I've been following this community for some time, and I've found several posts here to be incredibly helpful. I wanted to share my own experience.
Procedures:
Due to time constraints, I paid a deposit to secure a surgery date before having a face-to-face consultation. I had reached out to a couple of other clinics and made my decision based on the online content available. (I highly recommend scheduling a face-to-face consultation if you have the time for it.)
I communicated with their in-house translator, Jennifer, through WhatsApp. She promptly and directly answered my questions.
I received a quote of 4.8 million KRW + 10% VAT for the Rhinoplasty, which included boney base shaving, bridge augmentation using a silicone implant, and tip pasty using donor rib cartilage. The quote for the chin implant was 2 million KRW + 10% VAT.
Before Surgery:
Two days before the surgery, I scheduled a consultation. I was greeted by another translator named Esther. The experience felt efficient but also somewhat rushed. Nevertheless, Esther was a great translator who appeared genuinely caring. During this visit, I underwent a CT scan and had fillers dissolved in my nose and chin.
I couldn't have my rhinoplasty consultation with the doctor as he was delayed in surgery. The staff was apologetic about this. Instead, I spent time with another staff who noted everything I wanted for my surgery. I emphasized my desire for a natural-looking nose that would harmonize with my face. I stated everything I wanted in this session (but not with the doc during my consultation with him, which I would elaborate on further).
Although an additional procedure for Alarplasty, using ear cartilage and dissolving filler had been required, I was somewhat surprised when the final quote for my rhinoplasty increased from 4.8 million to 7.3 million KRW. I'm slightly annoyed about this.
Surgery Day (Post Surgery):
On the day of the surgery, I met with my Rhinoplasty doctor. Another translator, who was not as fluent as Esther, accompanied me, which made me uneasy. During my consultation with the doctor, I mentioned my desire for a natural-looking nose and the primary focus on fixing my tip. The doctor explained how he would improve the tip. However, when asked if I had any further questions, I was too nervous and blanked out to provide all the details about the type of nose I wanted. I ended up not repeating all the details that I mentioned to the staff two days prior.
I showed him two photos, and I mentioned that I liked the line of the side profile but wanted it less projected (I'm not sure the translator conveyed this to the doctor). He asked me to send these photos and left.
I had expected more time designing my nose and discussing finer details, but everything happened so quickly. To be honest, I wasn't mentally prepared for the surgery, and I was extremely nervous. Before I knew it, I was under anesthesia.
Tip:
It's advisable to write down a list of questions and concerns. Annotate your photos with notes on the side. Everything may feel rushed but try to stay calm and don't feel pressured by time constraints.
Surgery Day (Post Surgery):
I woke up feeling surprisingly good, perhaps due to being all drugged up. I didn't experience any nausea. Esther was there to explain post-surgery care and helped arrange my transportation back.
Day 2:
I took my last medication at 7pm after dinner. By bedtime, the effects of the drugs had worn off, and I was in pain and was slightly feverish. I took a Panadol to surpress it. Sleeping was difficult as I had to breathe through my mouth and sleep upright. I did not sleep at all, and got up every two hours. It was a struggled through the night. My face started swelling, causing my double eyelids to turn into single eyelids, and I could barely open my eyes by nighttime. I diligently drank plenty of water and applied cold compresses to my face.
Day 3:
I slept a bit better the previous night. I returned to the clinic to have the packing in my nose removed. I was told I no longer needed gauze under my nose, but this proved impossible due to a runny nose I couldn't blow. By this point, I was still breathing through my mouth.
Day 4-5:
Each day, the swelling on my face reduced significantly, and this made me feel more positive. However, I continued to have a runny nose, forcing me to breathe through my mouth during the day. Fortunately, it stopped when I slept.
Day 6:
On this day, the cast and stitches were removed. I was excited yet nervous. There was some discomfort during the process, but it was bearable. Although I knew there was still swelling and prepared myself I might not be pleased at this point. I was still really shocked at my face. My tip was really high, and my bridge was notably swollen. This made me look like a dinosaur with really piggy nose. It felt really strange, but I tried to stay calm and optimistic.
