KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

If you’re thinking about getting surgery in Korea, the process can feel like a lot. I just finished my journey there and wanted to share how it went to help anyone else looking to do the same. 

I flew to Korea in early April, and Sumin booked my consultations at Topface, Braun, and Kowon. She was incredibly thorough. 

She didn't just translate, she actually explained what the doctors meant, gave me her honest opinion on each clinic, 

and even proactively helped me ask for discounts. She also helped me set up a skin booster session at a separate dermatology clinic.

Why I Chose Kowon & My Procedures
I ended up picking Kowon because I felt the most comfortable with the doctor there. During our talk, the doctor asked for reference pictures to see what I liked, 

but at the end of the day, I told him to just do what would suit my face best.

He took photos of my face and edited them right in front of me to show what I’d look like. 

He answered all my questions, and I just felt like we were a good match. We decided on a comprehensive plan to get the best result:

 Bridge & Tip: Diced costal (rib) cartilage for the nose bridge, and autologous costal cartilage for the tip.
 Tip Plasty & Bulbous Nose Correction: To refine the tip and shape it nicely.
 Alar Reduction: To narrow the nostrils and base.
 Lifting the Base of the Philtrum: To balance the overall proportions of my nose and upper lip.

Surgery Day & Experience
Sumin handled all my transport from the airport to the hotel and to the clinic.

Once I got to the clinic, I changed into surgery clothes and did a face wash. The staff took photos of my face for their internal reference, 

and then I went through all the risks, details, and aftercare instructions with the manager. 

After that, I had one last final consultation with the doctor to go over everything and answer any remaining questions.

When it was time for the OR, Sumin stayed with me to explain what the nurses were doing, which really helped my anxiety. 

Everything moved fast—disinfecting, prepping—and then I was asleep.

Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery was actually shockingly easy. My nose didn’t feel any pain at all immediately after the surgery! Since I used my own rib, I had to wear a rib brace for a week.

 The First 3 Days: This was the only "painful" part. I’d feel a sharp pain in my rib area if I moved the wrong way—like getting out of bed or shifting positions. 

On Day 3, when my nose packing was removed, I realized there was actually a drainage tube attached to the rib area to help with the blood. 

That tube was definitely what was causing the sharp pain whenever I tensed up or moved around. Once it was out, things got much easier.

Getting Around: I had my surgery on Saturday, they removed my nose packing on Monday evening, and by Tuesday (Day 4), I was out exploring Seoul all day!

Day 7 Milestone (Stitch Removal): Day 7 was when all of my stitches finally came off. The removal process was a bit of a mixed bag—the rib area just felt really ticklish when they took them out, but the nose area was actually a bit painful.

Post-Op Congestion & Rib Healing: Because I have thick skin, I had quite a bit of swelling, so my nose was pretty congested. It took a full two weeks before the congestion finally started getting better. Now, at the two-week mark, my rib still feels a bit mildly sore in the morning when I get up, and in the evening after work, but I understand it takes a while to fully heal. I've also been trying to hold back from coughing or sneezing because I'm afraid it could damage the nose at this early stage, but when I do, the rib definitely feels painful!

The Team & Aftercare
The entire team at Kowon was very friendly, from the receptionist and manager to the nurses and the doctor. 

It felt like the perfect clinic for me because I could tell they actually cared about my well-being, which really calmed my nerves.

Doctor & Nurse Care: The aftercare routine is very reassuring. After every single visit, once the nurse finished cleaning my nose or changing my plasters, 

the doctor would personally come into the room to review my nose and check on my progress. The nurses are also incredibly soft and careful throughout the process.

Clinic Services & Walking: They offered to let me come in every single day for red light therapy to help the swelling go down faster. 

While that was a great option, I actually realized that just walking around a lot helped massively with the swelling 

and it probably helped my rib area heal up faster too by keeping the blood flowing.

The Care Packages: Both the clinic and Sumin gave me gift bags. Sumin’s bag had pumpkin porridge, juice, electrolytes, gauze, and cotton buds. 

