoul), all verified through Bookimed's quality assessment.
You can learn more about top doctors, their qualifications, and procedure results by visiting our South Korea plastic surgeons directory, featuring specialists like Dr. Park Young Kyu and Dr. Im Young Min.
What is the recovery timeline?
Understanding the rhinoplasty recovery process helps set realistic expectations:
- First 72 hours: Peak swelling and bruising, nasal congestion, mild to moderate discomfort manageable with prescribed medication.
- Week 1: Nasal splint removal around day 7, most patients can return to work, bruising around eyes begins to fade.
- Weeks 2–4: 80% of facial swelling resolves, breathing improves, can resume light exercise.
- Month 3: 80% of nasal swelling gone, tip may still feel slightly numb with pins-and-needles sensation.
- Month 6: 95% of swelling resolved, near-final results visible.
- 1 Year: 97% of swelling gone, final results achieved.
Most patients take 2 weeks off work and can resume normal activities by 4–6 weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for 6 months to protect the healing nose.
What are possible risks and complications?
While rhinoplasty is generally safe, patients should understand potential risks and complications:
- Major complications: Occur in only 0.7% of cases according to a study of 4,978 patients, with hematoma (0.2%), infection (0.2%), and pulmonary complications (0.1%) being most common.
- Revision surgery: Required in 9.8% of cases, with 87% of patients achieving successful anatomical correction on the first procedure.
- Age-related considerations: Patients over 40 have slightly higher risk factors, but proper screening minimizes complications.
- Recovery success: Over 95% of patients experience normal healing with swelling resolving by 6 months and final results visible after 1 year.
Important: Choose only KSPRS-certified surgeons and JCI-accredited facilities to minimize risks. Always discuss your medical history and expectations during consultation.
What to do if the result does not satisfy you?
Surgeons operate according to a 3D model approved by the patient. If the result differs from the model, doctors perform the second operation free of charge.
If the new nose matches the 3D model but the patient wants additional modifications, revision surgery requires payment. It's important to perform the second operation as soon as possible while cartilage and bone tissue are easier to correct. Once swelling subsides, doctors can schedule the procedure for the next day.
What affects the cost of rhinoplasty in Korea?
The cost of nasal surgery in Korea depends on several factors:
- Type of operation — non-surgical procedures cost less than surgical interventions.
- Surgery volume — the more nasal tissues requiring correction, the higher the operation cost.
- Clinic reputation — top-rated facilities like SAERO Plastic Surgery and JK Plastic Surgery Center may charge premium rates for their expertise.
What does the price of rhinoplasty in South Korea include?
Usually, the price at Korean clinics includes:
- Consultation with a plastic surgeon
- 3D modeling of the result
- The operation itself
- Hospitalization for 1 day
For information on airport transfers, language assistance, and specific medical center costs, contact your Bookimed medical coordinator.