I was pleased with my chin implant; it balanced my face nicely.
Note: I had expected to have my face and hair washed, but this wasn't offered. It seems that the reality differed from what I had seen on YouTube.
Day 7-10:
Those days were emotionally turbulent. The swelling continued to decrease, giving me some relief. However, as the swelling reduced, I could better visualize the final results. I felt that my nose was more projected than I had wanted. I began to doubt the communication that took place during the consultation on the day of my surgery.
Current:
100% Pleased with Chin Implant
80% Pleased with rhinoplasty
I am currently 18 days post-op. The tip has dropped slightly, creating a more natural look. Overall, the results are great, both doctors did a great job. But they are not exactly what I had envisioned, it looks very close to the reference photo that I sent through. (I mentioned that the photo is more projected than I wanted, and I think this was not conveyed).
I wanted a very natural appearance, the bridge is higher than I desired (it looks slightly pinched from the front), and the tip is more projected and sharper than I had hoped for. I have a history of healing really quickly and my facial swelling has slowed down. I'm able to feel every part of my nose, including the tip. I’m currently hoping everything looks more natural over the next few weeks. (Does anyone know how long the tip takes to drop? would it continue to look less pointy?)
I also have a runny nose throughout the entire process which was something no one mentioned before. One side of my profile is a pointer and longer than the other and my 3/4 profile does look kind of odd still.
The tightness on my chin implant has gone down, and there is some numbness in the middle of my lips but I'm able to smile again.
Some things I did:
Things I would do differently:
Procedures:
- Rhinoplasty (Bridge, tip, and Alar) - Dr Ryu Dong Wan
- Chin Implant Augmentation - Dr Lee Wu Shop
- Braun Plastic Surgery
Due to time constraints, I paid a deposit to secure a surgery date before having a face-to-face consultation. I had reached out to a couple of other clinics and made my decision based on the online content available. (I highly recommend scheduling a face-to-face consultation if you have the time for it.)
I communicated with their in-house translator, Jennifer, through WhatsApp. She promptly and directly answered my questions.
I received a quote of 4.8 million KRW + 10% VAT for the Rhinoplasty, which included boney base shaving, bridge augmentation using a silicone implant, and tip pasty using donor rib cartilage. The quote for the chin implant was 2 million KRW + 10% VAT.
Before Surgery:
Two days before the surgery, I scheduled a consultation. I was greeted by another translator named Esther. The experience felt efficient but also somewhat rushed. Nevertheless, Esther was a great translator who appeared genuinely caring. During this visit, I underwent a CT scan and had fillers dissolved in my nose and chin.
I couldn't have my rhinoplasty consultation with the doctor as he was delayed in surgery. The staff was apologetic about this. Instead, I spent time with another staff who noted everything I wanted for my surgery. I emphasized my desire for a natural-looking nose that would harmonize with my face. I stated everything I wanted in this session (but not with the doc during my consultation with him, which I would elaborate on further).
Although an additional procedure for Alarplasty, using ear cartilage and dissolving filler had been required, I was somewhat surprised when the final quote for my rhinoplasty increased from 4.8 million to 7.3 million KRW. I'm slightly annoyed about this.
Surgery Day (Post Surgery):
On the day of the surgery, I met with my Rhinoplasty doctor. Another translator, who was not as fluent as Esther, accompanied me, which made me uneasy. During my consultation with the doctor, I mentioned my desire for a natural-looking nose and the primary focus on fixing my tip. The doctor explained how he would improve the tip. However, when asked if I had any further questions, I was too nervous and blanked out to provide all the details about the type of nose I wanted. I ended up not repeating all the details that I mentioned to the staff two days prior.
I showed him two photos, and I mentioned that I liked the line of the side profile but wanted it less projected (I'm not sure the translator conveyed this to the doctor). He asked me to send these photos and left.