The clinic also provided all my post-op essentials, including ointment, scar gel, and silicone gel for the scars. 

It was a lifesaver because I didn't have to worry about food or searching for aftercare supplies. I basically relied on that for the first 2 days. 

I also brought my own protein shakes to help with the healing. 

My Personal Tips for Recovery
If you are planning to do this journey, here are a few practical tips based on my experience:

Book the Morning Surgery Slot: I highly suggest trying to request a morning slot for your surgery. 

I was told that the doctor only does a maximum of two surgeries a day, which is reassuring for focus, but because mine was scheduled for the afternoon, 

only the receptionist was still left at the clinic by the time I woke up from sedation. I wasn't rushed out at all, 

but I only realized everyone else had left once we walked out of the back. 

Booking a morning slot means you won't feel rushed and will have plenty of time to slowly wake up and get your bearings before the clinic closes.

Bring a Travel Neck Pillow: Like many others have said, this is an absolute must. 

I am still sleeping using a neck pillow even after 2 weeks just to make sure I don't move around too much or accidentally roll over during my sleep.

 Gauze Tape for Sleep: Even now at the two-week mark, I am still using gauze tape below my nostrils before going to bed. 

It acts as a safety barrier so I don't accidentally scratch or dig my nose while I'm asleep.

 Nose Cast for Glasses: I was incredibly grateful that the clinic let me keep my nose cast to wear after Day 7. 

Because I wear glasses, being able to put the cast back on meant I could wear them safely without putting any direct pressure on my healing nose bridge.

 Stock Up on Pumpkin Porridge/Juice: If you are traveling to Korea alone for surgery, definitely bring or stock up on packaged pumpkin porridge and pumpkin juice. 

You will absolutely need it for those first few days when you aren't up for walking around to find food.

 Hold Off on Body Showers at First: I tried to do a body shower on Day 2, and it was my worst mistake. Because it was early May, the nighttime temperature was quite cold. 

My body tensed up from the chill, which triggered incredible pain around my rib where the drainage tube was still attached. 

Wait until the tube is removed on Day 3—after that, I could shower with zero pain!

My progress before and after:  You can refer to the pictures below to see the progress. I’ve attached the front view taken right after surgery alongside my baseline photo, 

Day 7, and Day 16 post-op to show how the shape is coming together as the initial swelling starts to drop. 

Before: https://imgur.com/gallery/VRQPeKB
After: https://imgur.com/gallery/RDE7Oa5
Day 7: https://imgur.com/gallery/q27gE93
Day 16: https://imgur.com/gallery/wqOPp0q

Final Thoughts & Cost Value
Before booking, I’ve read reviews saying that Kowon is on the more expensive end, but honestly, I think it’s completely worth it. You are getting one of the top doctors,

I never felt any pain at my nose initially (just some soreness at the rib), and by Day 4, I was already out exploring the country instead of being stuck in the hotel room.
Even though there is still some swelling at the bridge and the tip, at just two weeks post-op, I am already very happy with the results. 

Nothing has gone wrong so far, and I genuinely feel more confident in myself.

The whole process was incredibly smooth, with very little pain and minimal overall swelling. My honest thoughts are that at 2 weeks post surgery,

I would still highly recommend people to do their surgery at Kowon, as my experience there was absolutely incredible. 

If you’re going to Korea, having a coordinator like Sumin from Freqty is a total game changer. 

I’m really happy I went with Kowon, the doctor was great and the entire experience felt completely smooth, safe, and supportive. 

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

We flew from US to Korea for my revision.

I considered Kowon, Cocoline, Eight Plastic Surgery, Braun, Hanabi, Cocoline, Be&Young and VIP 

but I chose Kowon based on the informations I gathered while doing research + the consultation.

Based on my research,

Dr. Kim Hyung-taek has 19+years experience and known as a surgeon trusted by other surgeons, Trains other surgeons in rhinoplasty, Highly specialized in rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty and rib cartilage reconstruction, Performs limited surgeries per day (focused care) so it gave me confident to trust him.

