Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty in Seoul, Korea
Rib cartilage rhinoplasty uses cartilage from the ribs — your own or processed donor cartilage — to build or strongly reinforce the bridge and tip. It is mainly used for revision surgery and contracted noses that need a lot of cartilage.
- Procedure time
- About 1–2.5 hours
- Anesthesia
- IV sedation or general anesthesia
- Time in Seoul
- 7–9 days in Seoul
- Recovery
- Splint off around day 7
Who is Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty for?
- Revision rhinoplasty or a contracted nose
- Cases needing large amounts of cartilage
- You want height without a silicone implant
How Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty works
Rib cartilage provides the most material and the strongest support of any graft. Autologous rib is harvested through a short incision under the breast or chest fold; donor rib avoids a harvest incision.
Rib cartilage can warp after carving. Balanced carving, using the central portion and cross-laminating grafts help keep them straight.
Because it is your own tissue, autologous rib integrates well and is less prone to infection than implants.
Our approach to Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty
Autologous rib
Stable long-term integration, with a small chest incision.
Donor rib
No harvest scar, though partial resorption needs to be considered.
Warping control
Carving technique is used to reduce bending over time.
Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty: step by step
- PlanningWe estimate how much cartilage is needed and choose autologous or donor rib.
- HarvestA short chest incision is used to take a segment of rib cartilage.
- Carving and placementStruts, extension grafts and dorsal grafts are carved and secured.
- RecoveryThe chest wound and nose are reviewed at follow-up visits.
Autologous vs donor rib cartilage
| Autologous rib | Donor rib | |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | Small incision under the chest | No harvest |
| Integration | Stable | Some resorption possible |
| Typical use | Revision and contracted noses | Patients avoiding a chest scar |
Risks and side effects of Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty
- Chest discomfortThe harvest site is sore for 1–2 weeks.
- WarpingGrafts can bend slightly over months; careful carving reduces this.
- StiffnessA nose built with rib cartilage can feel firmer than an unoperated nose.
All medical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will review your medical history, explain the risks that apply to you and discuss alternatives before you decide.
Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Surgery and rest in a private recovery room; most patients return to their hotel the same day. Cold compresses start straight away. |
| Days 2–3 | Swelling and bruising usually peak. Keep your head elevated, walk gently and avoid alcohol, saunas and exercise. |
| Days 5–7 | Check-up at the clinic; stitches, splints or tapes are removed where used. Most patients are cleared to fly after this visit. |
| Week 2 | Most visible swelling has eased and many people return to desk work and light make-up. |
| Months 1–3 | Residual swelling keeps settling and the shape refines. Strenuous exercise is usually resumed after 4 weeks. |
| Months 6–12 | The final result is generally assessed at this stage. We follow up online after you return home. |
Aftercare tips
- Sleep with your head raised for the first 1–2 weeks.
- Do not wear glasses on the bridge for about 4 weeks.
- Avoid blowing your nose, swimming and saunas for 2–4 weeks.
- Stop aspirin, fish oil and vitamin E 1–2 weeks before surgery unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 2–4 weeks; both slow healing.
Planning your trip to Seoul for Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty
For surgery we generally recommend about 7–9 days in Seoul, so stitches or splints can be checked around day 5–7 before you fly home.
Cellis Lab Clinic occupies its own seven-story building at 244 Hyoryeong-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul — next to Gangnam and about an 8-minute walk from Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, Exit 5). Incheon International Airport is roughly 70–90 minutes away by airport limousine bus or taxi.
Before you book flights, send your photos and questions on WhatsApp. We will reply in English with an initial assessment, a provisional plan and a quote range, then confirm the plan at your in-person consultation.
What affects the cost of Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty in Korea?
- Closed or open approach
- Implant, rib, ear or septal cartilage and dermis
- Primary surgery or revision
- Combined procedures such as septoplasty or alar reduction
Prices are quoted individually after consultation and include the items listed in your written quote.
Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty FAQ
Is the rib harvest scar visible?
It is usually 2–3 cm and placed in or under the chest fold, where it is generally well hidden.
Does donor rib cartilage dissolve?
Some resorption is possible, so donor rib is used where moderate support is enough.
Will a rib cartilage nose feel hard?
It can feel firmer, especially at first. It usually softens a little as swelling settles.
Where can I get Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty in Seoul, Korea?
Cellis Lab Clinic in Seocho-gu, Seoul — next to Gangnam — performs Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty. The clinic is an 8-minute walk from Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, Exit 5).
How much does Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty cost in Korea?
The cost of Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty depends on the technique, materials and extent of treatment. We provide a written quote after an online consultation with photos or an in-person examination.
How long should I stay in Korea for Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty?
For surgery we generally recommend about 7–9 days in Seoul, so stitches or splints can be checked around day 5–7 before you fly home. Your exact schedule is confirmed at consultation.
Can I have a consultation in English before travelling?
Yes. Send photos and your questions on WhatsApp in English. We reply with an initial opinion, a suggested plan and the dates you would need in Seoul.
About your surgeon
Dr. Yang Dong-Jun is a Korean board-certified plastic surgeon with 26 years of surgical experience and the developer of the SOFIT, SOFTXIL and VXIL techniques. He performs the consultation and the operation himself.
Related rhinoplasty procedures
- Septal Cartilage RhinoplastyTip support with your own septum
- Ear Cartilage RhinoplastySoft tip volume from behind the ear
- Dermal Graft RhinoplastySoft height and skin protection
- Functional RhinoplastyBetter breathing and shape together
- Closed RhinoplastyScarless approach through the nostrils
- Open RhinoplastyDirect-view rebuilding for complex noses
- Custom Implant RhinoplastySOFIT implant designed from your 3D-CT
- Revision RhinoplastyFixing implant, contracture or shape problems
- Nasal Implant & Foreign Body RemovalRemoving silicone implants or old fillers
- Tip PlastyRefining a bulbous, low or drooping tip
- Dorsal AugmentationRaising a low nasal bridge
- Bulbous Nose CorrectionSlimming a wide, round tip