I had expected more time designing my nose and discussing finer details, but everything happened so quickly. To be honest, I wasn't mentally prepared for the surgery, and I was extremely nervous. Before I knew it, I was under anesthesia.
Tip:
It's advisable to write down a list of questions and concerns. Annotate your photos with notes on the side. Everything may feel rushed but try to stay calm and don't feel pressured by time constraints.
Surgery Day (Post Surgery):
I woke up feeling surprisingly good, perhaps due to being all drugged up. I didn't experience any nausea. Esther was there to explain post-surgery care and helped arrange my transportation back.
Day 2:
I took my last medication at 7pm after dinner. By bedtime, the effects of the drugs had worn off, and I was in pain and was slightly feverish. I took a Panadol to surpress it. Sleeping was difficult as I had to breathe through my mouth and sleep upright. I did not sleep at all, and got up every two hours. It was a struggled through the night. My face started swelling, causing my double eyelids to turn into single eyelids, and I could barely open my eyes by nighttime. I diligently drank plenty of water and applied cold compresses to my face.
Day 3:
I slept a bit better the previous night. I returned to the clinic to have the packing in my nose removed. I was told I no longer needed gauze under my nose, but this proved impossible due to a runny nose I couldn't blow. By this point, I was still breathing through my mouth.
Day 4-5:
Each day, the swelling on my face reduced significantly, and this made me feel more positive. However, I continued to have a runny nose, forcing me to breathe through my mouth during the day. Fortunately, it stopped when I slept.
Day 6:
On this day, the cast and stitches were removed. I was excited yet nervous. There was some discomfort during the process, but it was bearable. Although I knew there was still swelling and prepared myself I might not be pleased at this point. I was still really shocked at my face. My tip was really high, and my bridge was notably swollen. This made me look like a dinosaur with really piggy nose. It felt really strange, but I tried to stay calm and optimistic.
I was pleased with my chin implant; it balanced my face nicely.
Note: I had expected to have my face and hair washed, but this wasn't offered. It seems that the reality differed from what I had seen on YouTube.
Day 7-10:
Those days were emotionally turbulent. The swelling continued to decrease, giving me some relief. However, as the swelling reduced, I could better visualize the final results. I felt that my nose was more projected than I had wanted. I began to doubt the communication that took place during the consultation on the day of my surgery.
Current:
100% Pleased with Chin Implant
80% Pleased with rhinoplasty
I am currently 18 days post-op. The tip has dropped slightly, creating a more natural look. Overall, the results are great, both doctors did a great job. But they are not exactly what I had envisioned, it looks very close to the reference photo that I sent through. (I mentioned that the photo is more projected than I wanted, and I think this was not conveyed).
I wanted a very natural appearance, the bridge is higher than I desired (it looks slightly pinched from the front), and the tip is more projected and sharper than I had hoped for. I have a history of healing really quickly and my facial swelling has slowed down. I'm able to feel every part of my nose, including the tip. I’m currently hoping everything looks more natural over the next few weeks. (Does anyone know how long the tip takes to drop? would it continue to look less pointy?)
I also have a runny nose throughout the entire process which was something no one mentioned before. One side of my profile is a pointer and longer than the other and my 3/4 profile does look kind of odd still.
The tightness on my chin implant has gone down, and there is some numbness in the middle of my lips but I'm able to smile again.
Some things I did:
- Drink heaps of water
- Brought an air diffuser
- Follow some Kakao chats
- Take Bromelain and Arnica pills (prepare this before going to South Korea)
- Diligent with a cold and warm compress
- Do heaps of research and manage expectations, I’m glad I set expectations to understand the emotional roller coaster through this process.
Things I would do differently:
- Annotate my reference images
- Write down a list of notes
- Get your own reliable translator. I switched 3 different translators. Esther was awesome, but I quickly felt uneasy without her.
BEFORE
Day 6 (Cast Remove)
Current (Day 18)
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