Virtual Consultation

- Jiwon the in house translator and Doctor Kim was very detailed and explained my current case and procedure. 

I decided to make a reservation of $1k usd to secure my surgery date. The first time I contacted them was January 4, virtual consultation is Jan 14, 

and my confirmed surgery is March 21.

In-Person Consultation

- After talking to them in person I am more confident to do my surgery in Kowon because of how Dr. Kim looks so sincere and his gestures can tell me 

that he’s confident and knows what’s doing. They discussed what needs to be done on the surgery.

Surgery date

- I arrived before 10am which is my appointment schedule and the surgery is 11am. I changed and wear their lab gown. 

Once I enter the operating room the nurses moved quickly and started sanitizing me, it was my first time to experience that, 

my previous surgeries starts with anesthesia so I was surprised haha. When the surgeon arrived, I started to feel that they’re started to give me the sedation. 

We all thought and assume the surgery will be longer than 4hrs because of my complex case, 

and they reschedule the other surgery for me so he can focus on me but according to Jiwon, the in house translator. 

Dr.Kim prepared detailed plans for different possible scenario after opening my nose and fortunately the actual condition was not far from what he anticipated. 

The surgery lasted 3.5hrs which is shorter than what we expected and the surgery went well.

Post op Care

- My Day 1 is sunday so they removed my nasal pack Monday, removing of nasal pack is so uncomfortable, but it’s manageable. 

They gave me UV antibiotic and Red light therapy. He removed the cast and put it back.

- Day 3 I went to the clinic and they gave me IV antibiotic again, clean my nose, did the red light for swelling and they put back my nasal pack and cast. 

They advised me to go back on my 5th day. And they removed my nasal pack, I can breathe very well.

- Day 7 - cast and sutures removal, compared before and after. Discussed the surgery and result in detailed, including before and after comparison. 

We are happy with the result most especially the post op care. Post op care is excellent here. Dr.Kim cares about his patients and it’s hard to find.

We flew from US to Korea and we are staying in Fourpoints by Sheraton so it’s really close to the clinic.

My husband is getting me vegetable porridge, eggs, pineapple and yogurts from 711 or CU.

Walking in bandage or cast is totally fine in gangnam, because YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE. 

My healing is doing good so far, and the pain in the rib is totally almost nothing compared to my previous surgeries most especially the one that was done in US. No clogged nose, no congestion, I can breathe very well since day 1 of nasal pack removal.

Can share photos in dm.

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

My experience with Kowon Plastic Surgery has been nothing but positive.

I had been considering rhinoplasty for the past two years and finally built up the courage to go through with it. After doing a lot of research, 

I decided to have my procedure done in Korea. The next step was finding a skilled doctor and a reputable clinic, and after weeks of searching, 

Kowon Plastic Surgery really stood out to me because of its strong reputation and the many positive reviews from satisfied patients.

The numerous before-and-after photos I came across online were very impressive and gave me a good feeling about the clinic. 

I reached out for an initial photo consultation, and the staff answered all of my questions, evaluated my nose shape, 

and suggested procedures based on what I was hoping to achieve.

We then scheduled a video consultation with Dr. Kim. A few days later, he and his team met with me via video call to explain in detail what they would do for my nose. 

They also prepared mockup images, which really helped me understand what kind of results I could expect.

They provide an English-speaking translator if needed, and my translator, Bomi, was incredibly kind, caring, and professional throughout the entire process. 

Since I traveled to Korea on my own, she regularly checked in on me to see how I was doing and whether I was recovering well. 

It truly made me feel supported and much less alone during the whole experience.

On the day of surgery, the consultation manager Guseul met with me and addressed what I wanted to change about my nose, 

what the recovery process would be like and the specific aftercare steps I should follow to ensure a smooth healing. 

She was very friendly and answered all my questions with very detailed information. 

Then I had a final consultation with Dr. Kim, where he went over exactly what would be done and answered any remaining questions I had. 

