A month ago, I had rhinoplasty in Korea at DA Plastic surgery hospital and I would like to share my experience about my surgery as I am now very pleased with the result so far. Especially for those who have similar bulbous short nose like mine with some rhinitis ,breathing problems.
Before the surgery
A little background about me: I'm from Malaysia and frequently visit Korea for work and to see my sister, who's been living there for quite a while. I've been considering getting a nose job for about four years now, but my parents were against it. With the support of my sister, I finally made it this time. It was my third time consulting with major hospitals in Seoul about my nose, but previous circumstances and budget constraints had held me back. Language was also a bit of a barrier, as I only understood about 40% of Korean, and medical terms were still a challenge.
My sister and a Korean friend of mine helped me find some reputable plastic surgery clinics based on local reviews. We narrowed it down to three clinics: Banobagi, DA, and Braun. We scheduled consultations at all three on the same day.
Ultimately, I went with DA because it was the most budget-friendly option after i had the in person consultation.The price they gave online was quite pricey so, I was worried it will be too much beyond my budget but, the consultant could bring a pretty good deal at the end of the in person consultation. As for my nose, I was concerned about my flared nostrils and my short, flat, and upturned nose as you can see in my photo. I also expressed my concern about potential breathing and rhinitis issues due to my small nose. The consultant lady arranged an ENT specialist, Dr. Kim Yoon, She confirmed that I was a suitable candidate for her specialty who's renowned for her expertise in short nose-related surgeries. So, I just trusted her sense. Doctor suggested going for alar reduction, inner septum deviated correction and cartilage grafting to enhance the nose tip, and with silicon for the bridge. My nose was so small that my septum couldn't be used to create a new tip. So, the doctor strongly suggested using my own rib cartilage, though it was a bit more expensive and would leave a small scar on my rib area, I was convinced to make it the best choice for strong and long-lasting results.
A moment before entering the surgery room
I had to fast for 8 hours before the surgery, i had to see the Doctor one more time to consult before entering the surgery room and she drew some designs on my nose.
The surgery took longer than expected. on my treatment day after the surgery, I could check the process of my surgery via video recorded, It was a 3.5 hour recording with some preparation and surgery itself. The process of collecting the cartilage from my rib took quite long and it seems to need too much skilled work. I did not doubt the doctor since from the beginning but , I requested the video to see just for my knowledge and curiosity.
When I woke up from the anesthesia, I could hear the nurse calling my name and she said she would be helping to sit up on my bed and I was moved to my hospitalization room and I stayed at the clinic overnight. Surprisingly, I didn't experience much pain in my nose, but my eyes were a bit irritated due to my eyelash extensions recently. I guess the glue might have gotten into my eyes. Note to self: if you're planning surgery, skip the lash extensions. I had some discomfort in my rib area and had to wear a compression bandage for a week.
My selfie on Day 2 after surgery
On the second day, the nurse removed the cotton inside and on my nose so I could breathe through my nose. She also helped clean out the wax and blood clots. The doctor noticed a blood pool on my nose bridge, so she used a syringe to remove it, instantly making my nose bridge look slimmer.
By the fifth day, the swelling had gone down considerably, and I was feeling much better. The removal of the blood pool and some special injections from the doctor played a significant role in this. I was thrilled to see a noticeable change in the shape of my nose. I had a splint, tape, and both inner and outer stitches for a week after the operation.
2 weeks after stitches and splint removal
The first week post-surgery, I was quite anxious about getting the stitches removed, but it turned out to be quick, with only the outer stitches coming out. I also received high-frequency oxygen treatment and some laser lightening care, each lasting about 10 minutes.
In the second week, I had the nasal splints and sutures inside my nose removed. A month after the surgery, the major swelling has significantly decreased, and my nose is starting to look more natural. I can finally wear my glasses again after a month of being blind without them.
Every morning, when I look in the mirror, it feels like I'm looking at a different person – in a good way! I am more comfy and easy breathing and less nose runny compare to before. I'm even thinking about exploring facial contouring surgery in the future. I you know any good or bad experiences with facial contouring, please share in my comments too. I will appreciate alot. So, that's my rhinoplasty journey. If you have any questions or want more details, just let me know!
