Rhinoplasty Experience at Kowon

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!

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