From the way he explained everything, I could tell that he genuinely prioritizes creating a nose that best suits your face while also putting your safety and health first.

Before the surgery, they take a few “before” photos, and then you’re taken into the operating room. 

The procedure itself takes a few hours, and right after surgery, your face will feel swollen and a bit puffy, which is completely normal. 

You may feel groggy for a day or two due to the anesthesia, so it’s important to take the prescribed medication and focus on resting and recovery.

Sleeping with your upper body elevated during the first week is very important and helped reduce my swelling much faster. 

In my case, rib cartilage was used to refine the tip of my nose, so I also had to wear a waist support band during recovery.

Your nose will feel congested for a while, but you will have follow-up visits. 

On day 2, they replace the gauze and provide red light therapy, and on day 4, 

they remove the internal support padding and continue with additional red light treatment.

Around days 7–8, the cast and stitches are removed by the nurse, and Dr. Kim will explain the aftercare process. 

By this point, the results already look quite natural, and there is little to no pain.

Overall, the entire experience was very smooth, professional, and reassuring. 

I would definitely return to Kowon Plastic Surgery for any future procedures, and I appreciated that I could contact Dr. Kim anytime after the surgery if I had any questions.

Big thanks to the entire team, and especially to Bomi for being so supportive!

Below are photos taken by the clinic before the surgery and on day 7 after stitch removal.

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

This surgery center did an incredible job on my rhinoplasty— I got confidence to flew all the way from San Francisco to get my nose done. 

I had a big hump nose which looked crooked and wide broken look tip and arrow look when I smiled- Now the results are flawless! 

I also got PRP fat grafting+juvelook volume, exosome stem cell treatment, mole incision and lip filler while under anesthesia. ( duh - lol ) 

The care I received was super attentive from the initial consultation to post-op follow-ups ( thank you Juyeon) 

The staff was kind, professional,and made me feel completely at ease.

They took care of me like a baby every day! Highly recommend to anyone considering a nose job! 

Dr.Kim is professional on Middle East/ Roman noses too. 10/10!  ( ps- I will soon post post surgery photos on IG and here )
updated review !! Another 10/10 ! A year passed and I look fabulous! I love you guys !!!

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

I did a ton of research leading up to my surgery and decided on Kowon based on a few factors: 

I wanted a natural result that would last longer than trendy looks and I wanted to find a reputable doctor who had experience in both function and aesthetics. 

Dr. Kim Hyung-Taek is awesome- he made me feel comfortable starting with the very first consultation. 

I decided to get a rhinoplasty and fat grafting to my under eyes and nasolabial folds. 

After the surgery, I had quite a bit of swelling (I bruise and swell easily) but they made sure to have me come in frequently for check-ups. 

I’m 7 days post-op now (pic attached) and my nose is getting better each day! I’m very happy with my choice and can’t wait to see my final result :)

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

I chose Kowon Clinic after several consultations because I felt the highest level of trust with their doctor. 

My case involved severe functional problems alongside aesthetic corrections, and I appreciated how both were treated with equal importance. 

The clinic accommodated my shifting travel schedule without issue, and on surgery day I felt fully prepared thanks to the doctor’s detailed explanations and preview images. 

Translator Ellie’s assistance was invaluable throughout. 

Kowon’s aftercare has been excellent, including oxygen therapy, deswelling treatments, and tailored follow-ups that considered my return abroad. 

I look forward to sharing my long-term results, but so far my experience with Kowon has exceeded expectations.

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

I had my rhinoplasty at Kowon Plastic Surgery with rib cartilage due to flat bulbous and short nose. 

The experience was excellent. The staff and translator made communication easy, and they really understood my goal of keeping a natural, feminine profile. 

Recovery has been smoother than expected with minimal bruising, and I can already see the results I wanted! Highly recommend Kowon for safe and professional care! 

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

I received my rhinoplasty and chin implant here, and although its still a bit too early to see the final results (still in process of healing), 

I trust the doctor that everything will settle in when the swelling etc goes down.

It seems like he genuinely cares about your recovery and also trying to achieve the desired look.