Before the surgery
A little background about me: I'm from Malaysia and frequently visit Korea for work and to see my sister, who's been living there for quite a while. I've been considering getting a nose job for about four years now, but my parents were against it. With the support of my sister, I finally made it this time. It was my third time consulting with major hospitals in Seoul about my nose, but previous circumstances and budget constraints had held me back. Language was also a bit of a barrier, as I only understood about 40% of Korean, and medical terms were still a challenge.
My sister and a Korean friend of mine helped me find some reputable plastic surgery clinics based on local reviews. We narrowed it down to three clinics: Banobagi, DA, and Braun. We scheduled consultations at all three on the same day.
Ultimately, I went with DA because it was the most budget-friendly option after i had the in person consultation.The price they gave online was quite pricey so, I was worried it will be too much beyond my budget but, the consultant could bring a pretty good deal at the end of the in person consultation. As for my nose, I was concerned about my flared nostrils and my short, flat, and upturned nose as you can see in my photo. I also expressed my concern about potential breathing and rhinitis issues due to my small nose. The consultant lady arranged an ENT specialist, Dr. Kim Yoon, She confirmed that I was a suitable candidate for her specialty who's renowned for her expertise in short nose-related surgeries. So, I just trusted her sense. Doctor suggested going for alar reduction, inner septum deviated correction and cartilage grafting to enhance the nose tip, and with silicon for the bridge. My nose was so small that my septum couldn't be used to create a new tip. So, the doctor strongly suggested using my own rib cartilage, though it was a bit more expensive and would leave a small scar on my rib area, I was convinced to make it the best choice for strong and long-lasting results.
A moment before entering the surgery room
I had to fast for 8 hours before the surgery, i had to see the Doctor one more time to consult before entering the surgery room and she drew some designs on my nose.
The surgery took longer than expected. on my treatment day after the surgery, I could check the process of my surgery via video recorded, It was a 3.5 hour recording with some preparation and surgery itself. The process of collecting the cartilage from my rib took quite long and it seems to need too much skilled work. I did not doubt the doctor since from the beginning but , I requested the video to see just for my knowledge and curiosity.
When I woke up from the anesthesia, I could hear the nurse calling my name and she said she would be helping to sit up on my bed and I was moved to my hospitalization room and I stayed at the clinic overnight. Surprisingly, I didn't experience much pain in my nose, but my eyes were a bit irritated due to my eyelash extensions recently. I guess the glue might have gotten into my eyes. Note to self: if you're planning surgery, skip the lash extensions. I had some discomfort in my rib area and had to wear a compression bandage for a week.
My selfie on Day 2 after surgery
On the second day, the nurse removed the cotton inside and on my nose so I could breathe through my nose. She also helped clean out the wax and blood clots. The doctor noticed a blood pool on my nose bridge, so she used a syringe to remove it, instantly making my nose bridge look slimmer.
By the fifth day, the swelling had gone down considerably, and I was feeling much better. The removal of the blood pool and some special injections from the doctor played a significant role in this. I was thrilled to see a noticeable change in the shape of my nose. I had a splint, tape, and both inner and outer stitches for a week after the operation.
2 weeks after stitches and splint removal
The first week post-surgery, I was quite anxious about getting the stitches removed, but it turned out to be quick, with only the outer stitches coming out. I also received high-frequency oxygen treatment and some laser lightening care, each lasting about 10 minutes.
In the second week, I had the nasal splints and sutures inside my nose removed. A month after the surgery, the major swelling has significantly decreased, and my nose is starting to look more natural. I can finally wear my glasses again after a month of being blind without them.
Every morning, when I look in the mirror, it feels like I'm looking at a different person – in a good way! I am more comfy and easy breathing and less nose runny compare to before. I'm even thinking about exploring facial contouring surgery in the future. I you know any good or bad experiences with facial contouring, please share in my comments too. I will appreciate alot. So, that's my rhinoplasty journey. If you have any questions or want more details, just let me know!