He is the only doctor at the clinic, which was an important criteria for me when I was choosing a place. 

All follow-up appointments are promptly scheduled beforehand and its easy to have any questions or concerns answered through the consultant via text!

I am a really anxious person, so i’m glad I chose to do my procedures at kowon.

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

I came from overseas for nose surgery at Kowon Plastic Surgery, and I’m so glad I chose this clinic.

Before arriving, I had a video consultation with Dr. Kim, which was very detailed and helped me prepare mentally for the procedure. 

If you’re planning surgery in Korea, I highly recommend doing a video call with him first.

The staff spoke English and guided me kindly through every step. Dr. Kim was honest and precise, suggesting what suited my face instead of unnecessary options. 

On surgery day, everything was clean, well-organized, and the nurses took great care of me.

Recovery was smooth thanks to their thorough aftercare. Now, a few months later, my results look natural and balanced.

Overall, an excellent experience. I highly recommend Kowon Plastic Surgery, especially for international patients!

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

Dr. Kim Hyung Taek, the surgeon who performed my rhinoplasty, was incredibly knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable from the start. 

He took the time to listen to my concerns and thoroughly explained the procedure, including the techniques he would use and what to expect during recovery. 

He asked my for my reference picture and proceeded to take a picture of me, throw it on the big screen and start photoshopping what the potential nose could look like.

I was impressed by his attention to detail and the personalized approach he took to ensure my nose would look natural and harmonious with my facial features. 

My consultant, Juyeon, was very helpful throughout the whole process. 

She checked in on me at every laser de-swelling session to make sure that I didn't have any questions and how the recovery process is going. 

The surgeon and Juyeon speaks a little bit of English so it is helpful to have a translator at the beginning of the whole process and paperwork part, 

but after that I was able to communicate with them just fine (with the help of Papago at harder questions).

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

I recently had a revision surgery done here with Dr. Kim. 

He is a proficient, professional and immensely genuine surgeon that I have ever met through my medical journey here in Korea. 

His staff is somewhat kind and tries to be consistent with their service. 

Overall, it has been a safe and pleasant opportunity to go through consultation and medical care from Dr. Kim.

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

Background & Consultation

I’ve been a long-time lurker here and actually chose my clinic based on Reddit reviews! I landed in Korea on January 17th and had my consultation on the 19th.

Transparency Note: I received a 10% discount for writing this review, but I am committed to sharing my honest, unfiltered experience.

• Initial Concerns: Bulbous tip.

• Doctor’s Recommendation: Alarplasty and a tip-lift using rib cartilage for long-term stability/projection.

• The Vibe: The doctor was kind and used an outsourced translator. He was realistic about the limitations of my anatomy.

• Lesson Learned: Be vocal. Even with reference photos, I felt I was a bit too passive. If you have a specific vision, repeat it until you’re certain you’re on the same page.

Surgery Day & Immediate Recovery

• The IV Struggle: They initially tried to find a vein in my feet for sedation. It was quite painful and unsuccessful.: If they head for your feet, ask them to try your arms first.

• Post-Op: I woke up in a recovery bed and received a care package (gauze, tape, pumpkin porridge).

• The Rib: Honestly, the rib donor site was more painful than my nose. Movement was very limited by the rib binder for the first few days.

• Sleep: Expect none for the first 24 hours. The constant bleeding meant I spent the night on my laptop instead of sleeping.

The Suture Complication & Mental Health

This is where my journey got rocky. At the 6-day mark (cast off), we realized my left nostril hadn't closed properly due to loose stitching. I was in love with the look initially, but I had to go back under sedation for a restitch.

The Mental Toll:

After the re-stitch, my nostril was packed with cotton for 48 hours to manage bleeding. This caused significant stretching and uneven swelling. I spiraled into immense regret and post op depression, fearing the stretching was permanent.

Current Status (3 Weeks Post-Op)

I am now back in the US.

• The Good: The bridge and overall profile are natural and subtle. It fits my face perfectly without looking overdone.

• The Wait: The left nostril is still larger and more swollen than the right. While it has shrunk since the re-stitch, the asymmetry is my main mental hurdle right now.

• Final Thoughts on Kowon: I appreciate that they caught the suture issue before I flew home. It shows a high level of aftercare and concern for patient safety. However, the emotional rollercoaster of a secondary procedure is something to be prepared for.

Quick Tips:

1. Food: Stock up on porridge and soft foods before surgery. You won't want to walk to the convenience store with a rib binder on.

2. Communication: Don't assume the doctor gets it from the photos alone. Verbalize your dealbreakers.

3. Healing: Deswelling lasers (offered daily at Kowon) are a nice touch take advantage of them!

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

Primary rhino by Kowon. Posted a detailed review back in June when I was only 1 month po and I’ve since gotten lots of messages asking if my tip went down and got less pointy. Recovery progress in the last 2 pics(Before -> 1 month po -> 4 months po -> 6 months po), judge for yourself! Right now I’m 8 months po(but don’t notice a diff between now and my 6 months po nose). I’m personally super happy with my nose! IMHO, it fits my face nicely and enhanced my facial features. Original review: https://www.reddit.com/r/SeoulPlasticSurgery/comments/1migx40/review_primary_rhino_at_kowon_clinic/?share_id=fp7zGBXY8PSxQmPa3QYlJ&utm_content=2&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

• 
  

• • Doctor Name: Dr. Kim Hyeong-Taek

• • Clinic Name: Kowon Plastic Surgery

• • Procedure(s): Primary rhinoplasty (alar reduction, bulbous tip reduction, tip de-projection, and nasolabial angle correction)

• • Date of Visit / Procedure: Nov

• • Disclaimer: Discount was provided for this review but all thoughts and views are my own 

• • Photos: Please see below

Hello, it is exactly one month after my surgery with Kowon to fix my bulbous, upturned nose. Long post ahead but I hope my experience will be helpful for others! As you read through the post, it important to note that I have low pain tolerance, and am a type A, anxious over-thinker.

Online and in-person consultations 

I shortlisted 3 clinics based on the following criteria:

• • Surgeon specialising in rhinoplasties with natural results

• • Prioritises safety in conjunction with aesthetic 

• • Transparent, communicative and welcoming staff

I contacted the clinics for online consultations via whatsapp and also flew to Korea in September to meet them. All clinics recommended the same procedures, with the exception of Kowon who recommended one additional procedure:

1. 1. Alar reduction

2. 2. Reduction of bulbous tip 

3. 3. Tip de-projection to show less nostril from the front 

4. 4. Nasolabial angle correction to correct protruding upper lip (Kowon only)

No work as done to the bridge as I felt it was high enough, and I did not want to use silicone implants or rib cartilage. Septal and ear catilage would be used. I had 10/10 wonderful breathing before surgery, which was confirmed in the CT scans.

Surgery Day (Day 0)

I think most reviews already cover what happens on surgery day so I will just point out more noteworthy issues:

• • I met with the new translator first. When I asked if she had been briefed on the procedures I would be doing, she said she was not aware, and was here solely for translation purposes. I was about to have a mental breakdown as I thought she was the only person assisting me. Thankfully, another consultant (who did not speak english) came in about 10 minutes later, and was clearer on this.

• 
  

• • They handed me the medication kit before the surgery, which included two packets of pumpkin juice and one packet of pumpkin porridge. It did not contain scar ointment or nasal spray/rinse so I purchased these myself before I left Korea.

• 
  

• • The new translator seemed inexperienced, and there was a gap in translation skills as compared to my original consultant/translator. Nonetheless, it was very reassuring and helpful to have her inside the surgery room to give me a heads-up on what the nurses would be doing, and that I would feel a small surge of hotness/stinging when the anaesthesia was administered. I was glad I pushed for it and Kowon agreed. I was out like a light and inside the recovery room before I knew it. 

Recovery process in Korea

Day 1 (Clinic visit #1): 

• • The first night was brutal as I wasn’t used to mouth breathing. I felt a lot of pain and pressure at the tip. The ear incision was very sore as well.

• 
  

• • The next day, the clinic gave me an additional painkiller shot on top of the antibiotic shot. They opted not to change my wound dressing as I was in pain (tearing like crazy) and started to feel lightheaded after the shots.

Days 2-6 (Clinic visit #2)

• • Started to swell a lot, especially on my lower cheeks. I could not breathe through my nose and felt miserable. I went for short walks around the neighbourhood and a mall a few subway stops away to get some exercise in.

• 
  

• • Went back to the clinic on Day 4 as they were closed on Day 3. The doctor said I could remove my stitches at the next and final visit as I was healing well and didn’t need the typical four visits. 

Day 7 (Clinic visit #3): 

• • Removal of stitches was spicy. The nurse highlighted to the doctor that I had a small wound on the upper right nostril near the entrance and he instructed me to put antibacterial ointment on it for the next few weeks. 

I was given antibiotic shots (except the third visit), nasal wound cleaning and deswelling lasers each visit. My original consultant translated over the phone during my second and last visit to the clinic.

1-month post-op experience

Nasal function and recovery

• • At one-month post-op, there is still a fair bit of internal congestion and I am not breathing as well as I did pre-surgery. The inner walls deeper inside the nostrils are swollen with red lumps that trap mucus. There is a small wheezing/whistling sound when I breathe.

• 
  

• • My ear continues to feel sore and I am unable to put pressure on it. Leaning my head against my cat to cuddle still gives me a jolt of pain! There is also intermittent pain/stinging around the columella, at the alars where the incisions were made, and the skin surface along the middle part of the dorsum. I am hoping these are all just due to swelling/congestion and will get better with time.

• 
  

• • At the start of the 3rd week post-surgery, I noticed a yellowish slimy patch in the inner corner of my nostril and a small black line along my alar that looked like stitches. I contacted Kowon on Wednesday and they responded Monday the following week. It was unlikely an infection though they could not confirm this 100% after just looking at photos (understandably). They advised that I continue to apply the antibacterial ointment and take the emergency antibiotics they had provided. I had to visit a local plastic surgeon to remove the slimy patch (diagnosed as dead skin which needed to be removed otherwise it would affect the healing of the wound under) and stitches that popped up unexpectedly. There are unavoidable limitations to what any clinic can do once a patient leaves Korea. It would be good to have a back-up plan in your home country in case of emergencies and/or recovery does not go as planned. 

Nose aesthetic

• • I am quite satisfied with my front profile, but hope it will continue to get more defined. I’m slightly regretting not having the doctor be more aggressive with the alarplasty, but I trust that what he gave me was considering safety limits and suitable for my face. 

• 
  

• • My side profile is more projected than I expected, and I have some pitted and raised scars from the alarplasty (I have no history of keloids). I’m hoping these also get better with time.

• 
  

• • My local surgeon was curious and asked for my before picture. He thought Kowon did a good job! 

Concluding Thoughts 

I feel like my journey was a bit more chaotic than others I’d seen on here. I do think I recover a little more slowly than average, in general. At this point, I don’t regret getting the surgery but more time will tell. I’m hoping the rest of my recovery goes smoothly and I will try to update again by the 3rd month. Thanks for making it to the end!

**Edited for clarity and brevity

Considering rhinoplasty in Korea?
Arrange a direct video consultation with our clinic via Official WhatsApp.

▶Please click the link below to connect with us directly.◀

KOWON Plastic Surgery – Seoul, Korea
Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Kim Hyung Taek.

hi all :) i made a post around 1 month ago reviewing my experience at Kowon with dr. Kim hyung taek. I got a tipplasty and chin implant. 1 month ago i felt that my nose was over-projected and pointy, but i tried not to stress about it. But now, 3 months in, I noticed one day it wasn’t as pointy as before and felt like it started growing into the rest of my features! I haven’t really been looking in the mirror as much lately until my bf snapped a pic of me from the side